Testimonials and Stories

We asked our guests, “What did this day mean to you?”

“Today I was no longer a survivor of domestic violence – yet a woman, again.”

“Today meant that not everything is lost. There’s people that care and are willing to give a helping hand in time of need. Thank you.”

“I really needed to feel pretty. Even though beauty inside matters most, we can’t forget about the outside.”

“I woke up this morning feeling I have nothing to look forward to and I came anyway, and for a couple of hours I relaxed and regrouped and realized that life is about trials. I’m confident to move forward to a brighter future.”

“This is a day which has not happened in years. Having children you always feel that everything is about them and I can always do it some other time. It was the first time I had a massage. Thank you and know you moved me to tears.”

“We still have life and we have to take care of ourselves no matter what we have passed through.”

“I will never forget this day because it made me feel so special and unique. I made peace within myself.”

“This day means to me a new beginning. I love all of the services provided here. God bless all of you. Thank you!”

“This is a very happy day for me – it’s a place where I can finally relax and feel happy.”

“This day meant that I can make it. I can go as far as I want to go. And I feel very strongly now that I am not alone. Thank you so much!”

“I’m gonna keep on trucking so they say!”

“Today was Liberation. Bonding. A boost of self-esteem. Blessings. Life as a woman, again!”

“Today gave me an insight that there are good people in the world who care.”

“It meant that I need to do more for me! This really boosted my confidence.”

“I actually thought about not coming today. I’m glad that I finally decided to come. I’ve seen women transform before my eyes. The makeup artists and hairstylists really did a wonderful job for each woman in here.”

Beauty Cares Volunteers share their stories and impressions …

“The story that sticks out in my mind is about the woman who came back to us three times for a massage. She said that it felt really good, but kind of strange to do something nice for herself. Usually she has to take care of the kids, cleaning, cooking, laundry and "life" before she ever has the chance to enjoy some alone time and take care of herself. After the second massage, she came back, with her hair and make up done … she was glowing and she had a huge smile on her face. Absolutely gorgeous!”
– Jeannine

“An experience that stuck with me was one of the women was having a hard time allowing her head to lean into the face cradle, which was fine, because as I worked on her it turned out that she was just ready to talk. She had a lot of feelings that were coming up for her, and she was ready to say them out loud to me. I kept massaging her as she spoke and just let her talk and offer some words of encouragement when I could. The power of creating a safe space, touch and open mindedness allowed her to release in a way that she needed.”
– Stacey

“Overall, it was an incredibly transformative experience for me and for the women of Safe Horizon. They seemed to feel that it was a safe enough and loving enough space to trust the process, and us. All of the women were, to some extent, hesitant at first, but by the time the massage was over the battle armor seemed to be shed and they were allowed to be in their bodies as themselves again. That was my experience across the board.”
– Stacey

“One of my clients was really trembling when she sat down for her makeover. As I began doing her makeup, I could tell by her reaction, the way she would cringe, that she had been hit in the face a lot. She never looked me in the eye. At the end of the day she came running up to show me her portrait. I nearly fell over. Who was this woman? Not the same one as several hours before. She was glowing, laughing, and posing in front of the camera with incredible confidence. It was hard to hide my tears.”
– Maria

“While I was doing hand reflexology on one of the women, she mentioned how much she had really enjoyed the chair massage she received from one of the massage therapists. She said that it felt a lot better than the massage she had been getting from her physical therapist. I asked this petite older woman why she was in physical therapy. She told me her abuser had thrown her into a porcelain tub and shattered her spine. I had no idea that the majority of these women are in physical therapy for abuse-related injuries.”
– Erika

“This event went beyond a makeover; it was a Transformation Treaty for the human spirit. Witnessing the love and support circulating at this event was the true gift and most definitely the vehicle for transformation. The massage therapists had the unique opportunity to see each guest upon arrival and departure. Some were apprehensive and unaccustomed to the gentle kindness they received in those first moments. THAT ALL CHANGED! After a few hours, many of the women looked and felt so confident they could have been the anchorwoman on the six o’clock news. As for us volunteers, we felt the joy, inspiration and blessings this day brought to all involved. I am grateful to have participated and look forward to future events with Beauty Cares.”
– Brenda

“I had no idea what to expect from the day and how the women would react once they were at the loft. When they arrived, so many looked lost and had a look of “I don’t want to be here.” Once the day got started, you could see the transformation to true relaxation, joy and sheer happiness. It was something I’ll never forget.”
– Camille

“These words come to mind: strength, caring, optimism, trust, hope and love.”
– Janice

“What I enjoyed the most about the day was to witness the women when they first came to the event. Most were shy and quiet but by the end of the day, they were smiling and laughing and truly enjoying themselves! This is what we wanted to accomplish, they felt good about themselves and their surroundings!”
– Louise

“This was fantastic! What I gained from this experience is that there is positive power to pass along to others. It is truly a great feeling to give. I believe all of us walked away yesterday feeling connected and happy in the positive feeling of giving and thank you for letting me be a part of that very special day.”
– Darci

“It would have to be the feeling of so many people reaching for a common goal and then achieving it: to make the women feel secure, loved, pampered and beautiful. The first glimpse of the pictures caught me totally off guard and made me cry, they were all so moving and beautiful.”
– Jeannine

“How this simple act of kindness brightened up their day. Seeing their confidence soar when taking their end photo.”
– Megan

“I really love helping the women there and they all had a great day. I know I did. It was a great event, and I would love to offer my service in the future.”
– Tom

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