Free Haircuts provided at Rosewood Initiative’s community and Wellness fair by Bishops Portland
Established in 2009, the Rosewood Initiative is a place-based nonprofit that supports community-driven solutions for a healthier Rosewood neighborhood located in east Portland. In recent times, the area has been beset with a high concentration of poverty, high crime, unsafe streets and inadequate public transit, parks and other amenities. Schools in the Rosewood area are struggling with education and health outcomes that fall below the regional averages. Additionally, local jobs and businesses to serve neighborhood needs are few and far between. Many buildings, both commercial and residential, are neglected and in poor condition. Residents generally have fewer opportunities to live a high quality of life compared with people in other areas of the Portland Metro region.
On May 17th, the non-profit held their 2nd annual Health and Wellness Fair in honor of Mental Health Awareness month. 225 participants were able to receive free services ranging from Acupuncture and health screenings to light massage and fitness demonstrations. Also in attendance to lend some levity to the event was Caesar the no Drama Llama, who routinely makes not for profit event appearances throughout Oregon.
Several stylists from Bishops Portland were also on hand to provide free haircuts to 25+ attendees.