By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Freeport Ministers Fellowship Alliance and SSM Health celebrate grand opening of community barbershop
Community barbershop opens after $50,000 launch funding from SSM
c-5-2-22-Freeport-barbershop-SSM
From left: Aaron Perry; Jane Curran-Meuli, President of SSM Health Monroe Hospital & Monroe Clinic Medical Group; Rev. Sam Newton; Jodi Miller, Mayor of Freeport, and members of the Greater Freeport Partnership gather for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in honor of the community barbershop’s grand opening.

FREEPORT — Community partners gathered on Friday, April 29, for the grand opening of the Freeport Ministers Fellowship Alliance’s Barbershop in Freeport. 

The barbershop opens after SSM Health Monroe Hospital donated $50,000 to launch the program. This monetary gift aided in securing the location, renovations of the space, barbershop furniture and supplies. 

This community initiative connects residents with healthcare education opportunities and wellness resources all within the full-service barbershop. Located in the FA Read Building, 18 W. Stephenson Street, Suite 8, in Freeport, it is centrally located on the eastside and easily accessible for walkers and public transportation. 

At the barbershop, two barbers will provide full-services and a community health worker will be joining the team soon. The community health worker will schedule healthcare screenings, plan and facilitate education sessions and be the connection between clients and healthcare providers. They will also be an advocate and navigate people with their day-to-day needs by sharing community resources for other needs such as access to food, housing, employment, spiritual connection and more. 

“Our partnership with the barbershop is a true representation of our Mission to reveal the healing presence of God as we create a new way to deliver healthcare in a way it was needed,” said Jane Curran-Meuli, President of SSM Health Monroe Hospital and Monroe Clinic Medical Group. “This goes beyond health care and looks at the whole person and how we can help meet those needs.” 

Opportunities for healthcare workers to volunteer their time for screenings or services at the barbershop are available. To learn more, please email Tammie Jamiska, Community Health Specialist, at tammie.

jamiska@ssmhealth.com.