Kansas City, Mo. — (April 22, 2024) — Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City is launching a new partnership with  Klassic Transformations Barber Academy that kicks off on Wednesday, April 24 at 9:30 AM at their location (298 SW Blue Pkwy, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063).

The kick off will include a presentation from BBBSKC to the students and alumni of Klassic Transformations about the new partnership and an opportunity to get the students signed up to get involved.  The new partnership will provide Barber School students with ongoing exposure to the BBBS mission and Littles with access to learning opportunities, free haircut events, and job shadowing/tours. This innovative partnership aims to provide invaluable opportunities for both Barber School students and BBBSKC Littles, fostering mentorship, education, and community engagement.

The partnership will open doors for BBBSKC Littles, offering them access to a range of enriching experiences and resources. From educational opportunities and free haircut events to job shadowing and barbershop tours, Littles will have the chance to explore the world of barbering and cosmetology firsthand, empowering them to envision exciting career paths and pursue their passions.

Key initiatives stemming from this collaboration include:

• Signing Barbers up to be Bigs in the BBBSKC program.
• Discounted Haircuts: BBBSKC Bigs and Littles will enjoy exclusive discounts on haircuts at Klassic Transformations Barber Academy, fostering a sense of belonging and community within the barbershop environment.
• Back to School Event: As part of their commitment to supporting youth education, BBBSKC and Klassic Transformations will host a special Back to School Event, providing free haircuts to children in preparation for the upcoming academic year.
• Career Exploration Opportunities: A dedicated event will be organized for BBBSKC Littles interested in pursuing careers in barbering or cosmetology. During this event, participants can visit the barbershop, engage in informative tours, and receive firsthand insights into the career field and its myriad opportunities.
• Barbers being ambassadors for the mission by promoting BBBS to their clients on-going.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters is extremely excited to partner with Klassic Transformations on an on-going partnership to help recruit new mentors, expose our Littles to new opportunities and offer valuable resources to our Bigs, Littles and Families,” said Kristi Hutchison, CMO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City.  “Currently we have over 250 kids waiting for a Big in the BBBS program.  In the Eastern Jackson county area where Klassic Transformations is located there are 100 Littles waiting.  This partnership is a way to find great people in an area of high need to become Bigs as well as engage our Littles in new opportunities. A big thanks goes out to Board Member Dana Tatum for connecting us with the owners Terrell and Kannice who are coming alongside us as defenders of potential.”

Visuals from the event will include Barber students interacting with BBBSKC staff and Board members and kicking off the partnership.  Representatives from Klassic Transformations and Big Brothers Big Sisters will be available for interviews.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City (BBBSKC) works to clear the path to a child’s biggest possible future by matching them with a caring, adult mentor in a one-to-one friendship.  “Bigs” help “Littles” ignite, empower and defend their potential by standing with them.  Last year, 99% of the Senior Littles graduated high school, 83% reported improved self esteem and 71% reported improved grades since being matched.  For more information about BBBSKC, visit www.bbbskc.org.