Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is an African American community organization of mothers with children ages 2 – 19 that is dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders leadership development, volunteer services and civic duty. The Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Phoenix Chapter works to give their members and youth the power to make a difference in their communities and in the lives of children across the country.
Hair Care 101
Recently, in partnership with the Arizona Department of Child Safety, Jack and Jill Phoenix held a virtual class to educate foster parents on how to care for the hair of children of color.
“For children of color, having their hair done correctly, can affect their self-esteem and well-being,” said Dr. JoAnne Curry, president of Jack and Jill Phoenix. “We know that many foster parents who are caring for children of another race or another culture may not understand or know how to properly care for their child’s hair.”
The virtual class was attended by more than 125 caregivers and featured stylist Shashawna Davis from Melinda’s Style Boutique to share professional information and to give caregivers space to learn and ask questions. Davis even created a YouTube channel for foster parents to reference as they care for children of color.
“We are pleased with the results of this webinar…we are planning to do classes for foster parents two more times this year. We’re hoping to offer it before summer and also around back-to-school time.”
Dr. Joanne Curry, President
Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Phoenix Chapter
Lolo’s Hair Fashion and Accessories created hair care kits filled with the right oils, conditioners, and tools for foster families. They offer hair care kits for sale ranging in price from $25 to $40. Foster parents wishing to purchase a kit can call Lolo’s directly at 602.296.4642.
“We are pleased with the results of this webinar,” said Dr. Curry. “In fact, we are planning to do classes for foster parents two more times this year. We’re hoping to offer it before summer and also around back-to-school time.”
How AFFCF Can Help
The Arizona Friends of Foster Children can consider funding hair care services for natural hairstyles, braids, extensions, and protective hairstyles (e.g. straw sets, braids, and twists) for African American hair care. Caregivers only need to apply and provide supporting documentation that shows the cost of their services and that shows the provider offers services to the public (A flyer or social media page showing the vendor name along with their services and price list will suffice.) Learn more at affcf.org/guidelines.
For more information about Jack and Jill Phoenix, please visit jackandjillphoenix.org.