When Western Beauty Institute Placement Counselor Valeria Montenegro called to ask if residents of the Sierra Retirement Village in Lancaster would enjoy free haircuts and manicures, secretary Gayle Sanders was overjoyed.

“They were really, really happy,” says Valeria. “She really appreciated it.”

Prompted by a program of community outreach events instituted by WBI CEO Ms. Christina Diaz, 17 students from Ms. Rubio’s Senior Class set aside part of their day to cater to some very appreciative senior citizens. “The seniors were anxious for us to begin haircuts and manicures,” says Valeria. Normally, it is up to a resident’s family to take the senior to a salon, but having skilled WBI students volunteer to visit with the seniors in person was greatly appreciated. “It was the first time someone came in like this to cut their hair.” The men enjoyed a free haircut from WBI’s Cosmetology students, while the women complemented each other on the manicures received, says Montenegro. Sierra Retirement Village Manager Karen Alvarez facilitated the event, and even helped out with the services, given at the facility on Sierra Highway in Lancaster on Wednesday, October 15th.

“They really enjoyed the services. They thanked us many times for doing such a good deed,” added Valeria. “We promised we would go back soon.”

Residents of the village were delighted to learn that their story would be published on the WBI website, and we thank them for posing as models so that our talented students could gain valuable real-world experience. “The girls were very happy to provide the services, and to work with these senior citizens,” added Valeria.

Students Visit Pillsbury Annex Retirement Home

On Tuesday, October 21st, a number of WBI students accompanied Instructor Ms. Breda and Placement Counselor Valeria Montenegro to the Pillsbury Annex Retirement home to perform haircuts for the seniors at the assisted-living residence.

As most of the residents could not get around very well, it was a pleasure for them to receive services from the student volunteers, according to Valeria. “I think a lot of them were just happy to have someone to visit them,” she said.

Additional events are also planned for Palmdale High School on October 30th and 31st, where WBI students will be performing face-painting makeup for the school’s haunted house festivities.