Sixteen female residents of the Randy Sams' Outreach Shelter were treated to a spa day Thursday.
"They had a big time. This gives some confidence. What we see often is the confidence is gone and this helps restore that," said Jennifer Laurent, Randy Sams' executive director. "It helps them feel like they are capable of going out and starting the life they want to start."
Participants were taken in limousines to Texarkana College Cosmetology School to have their hair and nails done. They got facials at the Beauty and Wellness Center and eye exams and glasses if needed at The Eye Guys.
The women also were treated to lunch at Twisted Fork and had portraits taken by Debbie Brower and were able to pick out clothes at Mary's Closet, First United Methodist Church Texarkana, Texas. They ended their day at the Collins Home with a tea service.
This is the second annual Spa Day for ladies at the shelter.
"We know this event helps give our female residents the confidence they need as they work toward reaching their goals," Laurent said. "The event was started, and continues to be organized by, board member Julie Collins. Julie wanted to help give our ladies a boost of confidence that was so needed and began working to coordinate such a special day. Sponsors and vendors working at a reduced fee make it possible for us to offer this opportunity. We are so grateful for the committee members who are making this day happen."
Last year's event had an ongoing positive impact on participants, long after the day was over.
"There was an increased sense of camaraderie," Laurent said. "They were nicer to one another. They got jobs afterwards and, in some cases, reconnected with their families. It was something they could be proud they were a part of."
The Randy Sams' Outreach Shelter is an emergency shelter for adult men and women. It is a free shelter with 125 beds. In the first four months of 2017, 53 people moved from the shelter into permanent housing. In 2016, 178 people moved from the shelter into permanent housing.
For more information or to volunteer, contact [email protected] or call 903-280-7549.