Sixteen women and children were treated to some carefree pampering thanks to an ongoing partnership between Rogers State University’s Psi Chi students and Safenet Services in Claremore.
The Special Day of Care, now in its sixth year, offers survivors of domestic abuse a day of free spa services and fun. Rhapsody Boutique and Day Spa and the Trinity Day Spa provided participating women with haircuts, facials, manicures, massages and pedicures, while children were treated to inflatables, karaoke, video games, snacks, movies, and materials to make crafts and Mother’s Day cards. Trinity Day Spa has participated in every Special Day of Care since the event’s inception.
The women and children receive assistance through Safenet Services, which provides a safe haven to Rogers and Mayes county families. RSU Professor and Psi Chi faculty advisor Dr. Kevin M. P. Woller said the Special Day of Care continues to be a favorite community service project for students.
“It’s amazing what a difference a day of care and kindness can make,” Woller said. “Services that we see as everyday can be transformational like one of the participants who had 9 inches of her hair cut off. Her abuser had used it as a method of control, and by getting her hair cut she stood in defiance of her aggressor, and forever changed his ability to abuse her. I could actually hear her becoming a more powerful woman who was finally free, and this is only one of several stories from this day.”
Students from Psi Chi were assisted throughout the day by volunteers from RSU’s Social Justice League (formerly the Community Counseling and Psychology Student Association). Volunteers participated in providing security, entertainment, food and a safe environment for the participants.
Events like the Special Day of Care and Mental Wealth Day, a community outreach promoting mental health awareness and well-being, helped the Psi Chi chapter win the 2017 Best Organization award from RSU’s Student Government Association. The award is offered to one organization per year based on votes from SGA representatives. Woller said he is proud of the students and their efforts to engage the Claremore community.
“Community outreach and service are core values not only of Psi Chi, but of RSU as a whole,” Woller said. “Our chapter’s mission states that while you help society, the society can help build and shape you in return. I’m honored to see that mission in the actions and deeds of our students, both at school and in their professional lives, and I’m proud of their giving hearts. Their service has contributed to positive changes in the lives of real people in our own community.”
