School & Family Magazine Newstand Iredell-Statesville Winter 2017 | Page 14

A Day of Pampering
Typically, women and children living in shelter situations are not used to receiving a day of pampering
and luxury. That all changed for the women from My Sister’s House, which offers safe sanctuary and a
place of healing for those in need.
Kerry Baker, School Resource Officer for the Career Academy & Technical School (CATS), knew that
the month of October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and, in an attempt to raise awareness
of this dark social issue, he approached the students at CATS about providing an avenue to serve their
community. When he suggested a special day for the guests at My Sister’s House, the students were all in!
The Career Academy, with its many specialized programs, was and is perfectly situated to host such an
event. Guests were treated to manicures and pedicures by students, “shopping” in one of the classrooms
for clothing, had their automobile’s fluid levels and brakes checked by students in the Automotive
Technology program and were instructed in the proper use of a fire extinguisher by students studying
fire science. Culinary students prepared lunch, and nursing students made first aid kits and did health
screenings for everyone in attendance. Small children were carefully watched over by teaching staff and
a crowd of adoring CATS students who also treated them to games, face painting and pumpkin painting.
Classrooms were decorated with the hope that all the guests would feel most welcome and very special.
Officer Baker’s hope for this day was to “make the women at My Sister’s House aware of the amazing
programming at the Career Academy. Domestic abuse is fueled by lack of education, and if we can provide
opportunities for their children as they enter school, we can break this cycle.” Well said, Officer Baker.
12 Iredell-Statesville School & Family