Salvation Army Booth Centre Clients Get a Boost of Self-Esteem
For one day a group of men at the Salvation Army’s Ottawa Booth Centre had the opportunity to be pampered.
“Everybody deserves to feel worthy and is worthy of the help that’s out there,” said Eugene Schertzberg.
Schertzberg was one of over 80 clients of The Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre who attended the second annual Project Self Esteem at the Book Centre on Nov. 4.
Part of the centre’s Life Skills program, the day revolves around offering clients in the shelter who are committed to re-entering the workforce the opportunity to do so.
First there is a haircut and a shave or beard trim. Then the clients get to have their photo taken, offering them a professional head shot to help them in their search for employment. Members from the Causeway Work Centre to guide them in finding work as well as students from the University of Ottawa are also on hand to offer tutoring services if clients are trying to complete their General Education Development , as known as the high school equivalency test.
Partners helping out with the day included the School of Hair Styling Esthetics and Beauty, photos from Sean Sisk and make-up artists Corey J. Stone.
“It does make me feel better if I don’t have hair growing down to my shoulders,” said Schertzberg.
“Self-esteem is about how I look at myself and how I present myself to others. If I don’t have any self-esteem I don’t want to be involved or be a part of things.”
