LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — A Mid-Michigan nonprofit is working to give the area’s teenage boys and young men a safe space to talk about mental health, build confidence and connect with mentors.
Child and Family Charities hosted its third “Barbershop Talk” session of the summer at their Drop-In Education Center Monday, giving young men like James Rosewood a chance to be heard in a judgment free environment — something he says he’s been missing.
“I ain’t really have a dad in my life,” Rosewood said. “It’s helping me to kind of build a structure for what I want in life for when I’m older and when I have my kids.”
Barber Jose Flores says the relationship built in the barber’s chair often opens the door to conversations that go far beyond the haircut.
“Barbershop is barbershop talk. It’s become a place because they’re comfortable. They’re vulnerable,” Flores said. “I’m using a straight razor on these guys, I’m using a real close trimmer on them, and they trust me. So it starts there.”…