October 18th is a `Day of Beauty' That Is `More Than Skin Deep' for Volunteers and for Senior Residents at the Salvation Army Hollywood Silvercrest Residence.

News Editors/City Desks

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 7, 2003

For the residents of the Hollywood Salvation Army Silvercrest apartments, Saturday, October 18th, is a day where they are definitely going to be "sitting pretty." This is because local volunteers are going to give the residents, from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., free makeup demonstrations, manicures, haircuts and other hairstyling.

"The previous `Day of Beauty' at The Pasadena Salvation Army Silvercrest on September 20th, was a great success! We serviced about 20 women, some who had never had a day of pampering in their life," said Ms. Michelle Motley, Director of Volunteer Services for the Salvation Army Southern California Division. "We couldn't do this without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers."

One volunteer, Vickie Henderson, is especially glad to assist. Ms. Henderson, who runs the salon at P.A.T.H. (People Assisting The Homeless) in Hollywood, was once a person who was very much in need of assistance; Vickie is a recovering drug and alcohol addict. Thankfully, because of the emotional and financial support Vickie received from the Los Angeles Mission while in their recovery program, she was eventually able to enroll in beauty school. Ms. Henderson was then able to get back on her feet and become a licensed cosmetologist. When asked about her reasons for volunteering, Vickie stated: "I remember when I needed someone to help me -- to make me feel good about being alive. Sometimes seniors need to be reminded of that too, so how could I not help out ... how can anyone?"

The Salvation Army Silvercrest residences are one-bedroom apartments with kitchens. These residences, which are full and have waiting lists, enable senior citizens of modest means to live independently in an attractive and safe environment. Each of the seven Silvercrest residences -- located in Glendale, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Monica and Ventura -- has its own distinctive style and activities.

For example, most residences hold ESL classes twice a week, while others offer tai-chi workouts, so that occupants can continue to be in shape and/or become more flexible and coordinated. Still others hold monthly special events, like themed birthday parties or movie outings. "We try to think of ways to help our residents feel comfortable and happy," offered Major Barbara Ammann, Resident Administrator of The Salvation Army Hollywood Silvercrest. "Some guests don't have any family to speak of, so we become their family. Our jobs at the Silvercrest Residences help us to perform the mission of The Salvation Army: `... to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name ...'"

LOCATION:

The Salvation Army Hollywood Silvercrest is located at 5940 Carlos Avenue, (between Bronson and Gower Avenues).