Styles 4 Kidz focuses on hair care but as we all listened to stories of impact last weekend at their 2018 Fall Soiree it is clear the organization does so much more.  Two young women living in a group home; with the support and encouragement of their residential supervisor Felicia Lloyd- Hawkins, shared about how much it means to them each time they have the opportunity to have their hair done. Shavonne Patterson, a stylist with S4K, was moved to tears sharing a letter written from a young girl who expressed her gratitude for Shavonne braiding her hair and spending time investing in a relationship with her. When children look their best they feel valued and loved and they even do better in school! For many children in foster care do not have the opportunity to choose their hair styles and have access to high quality hair and skin care and this work of having women of color intentionally care for them and educate their care givers about their hair goes way beyond hair. The self esteem that comes from S4K involvement has been such an important aspect of their work because it has been a source of pride for the youth and a bridge in building ongoing relationships.

During the event Tamekia Swint, the Styles 4 Kidz founder & executive director, shared about the new space they have in Oak Park dedicated to help educate and provide hair care in a private and safe location. A trans racial adoptive family shared about the impact S4K has had on their life and Tamekia shared about educational videos and classes they offer to help the adoption community. 70% of African American children have white adoptive families so education is really critical. This organization has personally touched me as a foster parent and mother of an African American daughter so I was so excited to partner with them again. During the event Mrs. Pamela Reed received an award for her outstanding dedication, commitment, compassion, and skill as a hair stylist with S4K. Tamekia shared that Pamela stayed to complete hairstyles on 10 children at a group home even after she passed out and an ambulance was called because she knew those children were so eager to have the services of S4K.  It is clear she loves this work, "I knew those children were counting on having their hair done for Easter."

Please check out the good work they are doing to empower families through education for trans- racial adoptive families and build self esteem and cultural pride for young people in foster care.  They are building a diverse community of people that celebrate and work for hair care with heart.

The night was full of fabulous food (sponsored by KitchFix), a silent auction of many great items and experiences, & wonderful live music performed by Felena Bunn. The event was held at the beautiful space at CSS Academy (please check out the good they are doing in Brookfield). S4K also asked everyone to continue to support this work throughout the year. 

I am so grateful to partner with amazing organizations doing good & hard work in our communities! See more organization storytelling images here and contact me if storytelling images would give your organization a vital voice on social media & communicate your vision to others!