Beyonce Knowles Gives Recovery Addicts Hope With Cosmetology Centers

Fri, 05 March 2010 23:26:54 ET

The 'Single Ladies' hitmaker explains the reason why she chose to fund a beauty school during the launching of the Beyonce Cosmetology Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Extending a helping hand to the recovering drug and alcohol addicts, Beyonce Knowles launches a beauty school, the Beyonce Cosmetology Center. On Friday, March 5, the "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" singer made a special visit to the Phoenix House in Brooklyn, New York for the opening of the center.

When taking the podium during the opening ceremony, the 28-year-old songstress explained why she chose to fund the cosmetology center. "I felt like they needed something that was geared towards women - something that would teach them skills that would give them hope even after the Phoenix House," she said.

Sharing her experience growing up around a beauty parlor since mother Tina Knowles owned and operated a salon, Beyonce elaborated, "I saw that a salon was a place for women to socialize, share stories, cry, laugh and get advice." She added, "Most importantly, I saw the joy it brought my mother, knowing she was a part of their transformation." In the end, she said, "It's a very proud day for me and my mother."

Of Beyonce's involvement, Phoenix House President and CEO Howard Meitiner said in a statement, "We were thrilled when Beyonce and her mother Tina approached us about creating a cosmetology center for our clients." He went on to say, "Their generosity and compassion toward the men and women we serve is extraordinary. With this tremendous gift, they have given our clients a route to achieve successful, rewarding lives in recovery."

Beyonce Knowles got familiar with Phoenix House, the non-profit provider of substance abuse treatment and prevention services, when she was preparing for the role of Etta James in "Cadillac Records". Before coming up with the idea for the new cosmetology program, the wife of rapper Jay-Z has donated her acting salary from the film to support the organization.