Empowering Veterans, One Haircut at a Time

By Fallon Kingery

Here in Pickaway County we have a lot of wonderful, kind hearted people who have community on the brain. One such example is Kera, a hairstylist from Shears, who donates her time and expertise providing haircuts to veterans residing at PICCA’s Ohio House Transitional Veterans Shelter. Her generosity is not just about grooming hair; it's about restoring dignity, boosting self-esteem, and empowering veterans on their journey to a better future.

Kera and the veterans

The Ohio House Veterans Shelter serves as a sanctuary for those who have served our country but have fallen on hard times. For these veterans, finding stable employment and housing can be a daunting challenge. People like Kera understands that sometimes, a small gesture can make a world of difference. It's easy to underestimate the power of a haircut.

“We’re thankful to Kera and Shears for helping our veterans,” says Fallon Kingery, Community Services Director at PICCA. “A fresh haircut can be a fresh start for our veterans. By helping veterans look their best, she’s giving their confidence a boost, which can be a great help as they reintegrate into society and pursue opportunities that may have seemed out of reach before. Whether it's a job interview, a networking event, or simply a day out in the community, that boost can help them take on the challenge.”

Beyond the physical transformation, Kera's efforts have a profound impact on the mental and emotional well-being of the veterans she serves. Veterans often are overlooked, forgotten or marginalized by society, but Kera's kindness reminds them that they are valued and respected. Her genuine care and attention make each veteran feel seen and heard, restoring a sense of dignity that often becomes lost in this day and age.

In a world where negativity often dominates the headlines, stories like Kera's remind us of the power of kindness and the difference that one person can make in the lives of others. We’re thankful for community members like Kera and businesses like Shears that choose to care about their community and honor our veterans.

Shears is located at 214 W Main St, Circleville, OH 43113