At-risk teens enjoy spa day

A day of beauty for at risk and trafficked youths took place Feb. 19 at Penton House Salon and Day Spa in Pace. Pictured are event organizers, facilitators and masked teenage girls. Top row, from left, are Hailey Currington, Tracie Esmond, unidentified teenager, Caroline Gibson, April Dukes and Ryan Bullard. Bottom row: Asibi Carnegie, two unidentified teens and Abby Chilcutt. [Special to the News Bulletin]

CRESTVIEW — A number of at-risk and trafficked teenage girls recently received a day of pampering.

Tracie Esmond and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice in Crestview's Ryan Bullard spent months raising funds for the event, which took place Feb. 19 at Penton House Salon and Day Spa in Pace.

“During the event, local girls were given the opportunity to receive haircuts, styling, hair dying, manicures and pedicures, and makeup,” a media release stated. “Many cosmetology professionals were on site to provide services to these youth at no charge. The youth were treated to pizza and snacks at the salon.”

What were the benefits?

“The event supported a pro-social atmosphere for teen girls, the event served to allow at-risk and trafficked girls to feel better about themselves and enjoy a day of beauty with their peers, and the list could go on,” a media release stated.

What’s next?

“We are working closely with product manufacturers such as Paul Mitchell and Bare Minerals to acquire donated products for future events,” the release stated.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: At-risk teens enjoy spa day