Middletown commissioners move to revive student haircut program, focus on referrals and special‑needs access

At its July 31, 2024 meeting the Middletown Human Relations Commission discussed plans to restart a year‑long student haircut program that would provide monthly designated days for free or low‑cost haircuts at participating local barbershops and hairdressers.

Chair Amy Fernandez urged the commission to treat the idea as an ongoing wellness program rather than a one‑off event. "It's not just a quarterly thing. It's not just people need haircuts and sometimes that helps a person," Fernandez said, adding that consistency can help students' confidence and school engagement.

Commissioners discussed logistics and eligibility. Members agreed counselors should control referrals so the program reaches students with demonstrated need rather than relying on self‑selection. One commissioner said the program should serve students from Middletown High and nearby schools and suggested rotating participating shops so no single small business bears the full workload.

A participant described the challenge of taking a special‑needs child to a haircut appointment and urged the commission to plan accommodations. "It took all three of us to hold him down," the participant said, recounting a recent appointment for a 4‑year‑old with special needs. Commissioners responded that counselors would be central to identifying students who need special arrangements and that any in‑school or school‑referred activity would require confirming licenses, safety procedures and school insurance coverage.

The group discussed specific partners and locations mentioned during the meeting, including barbers who have run earlier pop‑up cuts at schools and a South Main Street shop near Middletown High. Commissioners said they would contact local barbers such as Raheem and other business owners, develop a referral process with school counselors, and assemble a roster of willing shops and hairdressers. The commission emphasized verifying barber/beautician licensure and consulting the health department and school insurance officials before launching services tied to schools.

Next steps: commissioners asked members to compile names of barbers and hairdressers willing to participate, coordinate a schedule with Mr. Williams and school counselors, and return with a proposed rotating monthly schedule. The commission also discussed recognition or in‑kind acknowledgments for participating businesses once the program is operational.

The commission did not take a formal vote on program launch at the meeting; members directed staff and volunteers to continue outreach and planning.