So inspired by the experience, Natalie (last name withheld) donated 10 inches of her hair to Locks of Love during the Ladies’ Day Makeover.


From the outside in


breast cancer, Newport was scared and unsure about the future. Soon her world began falling apart. She started hanging out with the wrong crowd, dabbling in drugs and eventually landing in a rehab center. “When you are in rehab, it’s like clean- ing your house,” she said. “You feel so ugly as you work to put yourself together from the inside out.”


L


Drug-free for three years, Newport uses her experience to help other women in similar situations. Working with her congregation, Grace Evangelical Lutheran, Springfield, Ohio, Newport and her mom, Su-Ann, founded the Ladies’ Day Make- over program.


For the third straight year, Grace’s pro- gram has brought hope to some 35 women of all ages from rehabilitation centers in Dayton and Springfield. Newport believes helping women feel good on the outside aids their recovery on the inside.


Gerboth is director for communications at Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio.


14 The Lutheran • www.thelutheran.org


indsay Newport will never forget the journey that changed her life. Only 16 when her mom was diagnosed with


Participants enjoy “spa treat- ment” as they receive new hairstyles and manicures.


Ohio congregation offers makeovers for women in need Text by Karen Gerboth Photos by Erin Pence


Toward that end, the church converts its educational wing into a full-service salon with nail, makeup and hair stations. Participants can also choose from a wide selection of donated business attire and per- sonal wear, thanks to the generosity of parishioners. From gift cards and transportation for the women to assisting with the day’s activities, which include a worship service and dinner, Grace’s members share their faith, time, talent and treasure to ensure the event’s success. “When you see the transformation, it’s amazing,” said Bonita Holl,


Grace’s director of lay ministries. “For some, this is also the first time someone has ever talked to them about God.” For Cierra (last names of participants withheld), 23, the Sept. 18


event redefined her young life. “I feel like I’m going to cry,” she said. “No one has ever been this nice to me. Usually I cry because of pain, but today I’m crying for joy. ” Other participants were equally moved. Billie, 33, was 15 when she


started taking drugs. Now ready to graduate from her treatment pro- gram, she emanated newfound confidence in her gray pantsuit and sleek new hairstyle. “This is a new way of life for me,” she said. “I’ve never done anything like this,” said Natalie, 47, now in her 28th day at a treatment facility for her 16-year battle with drugs. “It feels really good.”


During worship, the tears on the women’s faces further affirmed the power of the day. Grace member Gail Welsh shared her story. At 16, Welsh rejected her mother’s advice to “be careful with the company you keep.” Alone and filled with hopelessness, Welsh recalled how in her darkest moment she felt like someone was trying to love her. “In all our sinfulness and ugliness, our Heavenly Father loves us when we invite him to live in our hearts,” Welsh told the women. “My story is one of hope, and I hope your heart was fed today.” 


For more information, contact Su-Ann Newport at 937-399-6257.


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