COSMETOLOGY STUDENTS AT SOMERSET COUNTY TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
SUPPORT DOMESTIC ABUSE FUNDRAISER                                              

Cosmetology students at Somerset County Technology Institute hosted “Dining for Change,” in conjunction with the National Cosmetology Association to support NCA’s Cares Fund.  The program was organized by Marcia Bird, cosmetology coordinator and instructor and her students to bring awareness to NCA’s CUT IT OUT program.  CUT IT OUT is designed to educatesalon professionals about how to recognize warning signs of domestic abuse and safely refer clients to local resources. 

Lisa Blum, Director of Program Services, and Anthony Winchatz, Associate Director of Community Affairs for The Resource Center for Women and Their Families, a private, non-profit agency serving victims of domestic abuse in Somerset County attended the “Dining for Change” event. They conducted a training seminar for 30 salon owners, stylists and students from SCTI. 

The format for the seminar included a discussion, video with role-playing scenarios, lecture and group activities.  Representatives from The Resource Center stressed the fact that salon professionals are not expected to serve as counselors but, by providing access to literature and other resources, may act as vital links to programs that can help victims. "Often, women tell their stylists things that they don’t even tell their families. Most people don't know how to react when someone tells them that they are being emotionally abused or physically hurt. We want to teach our professionals how to help their clients find resources to get help,” said Ms. Blum. “We are truly grateful for the support there is in our community to promote the safety and recovery efforts of those trapped in abusive relationships.  Having responsible ‘front line’ resources like salon professionals who are able to spot the signs of domestic abuse and to listen to what clients may be saying about being victimized or possibly in danger are very important steps in reducing the crisis faced by so many of our friends and neighbors,” said Mr. Winchatz.
 
CUT IT OUT is a program sponsored by The National Cosmetology Association (NCA), Clairol Professionals, and Southern Living At HOME.  Founded in 2003, the program is designed to alert salon professionals to the signs of domestic abuse and to enable them to provide resources to their clients, peers, and friends.

For more information about the CUT IT OUT program, contact Mr. Winchatz at (908) 359-0003, ext. 223.  For more information on domestic abuse and ways you can help victims visit www.rcwtf.org or contact Mecheline Farhat, Community Educator at (908) 359-0003, ext. 213.

The Resource Center for Women and Their Families is a private, nonprofit agency which has served survivors of domestic abuse in Somerset County for 30 years and offers services at no charge. Initially founded by a small group of volunteers to provide emergency shelter for women trying to escape from abusive relationships, The Resource Center has grown in order to meet the needs of women and children who looked for help and safety from abuse. The agency has expanded services to include not only emergency shelter but legal advocacy, outreach counseling, community education, and volunteer domestic violence response teams.  

For more information about the “Dining for Change” fundraiser call Marcia Bird at
908-526-8900, ext. 7242.