ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Monday, Escanaba businesses helped some special clients prepare for a big evening in their honor.
Pathways Community Mental Health provides services for adults and children throughout the U.P. with mental illnesses and intellectual or developmental disabilities. Pathways members attended their annual prom at the Island Resort & Casino Monday evening, but first, they made a trip to Delta Hair Company for a day of beauty.
“I have quite a few clients that go through Pathways or just work with the Pathways community,” said Delta Hair Company owner and stylist Christa Madgwick. “This year, we have all of our stylists involved, so we created a huge event, kind of like a pre-party for them.”
Stylists helped each client choose the hairstyle, nails, and makeup that would best suit their prom outfit, making them look and feel their best.
“We have glitter, we have tinsel, the sparkle makeup, we have it all for them,” Madgwick said. “A cute hairstyle and makeup can do huge wonders for somebody’s self-esteem, make them feel more confident and just as special as they are on the inside as the outside.”
Amp’D UP Entertainment was on site to capture the finished looks, as well as the memories.
“We just find it a really interesting and fun way to give back to the community and people that really need it,” co-owner Justin Wyckoff said. “I hope they leave feeling like a million bucks. It’s all about making it fun, special, and memorable for them.”
The day was a special treat for prom attendees like Melissa Anderla.
“I got my nails painted, I got my hair braided and curled, I got makeup done, and they gave me free soda, a free snack,” she said.
Anderla says she felt pampered, special, and more than ready to show off her look at the prom.
“It feels awesome,” she said. “They do a good job here. I’m over-excited. I’m nervous as heck, but I know it’s going to be a good thing.”
“I hope they leave here with a bigger smile on their face than what they come in with,” said Madgwick.
Visit pathwaysup.org to learn more about Pathways Community Mental Health.