A Life-Long Love of Animals Breeds New Opportunities

Christina Lough, a January 2022 graduate of The Grooming Project, said one of things she likes most about working as a groomer at The Salon in Lee’s Summit is the creativity to adapt a breed’s standard cut to a dog’s particular facial features. “What’s considered a...

Gaining Independence Takes a Group

Cassie Bratton struggled to regain her independence after an abusive relationship, until she met the group at The Grooming Project. Growing up, Cassie Bratton loved life, and she loved her dogs. Her days were relatively steady and normal. Until an abusive relationship...

Modeling What’s Possible

Aware of her own potential, The Salon manager, Christine Banks (left), wants to show other graduates of The Grooming School how to embrace opportunity. When 26-year-old Christine Banks was selected to the inaugural class of The Grooming Project in 2016, she was a...

As The Salon Expands, Hope Grows

Cassie Bratton, graduate of The Grooming Project, grooms a dog at The Salon in Lee’s Summit.  The real beauty of The Salon—a nonprofit “beauty shop” for pets in Lee’s Summit—is the fresh opportunity it provides its groomers. All employees—managers, groomers,...

On the Move

Local companies help students hit the road By Sarah Baum Kansas City is a car town. Imagine being a single parent without a car or a driver’s license, struggling to keep a well-paying job, accessing quality childcare, or buying your groceries. Solving daily...