Over 20 women received makeovers Saturday at Gilgal with volunteers from The Hank Stewart Foundation. Their day included hair, nails, makeup, lunch and a gift to provide these women a day of feeling beautiful and relaxed.
Gilgal, located in East Point, is a nonprofit organization that serves homeless women who are overcoming drug and alcohol addictions. The one-year residential program provides job training, counseling, nutrition and fitness counseling, and programming aimed at relapse prevention. One year after they leave the program, the women must have stable employment that pays a living wage, and have stable housing to ensure success.
“This started as a way to help these women break a cycle of defeat, and get a second chance to be successful in their lives,” said Val Cater, Gilgal founder and executive director. “But today was about pampering them, showing them some love, and allowing them to feel good about themselves.”
Over 100 volunteers from the Hank Stewart Foundation and community came to not only provide makeovers, but also help do maintenance and clean-up work around the property. The foundation focuses on empowering youth to develop a sense of community and giving back.
“When we heard about Gilgal, we had to be involved,” said Executive Director Gwen Mason. “This is our fourth year of giving these ladies a special day that they will remember and be shown the as much love and compassion as possible.”
Volunteers are essential to Gilgal’s success, and Cater encourages the community to get involved in any way possible. “People who have backgrounds in social work or are handymen [can] donate some time around the center. We can always use their help,” she said. “I also encourage volunteer groups to come and host a game or movie night, and just spend time with the ladies.”
Started seven years ago, the program has resulted in a 78 percent success rate.
To volunteer with Gilgal Inc, go to www.womenofgilgal.org
In Other News: The Atlanta Fire Foundation honored over one dozen first responders at it's Breakfast with Our Bravest awards ceremony held Nov. 16 at the Atlanta Marriot Buckhead Hotel and Conference Center. The foundation, benefitting the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, provides resources, programs and up-to-date equipment to assist firefighters and paramedics at the highest level.
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