DECATUR - Keith Baker watched the locks of his scraggly, shoulder-length hair fall to the floor.

He smiled after being handed a mirror to see the new look.

"It does feel a lot better. The last time I sat in a barber's chair and had my hair cut was back in 2002," said Baker, 41, who has lived at Water Street Mission shelter for men since being released from prison in December.

Baker received his newly groomed appearance from Heaven & Earth Listen to People.

The not-for-profit agency was formed to provide free hair care and other salon services to the less fortunate.

The services include the usual shampoos, trims and haircuts, as well as nail care, hand and foot massages, facials and eyebrow waxes.

The agency specifically wanted to target the homeless, poverty-stricken, abused, mentally ill and formerly incarcerated.

"When you think about it, if you don't look the part when filling out a job application, you won't even be considered for employment," said Maeleen Byrd, executive director of the group and owner of Creative Visions Specialty Salon, 345 W. Prairie Ave.

Byrd, a former Decatur Housing Authority resident who was part of the Hope VI grant and Step-Up program in 2003, said there was a need for these services.

Byrd said starting the group was a way to give back to her community.

She incorporated the agency in October and set up a board. She is seeking grant funding. Byrd's staff includes Christine Byrd, assistant director, and Shareika Jackson, hair stylist and nail technician.

In the past two months, Heaven & Earth has been overwhelmed with clients after partnering with Dove Inc., Water Street Mission, the Salvation Army, Oasis Day Center, God's Shelter of Love, Grace House, Webster-Cantrell Hall, Northeast Community Fund, Good Samaritan Inn, Homeward Bound and Catholic Charities.

"Since we kicked off in April, this has been growing and taking a life of its own," Byrd said.

Carolyn Butler, who works for Brinkoetter & Associates, loves being an advocate, and that is one reason she wanted to be part of the group's board.

"When Maeleen told me about the project, I thought about how it was a way to motivate individuals; it was a way for them to take a look at themselves and believe they could make a change in their life," she said.

"And taking this first step by saying, 'I look good and feel good,' " she added.

The agency is about improving people's self-esteem, said board member Christine Harrison, HIV prevention coordinator for the Community Health Improvement Center.

"This was something that started out as a way of investing back into the community, and what Maeleen did is great," she said. "Everyone knows that your appearance does make a difference on how other people respond to you."

While it's in the planning stages, Harrison also said that health education and information on AIDS and HIV will be a part of services the group provides.

Teri Ducy, director of Dove's domestic violence program, said it was gracious of Byrd to offer the grooming services.

"Most of the women who receive our services have had their self-esteem basically thrown to the ground; their abuser has put them down, making them feel ugly and worth nothing," Ducy said. "By referring them to Maeleen, they are able to feel anew, look at themselves in a more positive manner and start to realize how a woman should be treated."

Nellie Green was one of those women whose self-confidence was destroyed after her husband left her a year ago. She now lives at Grace House, a shelter for homeless women.

"I really like having all that hair off my shoulder," said Green, 45, who got a shorter hair style and coloring. She also got her nails done.

Phillip Perry, 43, sat patiently in the chair as Byrd cut his hair down to a short fade look and trimmed his mustache.

Perry said he hit rock bottom after he and his wife separated and he lost his job as a welder last year.

"I was depressed and ended up on the streets," he said.

He now lives at Water Street Mission.

But there was a gleam of hope in his eyes and a slight smile when he looked in the mirror after Byrd was finished with him.

"I know this time, I'll be making better choices," he said.

Sheila Smith can be reached at sheilas@herald-review.com or 421-7963.

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Box2: Heaven & Earth Listen to People's mission statement:

n To empower men, women and youth who are seeking a fresh start in life

n Focus on assisting clients in looking good by providing them with free hair, nail and skincare services.

n Our ultimate goal is to change the mind of those individuals, employers and the community in a positive way.