At a small brick building in Corryville, Vernon Jackson is doing something important. Once a month, when his business, Noble Barber & Beauty, is closed to other clients, Jackson opens his barber chair to children with disabilities. “I’m doing this from a place of love,” he said.

Jackson has been a barber at the shop for more than a decade and has had several clients with disabilities. With little time between hair appointments, it was difficult to give each client the proper time and attention. “It hit my heart because, under that pressure, I couldn’t give them the kind of haircut they need,” he said.

After kicking around the idea, a friend encouraged him to start “The Gifted Event,” which launched in August. On the third Monday of each month, Jackson reserves nine appointments for children ages 2-15 with developmental, physical or intellectual disabilities. So far, it’s been a resounding success.

Jenetta Thomas, whose youngest daughter has Down syndrome, was scrolling through Facebook when she came across a post for the first event. “With everything I was going through with my daughter, it struck me to see somebody say that they want to take the time and patience needed,” she said. “I reached out immediately to see how I could help because I’m connected with a lot of organizations in the community.”

With teamwork, they’ve been able to find sponsors, including Hamilton County DD Services, to cover the cost of the haircuts for all the children’s appointments. Seeing that support from the community has been affirming, Jackson said, but it’s nothing compared to the smiles from clients and parents.

“For parents, it’s someone that’s able to take care of their kid with patience. The kids receive a great haircut, and I am able to share my talent and my skill set,” he said. During one appointment, a young man kept looking at himself happily in the mirror. Another, on his way out, said “I love it here.”

Those moments, Jackson said, are why he is committed to continuing these appointments. And he credits Thomas with making “The Gifted Event” as strong as its been.

“Vernon has that passion, and everybody has been so responsive,” she said. “As a parent of a child with special needs, I know that all these kids and families need is that little push to help them keep going just a little bit further. It’s just knowing that somebody is there and cares for them.”

Noble Barber and Beauty is located at 2915 Highland Ave. Click here to book an appointment.