‘It’s a transformation’, Visionary Youth gives kids more than just free haircuts as school starts
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – One Lincoln group is giving kids more than just supplies as school starts up again; the nonprofit Visionary Youth is helping children to succeed.
Founders KB Mensah and Dr. Lawrence Chatters started Visionary Youth in 2013 as a way to help families during the holidays with food, toys or whatever else was needed.
One of their first events was giving out free haircuts and backpacks; now in its fourteen year, the event has evolved into what they call a ‘well-oiled’ machine.
Starting out with about 10 to 15 barbers and stylists…
“Now, we’re up to about 110, for 2,000 people being in the space, up to 500 to 600 haircuts being done within that 24-hour period,” said Chatters.
“I mean, it’s amazing to me. It formally marks the beginning of the school year here in Lincoln,” he said.
Dr. Lawrence Chatters serves as president of Visionary Youth; having a Ph.D. in child psychology, his expertise is in helping youth overcome mental health challenges.
He says the work he does is ‘leveling the playing field,’ and the group’s events are part of that mission too.
“If everybody out there can think about the first day of school, there’s a lot of anxiety around [it],” he said.
“One of the toughest things for young people who don’t necessarily have the financial support to have those things to go back to school is just feeling like, gosh, I don’t even have enough to get to school with those standard things that I need, whether it be rulers or folders or whatever,” said Chatters.
“And then the other piece is your appearance, right? Our appearance means a lot to all of us,” he said.
The annual event happened on Sunday, Aug. 2 this year at the College of Hair Design, and in partnership with the Malone Community Center.
Free backpacks were handed out, filled with supplies but also with underwear, socks and vouchers for new shoes.
Anyone who didn’t want to receive the free haircut that day, was given an additional voucher to get the haircut on a different day.
Chatters describes seeing relief on the face of parents and joy radiating from their children.
“For me, as I think about my kids and all the things that I want for them and always have wanted for them, having an opportunity to serve and having an opportunity to give them that confidence, has been amazing for our organization,” he said.
Visionary Youth’s executive director, KB Mensah, called the day magic.
“It’s a transformation, just to be able to see them when they come in timid, not wanting to talk and just to get to open them up to a haircut, that right there shows the progress that goes on,” said Mensah. “Pay it forward, they’ll pay it back.”
A lesson taken from his own life story.
“A single parent took care of [us]. We had 10 other siblings, so just to be a single parent, we went to these places and organizations to get this help,” said Mensah.
“I said, you know what? I want to be able to take care of my family and one day be able to help those who helped me in the community. I want to pay it forward. That’s all I believe in doing is just paying things forward that has been paid to me,” he said.
Tom Schroeder is of the barbers helping him do that; he volunteers at the free haircuts and backpacks event because of the kids but also for KB.
“KB is so much more than a mentor. He just looks out for you,” said Schroeder.
“He puts his heart and soul into what he does, and he’s got a heart of gold. I mean, you know, you want to make him proud,” he said.
As for the haircuts that KB gives? A thing of pride for his clients.
“I feel great, I feel new,” said Tariq Goode, who has been getting his hair cut by KB for 13 years.
Goode told Channel 8 that he “100%” recommends his haircuts.
Visionary Youth is also helping youth throughout the school year too.
They give out free turkeys with all the fixings in November and host holiday gift giveaways in December.
The group also has a mobile van offering haircuts and free counseling year-round; giving the community a lot to look forward to.
