COMMUNITY PROGRAM OFFERS FREE HAIRCUTS TO FOSTER YOUTHS

A local community group and barbershop are partnering to give foster youths in San Diego free haircuts through May.

The People’s Association of Justice Advocates and Three Kings Barbershop in Lemon Grove will be giving out haircuts for the rest of the month to local foster youths and emancipated foster youths up to age 21 for National Foster Care Month.

“Whether you’re graduating high school, or you’re going into the summer and trying to interview for a job, having a good, clean haircut is really important,” said Shane Harris, president and founder of the People’s Association of Justice Advocates.

Dandre Moore, founder of Three Kings Barbershop, says haircuts are the perfect opportunity to talk to these kids and inspire them.

“They’re going to be the world’s leaders one day, so if we can sit them down in these chairs and talk to them ... change their perspective or their outlook, I’ll do it all day,” Moore said.

Harris is a former foster youth himself and says more needs to be done to help provide resources to meet their needs.

“We as a society must come together to challenge the system to be better and do better (for) these kids,” Harris added. “As a community, we must come together to positively step up and support them in helpful ways to assist them with their needs.”

The association will verify foster youths through San Diego County or via foster parents. Foster youths can register for the free haircuts at pajmovement.org/ nationalfostercaremonth.