PALENCIA MISSION: TRINITY RESCUE MAKEOVERS

Jacksonville, Fla. – On a recent Saturday afternoon women from Trinity Rescue Mission’s Women and Children’s Center were pampered like never before.

A delicious home-cooked meal, massages, haircuts… you name it—the women of Trinity Rescue Mission received it.

Trinity Rescue Mission has been serving the First Coast for over 40 years. The passionate staff consists of caring professionals whose lives and families have been transformed through the programs offered. Through various programs, homeless people from the street are able to restore themselves into active, self-sufficient members of our community.

Several community volunteers from Palencia and Hines staff hosted a day of hair, makeup and clothing makeovers. Lori Garrison of European Flair organized the event, which was held at the home of a Palencia sales team member.

Three hairdressers, two Mary Kay makeup consultants and a hairstylist-turned-masseuse for the day showered the women with new hairstyles, new makeup, new outfits and a piece of luggage filled with things to prepare their children for winter—clothes, turtlenecks, pajamas, hats and gloves. “It’s one less thing these mothers have to worry about getting for their kids when winter comes around,” Garrison said.

“The makeover day was truly a God send. From the moment the ladies walked in to the time of their departure, the love of God was exemplified,” said Trinity Rescue Mission case manager Holly Cunningham. “There was personal care and attention shown to each of them. I saw hope in their eyes mixed with tears as the recognition took place that someone actually cares about them.”

“The makeover day provided our ladies an opportunity to get pampered a little with some things that would be considered wants, not necessarily needs,” said Women and Children’s Center director Kim Wells. “This kind of event goes a long way in helping to restore dignity and a sense of pride in our ladies. They not only look great, they feel great and it shows in their attitude, countenance and outlook on life. They were truly amazed that women would take so much time coordinating such a special day just for them.”

This is the second mission event Garrison has organized this year for women of Trinity Rescue Mission. Palencia hosted a back-to-school pool party for their children and everyone took home school supplies, a new backpack and a new outfit. “A lot of these kids are wearing adult clothes that don’t fit them and are not age appropriate,” Garrison added.

Those who volunteered their time and services for the Trinity makeover day included Naomi Lumley, sales and marketing director for Hines at Palencia, Garrison and fellow Palencia residents Donna Johnson and Jennifer Tesori, Shear A Peel owner and hairdresser Terry Peel, LaTricia Drake, Jennifer Johnson and Jerry Bevard from EnStyle Hair & Nails, Mary Kay independent sales director Elsa Murphy, Katrina Watkins, Patty Preston, Bonny Childers, Nita Thompson and Nita Roberts-Sullivan as Mrs. Claus.

Trinity Rescue Mission’s Women and Children’s Center is one of four area charities benefiting from Palencia’s annual Season of Giving—which kicks off with the highly anticipated Holiday Showhomes tour. Builders Care, the St. Francis House and the Jacksonville Humane Society will also receive help.

“We have these beautifully decorated Showhomes but the women said they were too self conscious to come and see them. Now they are more self-confident and have been invited down for a catered lunch and a private tour,” Garrison said. “The makeover was a way to get these women some nice clothes and really boost their self esteem.”

The doors to the Palencia Holiday Showhomes are open through Dec. 15. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until 8 p.m. on Thursday’s and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

More than 20 designers from 31 Northeast Florida businesses are lending their decorative touch to the four European Collection model homes by ICI Homes located in Bella Terra at Palencia.

The new, luxury neighborhood will consist of ENERGY STAR homes featuring various European elevation options—Mediterranean, Old World, Tuscan and French Country—and will offer four spacious floor plans including the Versailles, Milan, Castillo and the Portofino.

Located within walking distance of Palencia Village, this new neighborhood with homes ranging from 2,400- to 3,944-square feet, introduces intricate architectural features including courtyard entryways, vaulted foyers, tiled roofs, wood and tile flooring and exterior balconies.

Several other events are scheduled for Palencia’s Season of Giving. Golfers from around the First Coast will have their chance to play Palencia’s private championship golf club, an intriguing and challenging course designed by Arthur Hills. A tournament is scheduled for Dec. 3 with a 12-noon shotgun.

On Dec. 8, Palencia is teaming with 1st Place Sports for a 5K Jingle Bell run throughout Bella Terra. You can get more information by visiting www.1stplacesports.com.

In lieu of admission to the Holiday Showhomes, Palencia will collect unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items. Other related events will be priced accordingly and all proceeds will benefit the above named charities.

For more information on the Holiday Showhomes, please call Palencia, (904) 810-0500.