Looking good!

Stylist Jennifer Myhre and salon owner Angela Greenland work on a free haircut for a boy in the One Hope United residential program

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Sometimes a kind offer can go a long way.

On Feb. 20, Jonela G Salon and Color Bar, 850 Tower Drive, in Lake Villa, donated free hair cuts and conditioning treatments for the 18 boys in One Hope United’s residential CARE program. 

The CARE residential treatment program offers out-of-home care for boys between the ages of 10 to 17 who cannot function in a family environment.
 
The boys enjoyed their hair cuts while watching the movie "Rudy,” and feasted on hot dogs, chips, brownies, cookies and cupcakes. The boys also enjoyed sipping on root beer floats in glass "Coke" glasses that they got to take home.

The food was donated by Helen Greenland, Karen Greenland and Jennifer Cote. Each boy also took home a bag of hair products specific to their hair type courtesy of Jonela G Salon.
 
Many of the boys served through the CARE program are involved in the legal system, use alcohol or drugs, struggle to fit in with their peers and have trouble with authority figures. Many are dealing with significant family changes such as divorce or death of a parent and cannot manage their emotions or behaviors without significant support.

This nonprofit program of One Hope United offers structure and supervision to youth in a safe, nurturing environment focusing on developing social skills and relationships.

The CARE program includes individualized treatment programs, family visitation and counseling, a day treatment program for educational purposes and diagnostic services on an emergency basis. The goal is for each youth to return to a family setting, whether it is with their own family or a foster family.
 
The stylists – Jessica Pasowicz, Jennifer Myhre, Ashley Ortman, Kaylee Esdale and Carlos Taques – as well as the owners of the salon, Angela and John Greenland, reported that they were very impressed with the boys.

Jonela G Salon plans to make these free haircuts available to the boys every two months.
 
For more information about One Hope United, a nonprofit human service organization whose mission is to protect children and strengthen families, visit www.onehopeunited.org. To find out how you can get involved and donate to a program near you, contact Marilee LaMattina, community relations/volunteer coordinator at 847-245-6553.