New Bedford Salon Owner Wants Kids to Feel Seen This Summer

When summer break begins, a lot of attention shifts to keeping kids fed, active and safe. One New Bedford salon owner believes there's another piece of the puzzle that's often overlooked: helping children feel confident.

That's the inspiration behind "Snip Into Summer," a free community event taking place Sunday, May 31, on Acushnet Avenue thanks to Renew & Restore Beauty. They will provide free haircuts, food, drinks, face painting, games, prizes and family-friendly fun for local children and families.

For salon owner Monique Gagne, the idea came from noticing how many organizations rally around students before the school year begins, but fewer focus on kids once summer vacation arrives.

"I really felt like all the salons always do back-to-school haircuts, but then the kids get lost in the summer," Gagne said. "Nobody thinks about them until it's time to go back to school."

A Community Coming Together

The event is a collaboration between Renew & Restore Beauty, 787 Barbershop, Love The Ave, PACCA, Shishka Lemonade and several other local partners.

Renew & Restore Beauty will provide haircuts for girls, while 787 Barbershop will handle cuts for boys and men. PACCA will serve hamburgers and hot dogs, Shishka Lemonade will provide drinks, and families can also enjoy face painting, raffle giveaways and activities throughout the afternoon. Everything is completely free.

"The whole idea behind the salon and everything is being able to instill confidence where there is none," Gagne said.

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More Than Just Haircuts

Gagne is no stranger to giving back. Last year, she provided 72 free haircuts for students in Fall River Public Schools and has also volunteered services for people experiencing homelessness.

She said the cost of children's haircuts can be a burden for many families, especially heading into the summer months. "For parents, it's so hard," she said. "Nobody can pay $50 for a kid's haircut or $40 for a boy's haircut."

Creating a Few Hours of Joy

More than anything, Gagne hopes the event gives kids a chance to simply enjoy being kids.

"I feel like this generation, they're just stuck in such a hard place in this world," she said. "The hope for this idea is just to have a couple hours where kids can just be kids and we can just love up on them."

The free Snip Into Summer Block Party takes place Sunday, May 31, from noon to 5 p.m. at 1364 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford. Families are welcome to stop by for a fresh haircut, a meal and an afternoon built around community, confidence and kindness.