Chicago pastor cuts hair and lifts spirits with free services and support
Chicago pastor cuts hair and lifts spirits with free services and support
A young Chicago pastor is using a barber chair to lift spirits. He not only makes people look better, but he is helping them heal from the inside out.
CHICAGO - A young Chicago pastor is using a barber chair to lift spirits. He not only makes people look better, but he is helping them heal from the inside out.
"I always consider the haircut as a byproduct of what really happens in this chair," said Pastor Leonard Smith.
He comes to the Grand Regency Supportive Living Facility in Jackson Park every other Sunday to cut hair, for free.
"Our motto is, it's not how we meet you, but how we leave you," he said.
What they're saying:
"They're all on a fixed income, so money is pretty tight for them, so when someone comes and takes time out of their day to do a service to the community, I think it's a blessing," said the facility's activity director Rena Jones.
The pastor travels, spending 12 hours a week volunteering his services at a variety of locations. Along with every free haircut, clients get resources on GED programs, housing for the homeless and addiction recovery.
"It empowers me, it makes me feel good on the inside," said resident Catherine Goodlow.
"I think if we all dig deep and really think about it, every human being has something we can offer to another," said Pastor Smith.
Pastor Smith is affiliated with the Peace Emmanuel Church out of Gary, Indiana. If you'd like to follow his journey, check out his Facebook page.
The Source: FOX 32's Natalie Bomke reported this story with a combination of interviews with Pastor Leonard Smith and facility residents.