This season, over 50 San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology (SFIEC) students have teamed up with iFoster to offer provide free hair cuts, discounted color services, facials, and more for foster families.

"iFoster is very grateful for the wonderful services SFIEC is providing to our foster children and youth this holiday season”, says Serita Cox, Executive Director of iFoster. “Having SFIEC’s professionals share their time and expertise with our foster families can change lives, both in terms of outward appearance as well as the self-confidence that comes with knowing the community is supporting them.”

iFoster launched in October of 2010 to bring the heroic caregivers and support organizations in foster care, kinship care, guardianship, adoption and juvenile justice together in one online community. iFoster’s focus is helping to close the economic gap between what it costs to raise a child ($1,086/month) and what child welfare and social services can provide to caregivers (less than 50% and 25% respectively).

Using the power of a growing community, now 20,000 members strong and collectively reaching nearly 2 million children and youth, iFoster searches, negotiates, conducts due diligence and brings in resources that meet the community’s biggest needs.

One of SFIEC’s top priorities is creating a culture of giving, and iFoster was more than happy to partner. “Our students understand how fortunate they are not only to have access to the basic necessities, but also to prepare for a career they love,” says Deedee Crossett, SFIEC Dean.

"SFIEC wishes to thank all who are reaching out this year to help make the holidays special for foster families," says Crossett. The SFIEC services will be available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout the season. For more information, please call (415) 355-1734 or visit online at www.sfiec.edu.