A MESSAGE FROM OUR Executive DIRECTOR
On behalf of the Cut it Forward team, I want to welcome you. As the Executive Director of this remarkable organization, it is both an honor and a privilege to serve. I invite you to explore our programs and projects , offering you various ways to get involved and make a positive impact in the lives of children of color in foster and adoptive care. Whether you choose to participate in our programs, provide financial support, volunteer your time, join our team, or share your knowledge, there's a meaningful role for you here.
Our Programs and Projects Include:
EDUCATION
Crowning Curls Workshops are specifically designed for foster and adopted children of color and their caregivers. These workshops are carefully curated to address common needs, challenges, and best practices, promoting healing, bonding, and connection. Our team of expert facilitators creates safe and immersive learning environments to educate the community about the crucial aspects of ethnic hair and skin care.
Crown Coaching Sessions provides one-on-one personalized guidance and support to caregivers and professionals caring for children with diverse hair and skin care needs. In collaboration with licensed hair stylists and barbers, Cut it Forward offers customized coaching sessions focused on culturally specific care practices. This program fosters positive and healthy experiences in hair and skin care for children, empowering caregivers with the knowledge and resources necessary to effectively address the unique needs of the children in their care.
PRODUCTS
The Curl Shop transforms the support experience by offering culturally specific hair and skin care products to children in foster care and adoption, completely free of charge. Our innovative approach allows clients to shop in a dignified manner, selecting items based on their specific preferences and needs, rather than feeling like they're receiving charity. We aim to alleviate the challenges associated with accessing suitable care products for foster and adopted children of color and their caregivers. By streamlining the process for online ordering and local office pick-up, we ensure a seamless and empowering experience for our community members.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
The Oklahoma Curl Directory stands out as a pioneering online resource, connecting Oklahoma families with culturally competent, trauma-informed hair and skin care professionals. This directory fills a crucial gap by being the first of its kind dedicated to professionals specializing in afro-textured hair, addressing the significant challenge of finding qualified hair care providers for children of color. Every professional listed as a "Cut it Forward Certified Professional" (CFCP) meets our rigorous standards, ensuring they are committed to our mission and providing a safe, high-quality care environment. The Curl Directory is more than a directory; it's a vital link between families and the professional services they need, ensuring access to appropriate and sensitive care for these children and serving a broader need in the community.
Welcome to Cut it Forward!
It is our heartfelt mission is to provide culturally specific hair and skin care resources to foster and adopted youth of color and their caregivers. We envision a future where all children are connected to their needs, empowered to feel a sense of pride and belonging, and celebrated for their uniqueness.
At Cut it Forward, we understand the challenges that these children face and the importance of providing unwavering support. Whether you choose to contribute financially, volunteer your time, or join our team, your involvement will make a direct and lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. Every act of kindness, every donation, every moment of your time is a step toward creating a brighter future for these children and their caregivers. We don't just imagine this future; we're actively building it, and we invite you to be part of this incredible journey to inspire change, transform lives, and create a world where every child knows their worth. Together, we can achieve the extraordinary. The time to act is now.
We cannot achieve our mission without your support. You can get involved and be the catalyst for change in the following ways:
Donate: Your financial support is the lifeblood of our organization, allowing us to expand our reach and impact. Donations directly fund our programs, empowering us to sustain a dedicated support team and ensuring that we can provide essential hair and skin care education, culturally specific products, and additional resources to foster and adopted youth of color and their caregivers. With your help, we can reach more children and families in need, making a meaningful difference in their lives.
Volunteer: When you volunteer with us, you become a source of inspiration and transformation. Your time and dedication go beyond mere moments; they create lasting memories and positive change in the lives of those we serve. Whether you're helping at workshops, offering mentorship, or supporting our staff, your contributions as a volunteer can bring joy and empowerment to our community. You become a positive representation of love and support to a child, making a meaningful difference in their life.
Serve on the Board of Directors: As a board member, you have the opportunity to be a visionary leader, shaping the future of our organization. Your insights, expertise, and strategic thinking will guide us in fulfilling our mission. You'll work alongside like-minded individuals, all committed to creating a world where every child knows their worth. Joining the board is not just a responsibility; it's a chance to make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
Join a Committee: Collaboration is at the heart of our mission, and by joining a committee, you become a key collaborator in our efforts to drive change. You'll work closely with others who share your passion and dedication. Together, you'll brainstorm ideas, plan initiatives, and implement strategies that will bring us closer to our goals. Your unique perspective and contributions will be invaluable as you become the boots on the ground, helping the organization fulfill its mission and create a brighter future.
Become a Program Facilitator: Sharing knowledge is a powerful way to empower others, and as a workshop facilitator or Crown Coach, you'll have the opportunity to do just that. Your expertise and experience will help individuals and families gain the skills and confidence they need. By guiding workshops and coaching sessions, you'll be a source of inspiration, providing practical guidance on hair and skin care. You will play a vital role that will have a profound and positive impact on our community.
If you want to get involved or have any ideas on ways that we can collaborate on something great, I want to encourage you to get in touch with me using the form below! Thank you for visiting our website. I hope you find inspiration as you explore our organization's mission and values.
Sincerely,
Angela Hein
Executive Director, Cut it Forward