More than two dozen women and children who are victims of domestic violence have smiles on their faces after the third annual Special Day of Care this past weekend.
Rogers State University’s chapter of Psi Chi, the international honor society for psychology students, organized the event which sent the women to spas in Claremore for a day of pampering.
Like last year, Trinity Day Spa and Oasis Day Spa and Salon donated their services to 19 women and eight children.
The women, ranging in age from their 20s to their 60s, all receive assistance through Safenet Services, which provides a safe haven to Rogers and Mayes county families. Some of them had only recently left abusive situations; others had received services for years.
“It’s been years for many of them since they’ve had time that’s just for them. It’s a huge ego booster. It makes them feel good about themselves,” said Safenet Executive Director Donna Grabow. “It’s good for them to know that other people outside of Safenet care for them.”
Psi Chi organized the Special Day of Care and was assisted by students from RSU’s Social Justice League, Criminal Justice Society, Honors Program and the Baptist Collegiate Ministries throughout the day. Some students entertained the children, providing games, arts, crafts and snacks. Other students provided security, a critical component to helping the women relax and feel safe.
RSU Professor and Psi Chi faculty advisor Dr. Kevin M. P. Woller says it was a special day for the women as well as his students. “Service to the community is one of Psi Chi’s guiding principles, and it’s really important for the students to learn about it through hands-on experiences,” said Woller. “These deserving women and children feel cared for and our students get a chance to give back.”
For more information about Special Day of Care, contact Woller at [email protected] or 918-343-7568.