Round-Up Your Change

Safenet Services’ annual campaign collects coins to help provide shelter and counseling to victims of domestic abuse.

By: Lorrie Ward | Category: In Our Communities | Issue: May 2014

The Glamour Girls committee includes (L to R):Tessa Freeman, Leisa Toops, Kristin Roseberry, Lacey Hendrix, Nancy Phelps, Layla Freeman, Germaine Watkins and Avery Roseberry.

Sometimes when we hear that change jingling around in our pockets or purses, we do not give it much thought. After all, those are just coins, right? How could mere pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters make any difference in a world where even a dollar bill is considered of little consequence?

But things can really add up when those little coins are thrown together into a united purpose – and that’s what the organizers of Safenet Services’ annual Round-Up counted on when they distributed 100 acrylic houses to 64 partnering locations across Rogers and Mayes Counties last year, encouraging people to “Round-Up” to the nearest dollar and put those loose coins to better use than collecting pocket lint.

“We adopted the Round-Up last year as a sustainability campaign after we moved into our new facility,” says Nancy Phelps, director of development at Safenet Services, which provides shelter and counseling services for the victims of domestic violence. “It’s wonderful how last year went and to see the things that are happening because of this event.”

It is so wonderful, in fact, that Nancy has been joined by Germaine Watkins and Layla Freeman, who are co-chairs of Glamour Gals, a pre-event created to help premiere the Round-Up, which starts May 15 and runs through July 31. Additional committee members include: Salon Chair Leisa Toops, Cindy Griffith, Deanna Parsons, Rhett Chanley, Edie Tolbert, Nichole Potter, Julie Simmons, Eva Norris, Cari Bohannan, Susan Todd, Driven Digital Team, Kristen Rosenberry, Lacey Hendrix, Robin Gordon and Rose Ann McCaw.

Glamour Gals started on April 21 and will continue through May 31. During this time, area salons are partnering with Safenet and offering glamour packages at discounted prices, with a portion of the proceeds set aside for Safenet Services. “As April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Mother’s Day, prom and graduation are in May, it seemed the perfect time to bring glamour and confidence to women,” says Layla. Premiere sponsors in Rogers County include Elizabeth Jean Salon, Eva’s Waterfall Retreat and Stonebrook Day Spa, and in Mayes County, Genesis Massage and Salon. Three packages are available. The “Annie Oakley” ($75) includes shampoo, cut and style with level 1 stylist, mani with gel nails and pedi by Elizabeth Jean Salon and Stonebrook Day Spa. The “Laura Ingalls Wilder” ($95) includes a 30-minute massage, full facial and brow wax by Genesis Massage and Salon in Pryor. The “Calamity Jane” ($150) includes shampoo, cut, style and color, mani with gel nails, pedi, and 30-minute massage by Elizabeth Jean Salon, Eva’s Waterfall Retreat and Stonebrook Day Spa. (Color includes one color or highlight upgrade for additional fee.) Other partnering salons are taking part in this event and will give back a percentage of their proceeds during April and May – look for the Safenet Round-Up logo for participating sponsors. Packages will be gift wrapped and available for purchase at Safenet partner location The District on Main, where the buyer will also be entered in a drawing for a $50 gift certificate. Pick-up location in Pryor will be at Robin’s Nest Flower & Gifts at 27 N. Vann. The buyer will be entered in a drawing for a fresh-cut flower arrangement.
To kick off the Round-Up in style, Cotton Eyed Joe’s in Claremore will host a Round-Up Barbeque Boogie on May 17, featuring barbeque, live music, and dancing for the entire family from 5 to 9 p.m.

Nancy has been overwhelmed by the support of local businesses and individuals who want to help break the cycle of abuse, which can last for generations. “We of course had great hopes for the Round-Up campaign when we implemented it – you always have such grandiose plans,” says Nancy. “But to see it come to fruition is so wonderful.” But even with all the excitement, she still notes that the little things count – like the Safenet Round-Up partner emblem. “One lady in an abusive situation went to a location for help because she saw the emblem there – and that is our whole desire, to help people know where they can come in any domestic violence situation,” she says. “It is worth it all to know we were able to help even one family.”

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