Helping battered women realize the beauty they have inside them is just part of the goal of the Miami Rescue Mission.
On Monday, the organization helped the residents of the emergency homeless shelter bring out their external beauty with a "Beauty Day" that would make the "Sex and the City" cast green with envy.
With the help of 10 estheticians who volunteered from the American Aesthetics Association Inc., the Center for Women and Children was transformed into a cosmetic paradise.
Women living at the center were treated to facials, hair and skin treatments and even manicures and pedicures for no charge.
"They were so excited," said Loida Divine, manager of the center. "The women don't have the cash to get some of the things done so the moms got spoiled for a morning. They were very appreciative of the women who volunteered their time to do this."
Many of the women at the shelter were forced there by domestic violence and some have children living at the Miami Rescue Mission. Divine said the idea came about as many others do at the homeless shelter, with people wanting to give back with more than just a money donation.
Others have offered to teach finance and nutrition classes, and this time a group of beauticians pitched the Beauty Day idea, which will happen once a month.
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Divine said the "Beauty Day" was a glimpse at what could be when the women get back on their feet.
"We work with them daily and tell them that the beauty on the inside is more important, but when you are looking for jobs, presentation has a lot to do with it." she said. "If you take some time to take care of yourself and look presentable, you feel better about yourself."
If you have an idea and want to help out, call the Miami Rescue Mission at 305-571-2273.
