https://bestersmithson.org/home daily 1.0 2026-03-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/468bc6e2-60b6-494a-ad05-d0aa85cc917c/Families+%281%29.png Bester + Smithson | Home - Make it stand out “Every number represents a life supported through the work of House of Solace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/e152d7f8-1095-4b09-a3a1-265f027e0eff/Helping+Young+Mothers+Image.png Bester + Smithson | Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/30ef7838-03c2-4d96-a76f-c887dfead5a0/Solace+Youth+Image.png Bester + Smithson | Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/39e4c043-a660-4460-b7a5-43c149effc03/Empowerment+%26+Life+Skills+Training.png Bester + Smithson | Home https://bestersmithson.org/what-we-do daily 0.75 2020-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1605240575763-PLMJXCVB4VYYGK1H1R7Y/m-v-v-icons-01.jpg Bester + Smithson | What We Do Our Mission To help families, youth and individuals looking to improve their quality of life and create a legacy by opening new doors of opportunity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1605240438432-NBGP5F4M8CEVEJHOM3GW/m-v-v-icons-02.jpg Bester + Smithson | What We Do Our Vision To inspire and empower people who need a second chance to thrive with a greater life purpose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1605240455989-33MREQMKS1301BHAUC3D/m-v-v-icons-03.jpg Bester + Smithson | What We Do Our Core Values We believe in: Integrity, Compassion, Innovation and Building Community https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1604783846358-NQ8SFONOAOZTBDCVTX3I/image-asset.jpeg Bester + Smithson | What We Do Organized Food Bank Drives for the Homeless. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1604784180249-NHADHHQFFXERCJYEP9W7/image.jpg Bester + Smithson | What We Do Mentored Young Mothers and Families and Provided Them Care Packages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1604784895886-GVJBYWIPLDRGTR7HAOVC/image-asset.jpeg Bester + Smithson | What We Do Mentored Young Male Youths. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1604785190193-8M9XKK4W44Z4UEFBD18V/image.jpg Bester + Smithson | What We Do Facilitated Services + Resources for Young Adult Males Released from the Criminal Justice System. https://bestersmithson.org/our-story daily 0.75 2026-03-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/dea30dce-13d6-40e1-ae7e-f6e7b29e1b4e/Snow+Professional+Headshot.png Bester + Smithson | Our Story - MEET SNOWENA BESTER Snowena Bester, CEO Snowena Bester is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bester & Smithson Community Development Corporation and the visionary behind House of Solace, a transformative initiative dedicated to supporting teenage and single mothers through housing, mentorship, and life-stabilizing resources. Snowena’s commitment to service began at a young age. By the time she entered college, she had already dedicated more than a decade to volunteer work within her community. Determined to deepen her understanding of the social and psychological challenges many families face, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Georgia State University. While in college, Snowena continued her passion for community service by mentoring adolescent boys alongside her husband, creating a safe and structured environment where young men could learn, grow, and build confidence. What began as a small effort quickly expanded as more youth and families sought guidance and support. Through this work, Snowena gained firsthand insight into the challenges many young men face and how often they are underserved when it comes to mentorship and positive community support. This experience shaped her belief that while House of Solace is designed to uplift mothers and their children, young men should not be excluded from opportunities to grow, heal, and succeed within supportive community environments. During this same season of service, Snowena also encountered many homeless mothers and children who lacked access to stable housing and meaningful support systems. These experiences revealed the urgent need for comprehensive resources that empower mothers to rebuild their lives and create stable futures for their children. Having once been a teen mother herself, Snowena understands firsthand the challenges many young women face when trying to build stability for their families. With the support of mentors and a strong community around her, she was able to build a life that once felt uncertain—getting married, welcoming her second child, earning her bachelor’s degree, and transitioning into her professional career. Inspired by the women who mentored and supported her during that season of her life, Snowena committed herself to becoming that same source of strength and opportunity for others. Today, through House of Solace, she is working to create communities where mothers are not only supported, but equipped with the mentorship, stability, and resources needed to thrive and build lasting legacies for their families. