It was apparent the hair salon at SunPorch of Dodge City was ready for a makeover, as was the need for a little financial help to get the job done.
Therefore, the staff at the short-term-rehab and long-term-care residence at 501 W. Beeson Road applied for a grant at the Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas. As a result, SunPorch now has $1,200 to help with the project.
“We recently learned our application was successful and have started to update and refresh the salon,” said Debbie Allen, SunPorch marketing and community liaison. “We couldn’t be more grateful to the Foundation. Our elders are so thankful to everyone involved.
“It is wonderful how the Foundation turns visions into reality,” she continued. “We appreciate the staff and everyone who donates to local worthy causes.”
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, elders didn’t receive professional hair care for nearly six months. The services were then available for a short time before being discontinued again. Now the salon is open for business and the second round of vaccinations is expected soon.
“During this uncertainty, it was readily apparent that a trip to the salon affects us in more ways than just being unhappy with longer, unmanageable hair,” Allen commented. “For our elders, getting their hair styled gives them a reason to smile and feel special.
“Just as important, it gives them that great feeling of leading a normal life and having a routine. For many, a salon visit is one of the highlights of the week.”
The salon update is needed because the furniture and fixtures have been showing their age.
For example, the shampoo sink needs a faucet upgrade and the chair must be replaced. Delivery will take a few weeks.
“The chair we ordered has many new safety features that better accommodate people in wheelchairs or who have other mobility problems,” Allen noted. “Since safety is always a top priority, we are eager to install this new equipment.”
These upgrades, along with a fresh coat of paint and creative décor, will have a huge impact on elders, Allen added.
“The salon is one place they socialize and get their emotional needs met,” she explained. “Our elders deserve this.”
During a normal year, more than 350 appointments are made with the stylists who serve SunPorch.
“As this number indicates, the salon is a busy place,” Allen commented. “It is one illustration of how SunPorch wants to provide an environment that adds meaning to our elders’ lives.”
