Local Spa Giving Back To Abused Women

By John Voket

The month of May is usually a busy and happy time at Spa Mianra, the cozy salon tucked into the lower level at 33 Main Street. With Mother’s Day and the coming of warmer weather, most of the clients are upbeat.

But owner Amanda Maxwell-Brixius and her partner Amber Dawns both know that even fair weather and the annual celebration of motherhood cannot erase the pain of domestic abuse that has befallen thousands of women in Newtown and so many more throughout western Connecticut.

“For some, Mother’s Day is not a celebration because they’ve lost their children to domestic violence, or lost their home life,” Ms Maxwell-Brixius told The Newtown Bee this week. That is the reason why the pair is giving back to the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury, the regional domestic abuse organization that serves Newtown and many surrounding communities.

“In the past, I’ve been a victim of emotional abuse,” Ms Maxwell-Brixius said. “But more recently I’ve been so blessed with a wonderful husband and a successful new business, so I really wanted to help women who are not so fortunate right now.”

And while Ms Dawns has not personally experienced the nightmare of domestic violence, she has supported several close friends who have.

“I’ve recommended a few friends to the center for services,” she said.

According to its website, the organization was founded by volunteers in 1975 as a place where women could gather and explore ways to improve their lives; the Women’s Center quickly evolved as volunteers responded to community needs. Today, the Women’s Center provides safe haven and support to women, men and children through its Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Resource Services programs.

The Women’s Center staffs two 24-hour hotlines for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, providing crisis counseling as well as on-site response at area hospitals and police departments. And the center’s 13-bed shelter, Elizabeth House, offers refuge to women and children who must flee violence in their home.

Individual and support group counseling is provided for victims of domestic and sexual violence as well as those dealing with other major life crises. Services are also available for family members and significant others.

Advocacy services are available on both an individual and system level with Women’s Center advocates housed at both Danbury Superior Court and the Danbury Police Station. These intervention specialists are there for on-site counseling and safety planning strategies.

Outreach, education, and information programs are also provided to a wide range of audiences, from preschool children to senior citizens. And the center’s referral system consists of an array of supportive resources, including legal, medical, financial, housing, and mental health care providers.

“With everything the center is doing to help abused women, Amanda and I felt there was something we could do to give back,” Ms Dawns said.

So for the entire month of May, Ms Maxwell-Brixius is donating 25 percent of all her services, and Ms Dawns is offering 15 percent of her proceeds to the center. Then on June 1, the pair, along with neighbor Nasser’s Salon and beauty consultant Abigail Sanchez, will be welcoming more than a half-dozen clients referred by the Women’s Center into their businesses for an exclusive day of pampering.

And the pair will be presenting a check in the amount collected from their month’s effort.

“It’s amazing, because once we tell clients about what we are doing, everyone is receptive,” Ms Maxwell-Brixius said.

“Several have taken out their check books and made extra donations themselves to add to the amount we will present,” Ms Dawns added.

Ms Maxwell-Brixius knows that anyone who has weathered the pain of domestic violence has to feel bad, but she hopes that a few hours of pampering, hair and nail treatments, and a makeover will help these victims see themselves in a better light.

For more information about services available tied to the donation program, or to drop a direct contribution to the Women’s Center, contact Spa Mianra at 270-1500 or visit www.spamianra.com.