Robs Barbershop Community Foundation Inc

Rob’s Barbershop Community Foundation (RBCF) was created in March 2000, by an Anne Arundel County Master Barber and barbershop owner, Robert W. Cradle. He created the organization when he realized that the residents of a local homeless shelter did not have access to affordable grooming products and services. Rob and his newly enlisted Board of Directors created the organization with a mission to raise funds to provide grooming services for the homeless and those living below the current U.S. poverty guidelines. By the end of 2012, the organization had installed barber/styling salons, provided grooming and hygiene supplies, equipment and grooming training sessions to nine (9) Maryland area homeless shelters, five (5) social service agencies and one  (1) Title One Public School. Since the Gifts for Grooming Program began in 2000, it has provided more than 18,839 no-charge grooming services for over 6,808 homeless and individuals living below US poverty guidelines.  RBCF has delivered over 85,000 units of grooming supplies to shelters and social services agencies and 770 grooming instructional sessions to its target population.  As a result, on 66% occasions, individuals receiving services through the program reported that they had received services that they otherwise could not afford and 30% indicated that they were able to attend school with a neat and clean appearance. On 20% occasions individuals indicated that they were able to attend job interviews with a neat and clean appearance. Since its inception, RBCF and its founder have received more than 27 awards and accommodations for creating such a program.  Most notably, the founder Robert Cradle was named People Magazine’s “Hero Among Us” for July 21, 2008.  In 2011, Robert was honored as the American Red Cross’ “Hometown Hero”, in 2012 honored as Allstate’s as its "Give Back Hero" and featured in Ebony Magazine’s August 2012 issue.