EBHS Cosmetology students beautify women’s shelter clients

Photo by Justin Seward - EBHS Grade 11 student gives a pedicure to a client from the Medicine Hat Women's Shelter on June 8.

By Justin Seward
Eagle Butte High School cosmetology class and the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society partnership wrapped up their 18th year together with their last pampering session at Eagle Butte High on June 8.
Five residents of the Medicine Hat Womens Shelter Phoenix Safe House  were invited in by the cosmetology class to receive manicures, facials, pedicures, hair/scalp and or roller sets.
“Who doesn’t like to feel good,” asked cosmetology teacher Ingrid Rose.
“Who doesn’t like to be made feel good. It’s important for my students to actually help out in the community to see what’s going on as well. It’s good for the people to come in to get something free for them as a service. It helps with their self-esteem. They get to come in here and relax. They get to walk out feeling good.”
Grade 12 student Kendyl Yanke has done the program for all three years at Eagle Butte and said working with the Women’s Shelter clients was an exciting opportunity to get familiarized with people before working in the industry .
“It makes you feel like you’re doing something positive for someone else,” said Yanke.
“It helps me to work on my communication skills and work with all different kinds of people and that I get one-on-one time with clients outside the classroom so I know what it’s like in a salon setting.”
Phoenix House program manager  Wanda Dunn said the society places an emphasis on self care and the partnership allows for the ladies to have a day away to relax and do something for themselves.
“A lot of our ladies haven’t had pedicures, manicures, or spa treatments,” said Dunn.
“This is an excellent partnership Mrs. Rose has established with the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter. I’ve always heard excellent feedback as far as they get a chance to meet some of the younger students here. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming.”