By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Communities Organizing to Promote Equity, known as COPE, formed in 20
counties across Kansas this year to identify and reduce barriers to health and
wellbeing for all residents.
Barton County is one of the 20 counties that
formed the COPE group. COPE Lead Callie Miller said one social deterrent that
is underserved in the community is access to everyday things.
"The underserved community is already struggling," said Miller. "We want to do things that can help them have one less thing on their plate. We've learned that, with the underserved community, sometimes hygiene or things that those without financial issues take for granted, like haircuts for their kids."
To help those underserved, COPE has organized free back-to-school haircuts for
children 17 years old and under on Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Lox Salon and Furbs Hair Studio in Great Bend and 5th Street Hair
Studio in Ellinwood are participating.
"We got lucky and three businesses were extremely willing to participate in the event because of who it served," said Miller. "They were able to finagle their schedules to make it work."
The free haircuts will be offered on a first come first serve basis and are for
walk-ins only. COPE will offer prizes for the children while they wait for
their haircuts and drinks will be available as they leave.
Lox Salon - 1700 Main Street, Great Bend
Furbs Hair Studio - 2013 10th Street, Great Bend
5th Street Hair Studio - 315 E. 5th Street, Ellinwood
