(PASADENA, CA) The day before had been stressful, Anna Bryan, the mother of four, admitted. She’d attended school for five hours studying English as a second language, and then rushed home to the demands of housework and her children, ranging in age from 3 – 14. One thought kept her going, however: “Tomorrow will be a better day.”
“Tomorrow” was Hillsides Mother’s Day makeovers held at the Family Resource Center in Echo Park on Friday, May 9. Mothers were invited to spend from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. getting their hair and make-up done by students from the Aveda Institute Los Angeles and Palace Beauty College.
Around 14 mothers and 23 children, as well as 21 stylists, attended the event. Childcare was provided, and while the moms got makeovers, their children made them Mother’s Day bracelets and other crafts. The staff also treated the moms to light refreshments, drinks, and a festive Mother’s Day cake.
“It was amazing to see the moms get pampered and to hear how much fun they were having with their stylists,” said Amy Cousineau, Ph.D., director of the Center. “I was also struck by how many of the stylist volunteers thanked me for the experience on the way out. They expressed how touched they were by the opportunity to help these women feel valued and celebrated. By the end of the day, many of our faces hurt from how much smiling we had been doing.”
For one mother, the afternoon was a needed break from raising several special needs children. Another said the day made her feel “like a queen.” As for Bryan, she left with a headful of beautiful curls – a dramatic and flattering change from her normally straight hair.
Many of the mothers said they planned to go out that evening to show off their new looks.
“Our Family Resource Centers do a wonderful job reaching out to the community. I’d like to thank the staff in Echo Park and the stylists from the two local cosmetology schools for all their hard work putting on this well-deserved and well-received event,” said Hillsides Chief Executive Officer Joseph M. Costa. “We look forward to hosting the second annual Mother’s Day makeover next year.”
Hillsides Family Resource Centers offer numerous community-based programs and services that provide parenting classes, mental health support, and additional resources for families throughout Los Angeles County. Besides the Echo Park location, Hillsides has a Family Resource Center in Pasadena and Baldwin Park.
Hillsides, headquartered in Pasadena, is a premier provider dedicated to improving the overall well-being and functioning of vulnerable children, youth, and their families. For more information on Hillsides, please visit www.hillsides.org.
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CONTACT: Marisol Barrios
Office: (323) 543-2800 ext. 128
Cell 310 713-8567
E-mail: mbarrios@hillsides.org
