Community Haircuts - The Gifted Event
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To book a GIFTED CUT visit www.thegiftedevent.com
To follow the story visit me on IG, TikTok, YouTube @thebest1period
For the past 20 years I have been a licensed
barber/cosmetologist in my hometown of
Cincinnati, Ohio. As of 2019 I took a step
toward entrepreneurship in the personal care
industry and became owner of Noble Barber &
Beauty. During my role of both owner and
barber, I have been given the opportunity to
build strong relationships with those who enter
the barbershop. As my shop provides a
supportive environment; clients feel
comfortable in sharing stories of struggle and
triumph, good days and bad. On any given day,
barbershop talk might range from a recap of
the latest sports game to updates on births of
children and grandchildren. Clients may tell of
challenges experienced at work, while youth
are always excited to tell me about school and
the activities they are involved in. I am grateful
for these relationships and the space I have
available to listen, encourage and support as
best I can.
One relationship that has really been humbling
for me, is a young man whose mother drives
over an hour to receive a haircut for her son.
Due to the additional time required and
accommodations needed, this mother could
not find a barber in her hometown who was
willing to provide a haircut for her son who has
special needs.
The stress of constantly anticipating the needs
of a child with special needs in a place that is
not willing or able to accommodate, can result
in a lack of positive experiences for all who are
involved. As a barber, I saw the need for a
place where children with disabilities are
supported during a haircut and an environment
where parents or caregivers don't have to
explain their child's behavior or apologize for
something they may do or say. I provide the
haircut, but the child receives dedicated time
focused on them, a goody bag of items to take
home, and parents are able to rest in knowing
the needs for their child's haircut are being
met. This is my vision for "The Gifted Event."
I have designated the 3rd Monday of each
month as a day of barber services for children
with intellectual, physical, or developmental
disabilities.
I recognize that the financial burden of paying
for a haircut may be difficult for parents and
caregivers of children with a disability. It takes
a lot to manage additional needs such as
private childcare, tutoring, therapies, hospital
bills, medication, equipment, incontinence
supplies, and involvement in extracurricular
activities. I would like your help in sponsoring
free monthly haircuts for clients of
"The Gifted Event" for 2023.
As I have provided services for three months
now; I see the need and feel the love from
parents and child once they see themselves in
the mirror. It's more than just a haircut; it's the
feeling of being acknowledged that will bring a
bit of happiness to each child and renew the
drive in each parent and caregiver to continue
being their child's best advocate.
With your support I will be able to continue
using my talent and space to make sure
children with intellectual, physical, or
developmental disabilities are given the
opportunity for a professional haircut at no
cost to their parent/ caregiver. I thank you for
the support!
Organizer
Vernon Jackson
Organizer
Cincinnati, OH