The Elite Cosmetology School in Yucca Valley has launched an ambitious plan: to build a student community that supports victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and those facing homelessness. Reporter Heather Clisby has the details…
When the owners of Yucca Valley’s Elite Cosmetology School, Maurice DiVirgillio and Jodi Hussey, realized many students were abuse survivors and living in their cars, they were deeply concerned. After joining forces with students Ashley Gaona and Katlyn Beardshear and staff members like Elizabeth Schmelling, they launched a Gofundme for The Elite Red String Project, named for the multi-cultural tradition of red string bringing safety and wisdom.
Beardshear, a native of Barstow, sees an immediate need for the project.
“Something that I’ve noticed since I’ve moved here is that it’s impossibly hard to find some housing for the people that are less fortunate.”
With a goal of $800,000, they hope to purchase land and build a small community of homes, where some students will live rent-free for a time.
Barber student, Ashley Gaona, set up the Gofundme page and has a personal connection to the issue.
“Now the owners are like, ‘We need you. We know that you’ve been through this. We know that you have a history with it. We know that through you, others won’t be afraid because you’re not afraid to share your story, you’re not afraid to put yourself out there. And we want you to reach out to others and let them know they’re not alone, they don’t need to be afraid, it’s okay. Someone’s here and we want to help.”
The school’s registrar and admissions rep, Elizabeth Schmelling, a native of Yucca Valley, is optimistic about the fundraising effort.
“This community is a very diverse community. The demographic here is extremely diverse as well and seeing something like a problem of homelessness or domestic violence or sexual assault and being able to do something about that for a community – even as small as this one – who knows where it’s going to go?”
