Our Founder,

Amanda Nwe

The Back Story

In 2011, I became a single parent. Life wasn’t as easy it seemed. I definitely felt the stress, the emotions, and trials it took to start over.

In 2012, I turned to alcohol to lessen the feelings of the new burdens I was now experiencing. In turn, I received my first DUI. Most people would have learned their lesson from this experience. But for me, it only enhanced my addiction and I started experimenting with heavier substances.

In 2016, I went through a near death experience, not once, but twice. The first near death experience that year was when I had an emergency appendectomy surgery. At that time I realized how quickly life could be taken away, but this is also when my addiction to painkillers began leading to my second near death experience. I should have known better... drinking alcohol and mixing it with pain killers would eventually lead to a disaster. And it did. I ended up having to be resuscitated in my own house, in front of my family.

In 2018, I finally hit rock bottom. In a span of 3 months, so many challenges presented themselves in my life. My grandfather (who was my rock) passed away in front me, I had to force myself out of an abusive relationship and I was in a car accident that left me with - a gash in my head, a concussion, a fractured jaw, a herniated disc and a sprained and strained neck and back.

In the present day, I've learned how to pull myself out of the darkest of holes. This involved a journey of healing, recovery, therapy, and a profound spiritual awakening that completely altered my perspective on life. My daughter remains at the center of my world, and it was my deep desire to become the best possible role model and mentor for her that fueled my transformation.

With my loving husband, Bryan, by my side, I found the unwavering strength and boundless love I needed to push through even the toughest times. Bryan has consistently stood beside me, offering not just support but also unwavering encouragement.

Through my personal journey, I came to realize the immense power of positivity and the transformative energy of light. This realization inspired me to create Vibes & Smiles, a venture dedicated to giving back to the community and spreading love, kindness, compassion, and gratitude.

Vibes & Smiles isn't just about charity; it's a movement that aims to inspire and motivate others to embrace love, kindness, compassion, and gratitude in their lives. It's a reminder that while it takes one person to start a movement, it's the strength of a united community that sustains and propels it forward. ❤️

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

HIGHLIGHTS

Thank you KRON 4 TV for covering our Safety Kits assembly night and spreading the initiative of our goal of 10K safety kits.

Thank you Dion Lim from ABC news Bay Area for having us on your news segment to bring awareness of our initiative to Protect Our Elders.

Thank you Rommel Conclara ABSCBN news, Balitang America, Kapamilya TFC for showcasing us on your Fil-Am news segment and showcasing our Spring donation drive.

Thank you to the off-duty SF Firefighters and volunteers helping distribute safety kits in San Francisco’s Chinatown neighborhood.

Thank you Melissa Culross with KCBS radio for the interview on Protect Our Elders.

Thank you The Green Time for highlighting us April’s Community Wall of Fame.

So honored with the nonprofit, The Green Time, so highlighting and showcasing our work for the community on their page.

The Boss Con - Community Give Back - Thank you Aubrey Aquino from ABC10 Your California Life for the interview and highlighting our hygiene kit donation.

Thank you St. John so fierce for spotlighting Vibes & Smiles on 997NOW for the back to school kids clothes and shoes donation drive.

Thank you Dan DeJesus from Golden Gate Xpress for the interview on Protect Our Elders. Photo taken by Avery Wilcox.

Thank you Wilson Walker & Juliette Goodrich from KPIX/CBS channel 5 for covering the United Peace Collaborative San Mateo chapter launch. We are thankful to be participating to help pass out safety kits during that time.

Thank you to St. John on 997NOW for the full interview on Vibes & Smiles and what we have going on. We appreciate you giving us the spotlight on #StJohnGivingBacktheAirwaves #CommunityTuesday.

Thank you to Frank Mallicoat from KTVU for the interview with Krizy from Whipt Cookies/Pop! Culture on our event from July 31st. Thank you for highlighting our assembly event and our on going partnership to give back to the community.

Thank you to Allie Rasmus on KTVU for the interview on our safety and hygiene kit assembly event in Benicia. Thank you for highlighting our “kids edition” assembly event and on going response to protect our community and elders.

Thank you to Da Lin and Juliette Goodrich from KPIX CBS news for the interview on our safety kit assembly event in Union City. Thank you for highlighting our “Teens Edition” assembly event and on going response to protect our elders, women, children, and community.

Huge thank you to Big Reid for having our founder, Amanda call in to 997NOW and highlighting our event. We really appreciate your support with our Daly City Back to School Donation Drive.

Many thanks to KPIX CBS morning news with Darrin Reed Cowan, Gianna Franco, and Andrea Nakano for airing our back to school donation drive and to Lisa Chong for recognizing our commitment to giving back to the community. We appreciate your support in spreading our mission.

Grateful for the interview this morning! Thank you, Amanda Starrantino, Maya Ashleyyy and the amazing team at KPIX CBS morning news. We appreciate the opportunity to feature our Board Member Marissa Prater. Your support is invaluable as we rally the Bay Area to come together for a vital need to gather donations to ship to Maui.

Mahalo to Abc channel 7 News and Zach Fuentes for the opportunity to share our Maui Fire Relief efforts with the Bay Area. Your coverage helps spread the word and brings much-needed support to Maui communities.

PRESS RELEASES