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1605240575763-PLMJXCVB4VYYGK1H1R7Y/m-v-v-icons-01.jpg Bester + Smithson | Our Story - Meet BOARD Marie Planas, RN, CHPN Registered Nurse and hospice care professional with over a decade of experience providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Marie brings healthcare expertise and a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable families and strengthening community wellness. Yokaira John, Secretary Community advocate and office management professional who brings valuable lived experience and a strong understanding of the challenges many families face. Yokaira helps ensure the organization remains grounded in the voices and needs of the community it serves. Ariel Davis A sworn law enforcement officer serving within the Sheriff’s Office in a Human Resources leadership role. Ariel brings expertise in workforce management, organizational policy, and employee relations, along with a deep commitment to community service and supporting initiatives that strengthen families and communities. Marquita Reed Chief Executive Officer of a hospice organization and experienced healthcare leader. Marquita brings executive leadership, operational expertise, and a passion for improving the quality of life for individuals and families in need. Brandon Tate, SSgt, U.S. Air Force A dedicated United States Air Force Staff Sergeant and veteran leader who brings a strong commitment to service, discipline, and community impact. Brandon offers valuable insight in leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused planning that supports the organization’s efforts to strengthen families and build stable communities. https://bestersmithson.org/give-back daily 0.75 2026-03-16 https://bestersmithson.org/reach-out daily 0.75 2026-03-16 https://bestersmithson.org/future-impact daily 0.75 2026-03-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1605661823209-MGH9MDXWN29AC09TNPYX/future-impact.jpg Bester + Smithson | Future Impact - Bester + Smithson has a vision for the people and communities we serve: purpose + growth. https://bestersmithson.org/partners daily 0.75 2021-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/69f65474-22c0-4ecd-b913-91eb42bb5b72/BESTER-PARTNERS-01.png Bester + Smithson | Our Partners Bester HVAC Electrical & Plumbing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/38828dee-95b2-47d6-9770-7dd40db2960c/BESTER-PARTNERS-04.png Bester + Smithson | Our Partners Non-Profit Success https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/43adb765-1d84-4d38-b6dd-9fafcd3b9079/BESTER-PARTNERS-05.png Bester + Smithson | Our Partners pH Creative Agency https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/63d60ba8-2798-440e-b8b6-574d54617c72/Evolve+%26+Empower+Icon.png Bester + Smithson | Our Partners Evolve & Empower Counseling LLC https://bestersmithson.org/foundingpillar daily 0.75 2026-03-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1607129843268-E2SUCEDTGNTDJFGJLOSN/image.jpg Bester + Smithson | #FoundingPillars https://bestersmithson.org/terms-of-service daily 0.75 2020-11-13 https://bestersmithson.org/partners-2 daily 0.75 2020-11-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1604785053158-2RTOI5EJ6EYOHS2SVZ3U/bester-hvac.jpg Partners (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1604785163997-EHWOHDQFQ09BS2ZZGPIL/transcend.jpg Partners (Copy) https://bestersmithson.org/what-we-do-1 daily 0.75 2020-11-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1605238846097-FKI795QUAI1VU6R2EBYJ/m-v-v-icons-01.jpg About (Copy) Our Mission To help families, youth and individuals looking to improve their quality of life and create a legacy by opening new doors of opportunity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1605239019637-CM0M7IEVZSA8OX87FWQG/m-v-v-icons-02.jpg About (Copy) Our Vision To inspire and empower people who need a second chance to thrive with a greater life purpose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1605239106299-6BUZZNG664H8URKHX9TC/m-v-v-icons-03.jpg About (Copy) Our Core Values We believe in: Integrity, Compassion, Innovation and Building Community https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1604783846358-NQ8SFONOAOZTBDCVTX3I/image-asset.jpeg About (Copy) Organized Food Bank Drives for the Homeless. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1604784180249-NHADHHQFFXERCJYEP9W7/image.jpg About (Copy) Mentored Young Mothers and Families and Provided Them Care Packages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1604784895886-GVJBYWIPLDRGTR7HAOVC/image-asset.jpeg About (Copy) Mentored Young Male Youths. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edc13ce58851067a69592f0/1604785190193-8M9XKK4W44Z4UEFBD18V/image.jpg About (Copy) Facilitated Services + Resources for Young Adult Males Released from the Criminal Justice System. https://bestersmithson.org/house-of-solace daily 0.75 2026-03-16