Carson City students treated to free makeovers

Ten low-income students were treated to a makeover in Carson City, right before school began this week.

"They felt good. They were smiling, they were happy, they were so excited," said parent Kiera Sanchez. "And it made them more excited to go to school."

The Capital City C.I.R.C.L.E.S. Initiative made it possible, with help from free haircuts from Cutting Edge Hair Salon and Kohls, who gave out $500 shopping sprees. Then the kids were unveiled in a runway style-setting to their awaiting parents.

"There were tears; tears of a joy. It meant a lot to a lot of families," said event coordinator Susan Akin. "When you're proud of your appearance, then that exudes from the inside. And I know that it does increase internal strength."

The goal was to get these students excited to go to class, and boost their confidence at school. Giving them the kind of support that their parents receive from C.I.R.C.L.E.S., a non-profit that works to help get people out of poverty.

"This program has taught me that I'm not alone; my kids are not alone. And you can change, it will just take time," added Sanchez.

The program consists of a 14-week workshop, where social and job skills are taught to those struggling to make it on their own.

"They're taught to actually have faith in themselves, to believe they can do things they thought they could never do before," said C.I.R.C.L.E.S. board president Linda Flaherty. "And they can, it's just having that courage and support system."

Each person graduates as a program champion, and is then paired with a community ally to give them support, whether it's aiding their job search, giving them rides, or simply being there as someone to talk to.

"Having someone who can listen and be supportive and accepting and non-judgemental can make all the difference for someone who is struggling," said C.I.R.C.L.E.S. coach Callie Akin.

"You don't realize that you need something like that until you have it," admitted C.I.R.C.L.E.S. Champion Maria Bravo. "And for me at this point I have it, and it's made the biggest difference in the world."

Those who are interested in learning more about the C.I.R.C.L.E.S. Initiative can go here