BUSINESSES SUPPORT CAPE SAFE HOUSE

The day after Susan arrived at the Safe House for women, she did something that forever terrified her.

She went out to eat pizza and then let someone cut and curl her hair.

Susan's abusive husband always told her that if she ever changed her hair, he would leave her. That was reason enough for Susan to overlook the dead ends that made her long locks appear dry and straggled.

"I felt like there was a little bit of freedom getting my hair done," she said. "Just going into a public place and having something done for me without feeling scared made me feel good about myself."

Susan was one of six Safe House residents and their children treated to hair makeovers at Special Effects Styling Salon last month. The salon volunteered the services of its hair stylists and supplied Cokes, fudge and brownies to raise the spirits and self-esteem of the women.

"It allowed the women the opportunity to do something for themselves, something that their abusers would never permit," said Debra Hamilton, shelter manager of the Safe House. "The makeovers gave the women the chance to see themselves in a different light, which was a tremendous boost for their self-esteems."

But the stylists offered more than a new look with each snip of their scissors. They offered support and encouragement.

Salon owner Kim Talley cut a mere three inches off the bottom of Susan's hair and Susan stared at the mirror, crying at her new appearance.

"Kim just put her arm around me and said, everything will be okay," Susan said.

Earlier in the year, Special Effects surveyed its employees to see which community organizations it wanted to help. When the Safe House was named, different stylists suggested free hair cuts.

"We try to do things to raise money for people, but I don't think they needed our money as much as they needed our time and concern with their wants and needs," said Kelley Callow, hair stylist and public relations coordinator.

Special Effects is one of a handful of Cape Girardeau businesses that donate services to the abused women of the Safe House.

Jana Jateff, a Mary Kay sales representative, provides makeovers and free samples to the residents. JCPenney and 16 Plus donate new clothing annually.

Premiere Clothing Co. will donate what's left from its entire inventory after a going-out-of-business sale this weekend, Hamilton said.

Hamilton also is working with Vicki Parker of Monarch Center Therapeutic Massage to schedule free messages for the women.

Twice Dr. David Kessinger of Kessinger Chiropractic has given free adjustments.

Like the makeovers, these services are real stress relievers, Hamilton said.

They also provide educational opportunities on personal health.

"After he gave the adjustments, Kessinger explained how stress and trauma encountered during abusive situations can affect them physically," Hamilton said.