UTICA — As the start of the school year approaches, Central New York Health Home Network took the initiative to eliminate some of the financial and emotional stress of ensuring that children have what they need to start the school year by offering free haircuts.

Central New York Health Home Network’s Restorative Integrated Youth Services program, which provides supportive services to youth and families in Oneida County, collaborated with three local hair salons/barbershops to offer “Back to School Hair Cuts” free of charge to youth and families.

Stylists at The Next Level Barbershop in New Hartford, Critter Maldonado, Niki Marie’s Salon, Olyvia Manella, and Style on Main, Isabel Casler, all donated their time and services to youths on Monday at the RIYS office in Utica.

“Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success,” said Kelley Bennett, director of county programs. “We at RIYS strive by lifting others.”

RIYS Project Manager Heather Schwamie said the RIYS team looks forward to coordinating and collaborating on other events to support the youth and families they serve.