Ricky Johnson is a remarkable Catholic Charities volunteer who is driven by a “pay it forward” philosophy that begins with love and leads to real change for countless people. As the founder of Kingdom Cuts, a Christian non-profit organization dedicated to changing the world one haircut at a time, Ricky’s mission is to serve the community through the heart and eyes of God, spreading his love and message of hope through his services.
In August, Ricky was a special guest at one of our Catholic Charities Kinship meetings in Weld County. Our Kinship program provides support and resources to grandparents, relatives or family friends who are raising children in the absence of the children’s parents. The program offers guidance, access to legal resources, financial assistance and emotional support, helping kinship caregivers navigate the challenges of raising children, while promoting family stability and well-being.
Our programs are always looking for ways to ease the burdens on these families and touch their lives in big and small ways. Ricky’s visit had a simple, yet profound impact.
Ricky believes “a haircut may not change your life, but GOD can.” His God-led approach honors the dignity of everyone who sits in his chair. In one afternoon, Ricky spent time with over a dozen children from the Kinship program, taking care to give them each the attention they deserved. Each haircut took 30-45 minutes and met each child’s wishes – some wanted a fresh new fade or a clean cut to show off their bright smiles. Ricky’s positivity and encouragement had the group bursting with energy, hyping one another up after their turn in the chair. He brought a renewed sense of camaraderie through his cuts. For many of us, a haircut is such a normal or even a mundane part of life, but, for these beautiful families, time spent getting these kiddos ready to head back to school with a brand new haircut made a world of difference.
Kingdom Cuts was founded from Ricky’s dream of using his skills to make a difference. The non-profit came from humble beginnings. At first, Ricky was traveling with his barber kit and a camp chair in his car and would spend time with anyone that seemed they needed a haircut or time with a friend. Later, he was able to obtain a van that was converted into a mobile barbershop that he takes directly to the communities he serves.
The children in our Kinship programs often bear the weight of difficult circumstances and find solace and confidence through small acts of kindness. In attending a Kinship meeting and offering haircuts, Ricky helped each of these children feel valued and cared for.
Through his generous spirit and unwavering commitment, Ricky Johnson has become more than a barber; he has become a light for others, showing that even the smallest acts of kindness can transform the lives of others.
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