“This is Christmas time, people aren’t going to help me.”
That’s what 61-year-old Alice “Cheryl” Livers told her friend and colleague Lena Talley last week when the two women discussed Livers’ financial burdens after undergoing replacement surgery on both her knees.
Both women work in an industry dominated by men. They are professional barbers. Livers spent the first 35 years of her career at Mack’s Barbershop and the past five at Big D’s Barbershop, both on the Eastside of Indianapolis. Talley has spent her entire 38-year career at Leon’s Barbershop located in the Martindale/Brightwood area. Both Livers and Tally are the only female barbers at their place of employment.
Like many other careers, their industry doesn’t have a union or other incentives such as IRAs and 401(k)s. While it’s an unfortunate circumstance, it’s also a gruesome reality for millions of individuals in America’s workforce.
When Livers was released from the hospital after a lengthy stay, she faced considerable challenges that exceeded her health.
“My hot water tank went out, carpet throughout my house has to be replaced, and nearly three feet of all my walls have to be replaced because of (extensive) water damage,” explained Livers.
While she had insurance, it wasn’t enough to cover the nearly $12,000 in damage. That’s when Talley stepped in. The tenacious woman decided to orchestrate a fundraiser that would involve some of the barbershops in the city that have been around for decades.
“She’s one of our colleagues and she was in trouble and needed help,” stated Talley. “The time of year really doesn’t make a difference when people are in need. The ones who are going to help are going to help regardless of the time of year.”
The fundraiser to benefit Livers will take place now until the middle of February. Anyone wishing to contribute can drop donations off at Leon’s Barbershop, 3044 N. Sherman Dr. There will also be an opportunity for patrons of four other barbershops to donate (see sidebar). At the conclusion of the fundraiser, all money will be collected and presented to Livers.
“I cried when I (learned) what Lena was doing for me. I’m thankful that she thought of me. People are always asking for something, so you give because that’s all part of it. But when someone asks me if they can help, that’s different. I’m very thankful,” said Livers who suffers from degenerative arthritis in both knees and ankles as well as her thumb, lower back, and right shoulder.
“We’re living in a time and age where we need to get back to the old landmark of helping each other and not fighting against one another. We used to have that concept as Black people, but we don’t anymore,” said Talley. “It’s not all about ‘you,’ it’s about helping your fellow man when they are in trouble.”
Since barbers don’t have unions or human resource people on staff to help with various financial plans, Talley suggests getting a financial advisor and saving as much money as possible.
“Ask an advisor to create a plan for your future. In this business you can have a good day followed by two bad days. Learn how to put into your saving funds for your benefits. You definitely need to have that.”
