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Determined South Side Advocate Cuts Through Coronavirus Restrictions To Serve His Community

Credit Julia Meek/WBOI
All five chairs at the Unity Barber Shop stand empty, waiting for restrictions to be lifted so that business can resume.

Through the Unity Barber Shop on the city's south side, its owner, Foundation One has provided a vital community connection for nearly thirty years.

An understanding ear, sound advice and mentoring are among the list of staples this iconic business is known for providing to its regular customers, and most importantly, a voice is there to give folks who otherwise wouldn't have one.

Credit Julia Meek/WBOI
Hundreds of letters from men doing time and their families attest to Foundation One's support and solidarity.

When his daily operations were temporarily halted by Coronavirus pandemic restrictions, this dedicated social advocate wasted no time finding ways to keep things in motion and accommodate the population he serves, in and out of the barber chair.

WBOI's Julia Meek checked in with Foundation by phone this week to learn the depth of his outreach work these days and how he manages to carry on his mission despite the added challenges.

You can connect with Foundation One through the Unity Barber Shop Facebook page.

A Fort Wayne native, Julia is a radio host, graphic artist, and community volunteer, who has contributed to NIPR both on- and off-air for forty years. Besides being WBOI's arts & culture reporter, she currently co-produces and hosts Folktales and Meet the Music.
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