Good Deed: Cosmetology program gives back to community

Contributed photo /

Three student cosmetologists working on clients are, from left, Alli Johnson, Jessica Jinnette, and Elissa Wilcox.
Contributed photo / Three student cosmetologists working on clients are, from left, Alli Johnson, Jessica Jinnette, and Elissa Wilcox.

Students who enter Chattanooga State's Cosmetology Program soon find themselves learning about the importance of giving back while building the confidence level in others, and in turn, better understanding the program's mission statement.

About three years ago, cosmetology program instructors approached the administrators at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) to develop a project called Haircuts for the Homeless. This project involved volunteering six to eight cosmetology students to provide haircuts, facials and massages to at least 30 people on a weekly basis.

Every week, a different group of students and an instructor head downtown to First Baptist Church to work their magic on less fortunate clients with a goal of helping those clients gain the confidence they need in their appearance to enter the workforce. Now, all parties feel as though they change the lives of those they serve - one haircut at a time.

Betty Proctor

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