Generation Outreach, a local organization owned and operated by Justin Ortiz, has held a different event every Saturday during the month of October as part of his “#RememberOctober - 31 Days of Kindness” event series. Each event was given an event title and centered on a theme of community service and involvement. The last event of the month, held this past Saturday afternoon, was called Makeover Express.

Joy Community Church on Goodman St. was filled with local hairstylists and barbers, music, local youth and cameras as young boys and girls received head to toe makeovers. The haircuts and hairstyles were free, as well as the clothing that was provided for the kids.

“We’re giving young children new makeovers, and new outfits and new hairstyles,” Ortiz said. “We’re just giving them some confidence because they don’t normally get things like this. So, it’s definitely a blessing to them. We have groups like Phu Concepts sponsoring the clothing, Sharp Edgez Barber Institute sponsoring the haircuts, my wife Alexis and her friend Latrice doing the hairstyles for the girls. So, we’re here having a good time, and just trying to build the kids’ confidence by making them look good.”

The kids were chosen through Bethel Express, a group based out of Bethel Christian Fellowship Church on East Ave., led by Michael Peace. The group caters to children between the ages of six and 12, providing them with food, mentoring, academic and biblical teaching.

In addition, several aspiring barbers from the Sharp Edgez Barber Institute volunteered their time and skills to cut hair for the boys.

Richard Johnson, staff assistant instructor at Sharp Edgez said, “The school always wants to be able to help the community when we can, and haircuts are our way of helping. We want to make a difference and be an influence. Right here is a good opportunity because some of the kids might be inspired to be a barber or hairstylist by us being here.”

The girls were freshened up with new hairstyles by Ortiz’s wife Alexis Ortiz and Divas Design Hair Studio stylist Lachelle Roberts.

“I love doing hair. I was happy to agree when the opportunity came up. All of his events have gone really well this month. So, I’m happy,” Ortiz said.

Additional Generation Outreach events this month included:

Generation Outreach Community Event, Saturday, Oct. 5

Public Service Announcement Day, Saturday, Oct. 12

Generation Wipe Out, Saturday, Oct. 19

Makeover Express, Saturday, Oct. 26

“This month has gone really well,” Ortiz said. “We had a good amount of people show up to each event. We had great time with Lovely Warren showing up to the public service announcement event. The Rochester Police Foundation donated money for every event we had. We feel like we’re making a positive change throughout the city. Season two of Generation News is coming out Nov. 30 on CW 16. In January, we’ll be holding after school programs, teaching kids careers and trades, and mentoring them in financial literacy and employment etiquette. We just want to continue making positive changes for our city.”