Fades4Foster
MISSION
To provide foster parents access to free professional services from a licensed cosmetologist and barber experienced in caring for African American hair. Too often African American children are placed in culturally different homes where foster parents may not know how to care for or where to find the right services.
OUR STORY
With more than 20 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist and barber specializing in African American hair, Tiffany's career has always centered on providing culturally competent, identity-affirming care. As a foster parent, currently in the process of a transracial adoption, Tiffany quickly recognized how essential it is for children to receive hair care that respects their unique needs and backgrounds. During foster parent trainings, Tiffany engaged many white foster parents who expressed difficulty finding appropriate services and feeling unsure about how to properly care for the hair of the African American children in their homes. These experiences highlighted a significant gap in accessible, culturally specific grooming services for foster youth and inspired her to create a solution that supports children, caregivers, and the wider foster care community.
WHY GIVE
African American children often struggle to access grooming services that understand and support their cultural hair needs—an essential part of identity and self-esteem.
Across Summit, Cuyahoga, Stark, Portage, and Trumbull counties—an area with more than 3,600 children in foster care— we believe our program is positioned to serve an estimated 150–250 African American foster youth each year with free, culturally competent haircuts. This reach represents meaningful support for hundreds of children who often lack access to specialized grooming services. By providing professional, trauma-informed care at no cost, we will help to relieve financial and logistical burdens for 60–120 foster families annually, while contributing approximately 1,500–2,500 volunteer service hours. Collectively, this translates to $3,000–$10,000 in annual savings for families and agencies, alongside significant improvements in children’s confidence, cultural identity, and overall wellbeing.
Underserved niche
Few organizations specifically address hair care equity within the foster care system, especially for African American youth whose needs are distinct and often unmet.
Cultural significance
Hair is deeply connected to cultural identity in the African American community. Fades to Foster supports this identity in an affirming, respectful way.
VALUE DRIVEN
A. Value to African American Children (Primary Beneficiaries)
• Strengthens cultural identity through hair care that reflects and honors their heritage.
• Boosts confidence and belonging, especially in school and social settings.
• Reduces stigma by ensuring children have consistent, high-quality grooming.
• Supports emotional wellbeing with positive, affirming interactions with stylists.
• Teaches self-care and pride in their natural hair.
B. Value to Foster Families
• Lowers the financial burden of specialized hair care.
• Removes logistical barriers of finding culturally competent stylists.
• Supports caregivers who may feel unsure about how to care for textured hair.
• Improves family relationships by helping children feel seen and valued.
C. Value to Foster Care Agencies
• Fills a critical cultural care gap, supporting holistic wellbeing.
• Enhances services provided to families without additional agency resources.
• Shows commitment to cultural responsiveness, improving agency outcomes.
• Creates reliable referral pathways for hair care needs.
D. Value to our organization
• Providing meaningful community impact through specialized skills.
• Strengthening community ties, especially as a local minority owned businesses.
• Allows me to mentor youth through positive cultural connections.
E. Value to Donors and Supporters
• High-visibility, culturally significant impact—the transformation is immediate and meaningful.
• Direct, tangible use of funds, supporting events, supplies, and partnerships.
• Alignment with racial equity and child wellness initiatives that many donors want to support.
F. Value to the Community
• Promotes cultural pride and identity among African American youth.
• Builds supportive networks between nonprofits, salons, barbershops, and agencies.
• Strengthens community resilience by uplifting vulnerable children.
