Photo courtesy of Nettie Datcher.
Pink Project
Ms. T with her family, Hannah Home staff and Lew Burdette, president of King’s Home (King’s Ranch and Hannah Homes).
By LAUREN MORIARTY
Joyce Gibson knows what hopelessness feels like. After losing her home, car and job, she was tired and desperate for work to provide for herself and her son.
That’s where Ms. T came in. She provided encouragement and an interview outfit while helping Gibson polish her interview skills through her Pink Project, Suits for Success, and Jobs for Life programs. Now, Gibson is back on her feet with a new job.
“I would encourage anyone in a similar situation to contact Ms. T. The project can help them succeed and not give up,” Gibson said.
Ms. T, a U.S. 280 area resident, was recently faced with hardship herself. Targeted by a stalker, alleged incidents forced her family to relocate and completely change their lives. From how she gets her mail to how her children relate to their teachers, life is no longer the same.
Known affectionately as Ms. T to the women she works with, she is now further adept at helping those who find themselves running from abusive or impoverished situations. She can sympathize with fellow victims through her work at King’s Home Shelby, a shelter for abused or impoverished women and children.
From the moment Ms. T comes clacking in the room in her signature pink heels, the women realize she is there because she has a true desire to help them and understands what they are going through.
“There is a fear every day when you wake up that person will come back. Everything you were, everything you had has been scratched,” she said.
Ms. T has chosen not to let fear win. King’s Home Shelby residents flee abusive or destitute situations with little to no professional wear and few personal products. When the time comes to interview for jobs, many are running low on self-esteem and appropriate attire.
Ms. T’s program aims to increase a woman’s confidence. Each participant receives a facial, makeup, multiple classes and business wear. Classes include skin care, business etiquette and interview skills. Often, women have not previously had access to learning these skills or received the positive reinforcement and support the program provides, Ms. T said.
Ms. T’s has worked for a national cosmetics company for years. She has learned the art of makeup and is able to instruct women properly. Still, it’s not just a makeover. She wants women to know they are worthy and capable, things they have often not heard for a while.
“We teach them how to empower themselves,” she said. “One of the most influential items in a lady’s life is her ability to love herself and be self-motivated. Most of the ladies that experience abuse tend to lose their ability to love themselves.”
The first graduates of Jobs for Life walked across the stage in November to what Ms. T hopes is a brighter future ahead. Armed with a fresh hairstyle, increased job skills and a newly found confidence, these women are better prepared to move on from their difficult past.
Volunteers are always welcome to help with makeup, hair and the classes. Donations needed include toiletries, work clothing and accessories. To find out more information about donating and volunteering with The Pink Project and Suits for Success, contact pinkbeautybomb@yahoo.com.
Editor’s note: Due to circumstances mentioned in this article, Ms. T cannot reveal her full name for publication.
