By Janet Silvera, Gleaner Writer
The glamorous Maurene DaCosta.
SALON OWNER, Maurene 'Peaches' DaCosta, 38, of Hartford, Connecticut, assists unemployed single mothers and provides a ray of hope for their fatherless children each month by donating free hairstyles to those seeking work.
DaCosta, a Jamaican, who emigrated 27 years ago to the United States, operates the Beauty Galore Hair Salon on Albany Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut, and is herself, a single mother of three boys.
Having had her fair share of struggles with providing for her children, she gives unselfishly of her time and talent in order to make a difference in the lives of other moms.
"I believe that everyone is put on this earth for a purpose, and my purpose is to help others less fortunate than myself," she told the Flair. She said regardless of race or creed, her salon is open to any single, unemployed mother who is job hunting.
Burnt badly by persons who just wanted a free US$65 to $70 hairdo the first year that she started the project, there are now certain restrictions to qualify. "One must first be referred through an organisation to assure us that there is a need," she cautioned.
NOT FEELING SATISFIED
DaCosta said she too was not feeling satisfied with her efforts, "those people never help, so I became discouraged." Through prayer, she resorted to her Lord and Saviour who told her to try again, "and now it is working, the people in need are the ones getting it," she said enthusiastically.
An average of 10 single mothers are helped each month and in the past year 85 women have been helped. A number of them now have jobs.
The free hairdo at Beauty Galore has mushroomed into an annual event, dubbed the 'Single Mother Customer Appreciation Day.' Held during the month of May, the crucial segment added for that day includes information on resources for work, health issues and the presentation of gift cards from numerous sponsors.
Last May, Mayor of the City of Hartford, Eddie A. Perez, was one of the many dignitaries who attended the event and proclaimed May 12 as Beauty Galore Day in the city. This year, hundreds of persons are expected to turn out for what has become one of the most sought after events. "Even sponsors are now competing to be a part of the action," disclosed DaCosta.
ENHANCES THE SERVICES
Her salon service enhances the services provided by the Upper Albany Neighbourhood Collaborative (UANC), which helps in resume writing, job searching and the Dress for Success referral system, which provides interviews and first day of work clothing to women seeking employment.
"Her involvement has had a huge impact on the community," said Olivia Almagro-Johnson, a member of the UANC. Whenever you take time to honour single mothers you are empowering them in the process."
In addition to the makeover project, DaCosta now holds a 'back-to-school jam' each August at which she gives away over 250 bags filled with school supplies to needy children.
Pam Dixon, a single mother, who has benefited in both ways, spoke highly of the Jamaican Trojan. She said, "Peaches (DaCosta) is such a beautiful person, inside and out. She has touched the lives of so many people, including mine. I thank her from the bottom of my heart."
Her back-to-school project, which she hopes to extend to Jamaica, is sponsored in part by McDonald's, CVS Pharmacy, Hometown Buffet and the UANC. While West Indian restaurants such as Seashore Seafood, Scott's Jamaican Bakery and Mama's Place as well as Bailey's Accounting Services are just a few of the entities that have helped make her pre-Mothers' Day event a true success.
