Local spas and volunteers partnered together last month for the fourth annual Special Day of Care. Rogers State University’s chapter of Psi Chi, the international honor society for psychology students, organized the day of pampering for six women and 11 children who had experienced domestic violence.
Trinity Day Spa and Oasis Day Spa and Salon, who have participated every year, donated beauty services. April Timmerman, a community counseling senior from Pryor and licensed beautician, also volunteered as a style specialist. All six women received haircuts, facials, manicures and massages while the children were treated to a bouncy castle, karaoke, video games, face painting and more.
The women and children receive assistance through Safenet Services, which provides a safe haven to Rogers and Mayes county families. RSU Professor and Psi Chi faculty advisor Dr. Kevin M. P. Woller said the Special Day of Care has become a favorite community service project.
“Every year I watch apprehensive women walk in the spas, and confident, self-assured women walk out as they obviously feel pretty and cared for,” he said. “I watch scared and apprehensive children afraid when their mothers leave them at the daycare site fuss when ‘they have to leave’ their fun. It makes me feel like we are doing something right.”
Students from Psi Chi were assisted throughout the day by volunteers from RSU’s Social Justice League and the Girl Scouts of America. Volunteers participated in providing security, entertainment, food and a safe environment for the participants. Woller said the volunteers work hard during the day and feel good about the service they provide.
“It is my hope that everyone comes away with the sense that a little bit of time, effort and money can actually change the life of a person in need,” Woller said.