Area salons are coming together for the ninth year in a row to help others in the annual Cut-the-Risk event January 17 to benefit the “Women At Risk” program of the Western Carolinians for Criminal Justice. On that day, participating area salons and spas will donate their services at reduced rates.

Make an appointment for a haircut or spa treatment knowing that while you pamper yourself, you also benefit some of WNC’s most vulnerable individuals. Women At Risk offers mental health and substance abuse treatment and provides the only gender-specific, state-licensed, out- patient sentencing alternative for North Carolina women.

The cost is the same for all participating salons, with a haircut and style for $25, half-hour services for $40 and one-hour services for $75. Half-hour and hour-long services include manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, and electrolysis. Appointments can be scheduled by call- ing 774.2485. You may also purchase an appointment for a Women At Risk client as a charitable contribution.

Carla Stahl, owner of Chestnut Hill Salon and Spa, has participated in Cut-the-Risk benefit since its inception. “It is a program I truly believe in,” says Carla. “Chestnut Hill Salon and Spa, along with many other salons in town, have helped raise more than $10,000 a year for the Women At Risk Program. It’s the least we can do to give back to our community for the support Asheville has given to us as a small business. This is a worthy program, plus it just makes good sense!”

A large majority of Women At Risk clients have substance abuse and mental health issues, live in extreme poverty, and come from backgrounds with traumatic abuse. It’s not only the women who benefit from the program, but their children as well. More than 80 percent of the clients are single mothers and studies show that children with incarcerated parents are six times more likely to be incarcerated than their peers.

For appointments, call 828.774.2485. To learn more about the program, visit wccj.org.

Participating Spas and Salons: