“When you give, God gives you double,” says Raquel Minori, owner of Mama Bella’s Salon in Seabrook, TX, and recent donor to Assistance League of the Bay Area. Minori heard about Assistance League from several clients and made time to visit the resale shop to find out more. Not only did she purchase a few “treasures,” she visited with Terry Overcash and Carole Eitzen, her clients and Assistance League volunteers, about various chapter programs. Minori immediately offered her salon services to Assistance League’s Ready for Work participants who are getting back in the job market. “I am happy to donate haircuts, color, or any service to those that need it,” said Minori. “It would be a blessing to give back to my community.” Giving is nothing new for Minori. Her mother and grandmother taught her the importance of giving at a young age. “My family was active in church and we would give clothing, food, or whatever was needed to those in the community.” Minori opened Mama Bella’s salon in March 2007. After her husband passed in 2004, she wanted a change. She moved to Seabrook from Los Angeles, CA, in 2006 to be near her daughter, son-in-law and three grandkids. “I love living here and proud there are people who volunteer in Assistance League to help our community,” said Minori. “And I just want to help.” The Ready for Work philanthropic program offers an opportunity for men and women who are re-entering the workforce after a job loss or changed domestic circumstances to be attired in clothing that is required for the interview process and work environment. Assistance League provides interview and job-appropriate clothing to individuals who have been referred by Family Promise of Clear Creek, The United Way Greater Houston THRIVE Center or The Bridge Over Troubled Waters facility in Pasadena
