Styling mannequin hair has become the favorite activity, and participants also enjoy getting manicures or relaxing in the massage chair.

A $2,294 grant from the Brighter Tomorrow Foundation made the salon and spa learning space possible. The program serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and all 37 people enrolled have tried at least one salon or spa experience.

Equipment purchases were completed in February, and the salon was fully outfitted shortly afterward. It is now used daily.

Team members guide participants through everyday personal care routines. Each person chooses activities, and instruction reflects the support they need.

In a project report, Cari Oehlenschlager, senior services manager at Graceworks Enhanced Living, reported that 90% of participants met the personal care skill improvement outcome, exceeding the program’s target of 85%.

“Participant enthusiasm has exceeded expectations,” Oehlenschlager wrote. She also noted more conversation and participants encouraging one another during salon and spa sessions.