For many facing financial hardship, struggling to make ends meet, the gift of beauty has an impact that goes beyond skin deep.
Tierra Faggins (right) of Cornerstones Housing Corporation, delivers a Maude “No Mother Left Behind” gift for the holidays.
Maude Hair Salon was founded by three women, Catina Andros Jay, Vanessa Rose and Celeste Williams, friends who all grew up in Reston. They had a vision for a salon that would offer a fun and enriching work environment that fostered creativity and advanced their craft by mentoring those starting out in the field, all while creating a place that is an integral part of the community they grew up in. Their innovative apprentice training program helps young women and men who cannot afford school, giving them a start in the industry while earning their industry certification and building a client base.
For this program, and for their many other community contributions, including hair cut-a-thons at the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce recognized Maude with a Best of Reston Award in 2011, noting their “strong commitment to serving the greater Reston community and improving the lives of others.”
One of Maude’s many community contributions includes the “No Mother Left Behind” campaign to support hardworking, struggling mothers who are trying to create a better life for their children. No Mother Left Behind helps create awareness of Cornerstones’ mission and provides opportunities for Maude clients to bring unexpected joy to their “sisters” by donating beauty and luxury items to empower these special mothers. Donations of candles, jewelry, brushes, make up, skin care, hair care, soaps, shower gel and scarves are arranged in gifts bags by the Maude Squad and are delivered directly to moms by Cornerstones staff. Over 10 years, “No Mother Left Behind” has reached more than 1,000 mothers.
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Over the holidays, Cornerstones’ clients witnessed another example of generous community giving. Reece Corbin of Reece Corbin Salon, Salon Plaza, along with a team of stylists, provided free haircuts and beard trims to more than 50 individuals at the Embry Rucker Community Shelter (ERCS). In addition to the holidays, Reece visits the shelter every few months with a stylist friend to make sure shelter clients are regularly taken care of.
“Many individuals at ERCS are in a transition stage to get back into the work force, and grooming has a huge impact on the interview process. A haircut or beard clean up can not only make someone visually more professional; it can give them the confidence to believe they CAN get back on their feet after hard times,” said Reece. “As a woman, and a stylist, I know how much of a difference a haircut can make in the way we feel about ourselves. I’ve loved my experiences a Embry Rucker Shelter — that’s why I continue to return!”
The 2018 Holiday Team of Stylists included: Reece Corbin, Atricia Slaugher, Julie Badura, Maria Heavener; Sherry Lee and Debby Gibson.
Have a talent you want to share with those on their journey to self-sufficiency? Check out our volunteer page for opportunities. Don’t see something that’s a fit for you? Contact our Volunteer Team to discuss how we can leverage your special skills!