Empowering Treasure Coast youth through quality self-care to feel better, perform better, and make better choices
How We Got Here
From one barber's vision during a pandemic to a growing 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving hundreds of Treasure Coast youth every year.
Greg & Vernea Jones establish TCBU as a 501(c)(3) in Fort Pierce after COVID-19 closed barbershops and left youth without access to grooming services.
Inaugural Back-to-School Barber Expo launches with the Boys & Girls Club of St. Lucie County — 100+ free haircuts and school supply kits delivered.
Volunteer barbers set a milestone — 300+ professional haircuts in just two hours at the Fenn Center. National barber artist John Mosley headlines the event.
TCBU reaches new milestones — expanding programs, growing partnerships, and launching the Mobile Self-Care Unit initiative with the Council on Aging.
Why We Do
What We Do
Treasure Coast Barbers United understands how important self-care is — and how essential it is for youth development. We believe that providing youth with access to quality self-care services can help them feel better about themselves, perform better in school, and make better choices in life.
Empowering
Every Youth
Our mission is to empower youth through professional barber services that boost confidence, self-esteem, and personal presentation skills, helping them navigate life's challenges with dignity and pride.
Significant Impact
As of 2024, through incredible dedication and the generous support of all our volunteers and donors, Treasure Coast Barbers United has made a significant impact on youth and the community across the Treasure Coast.
We help youth develop lasting confidence through professional grooming services that make them feel seen, valued, and ready.
We bring barbers, families, volunteers, and organizations together across three counties to collectively support youth development.
We provide real opportunities for youth to explore barbering as a professional career — with hands-on exposure, mentorship, and life skills training.
Changing Lives
One Cut at a Time
Every service TCBU delivers creates a ripple effect — in the classroom, at home, and across the Treasure Coast community.
Confidence
Youth who receive our services report increased confidence and improved self-image. A fresh haircut provides an immediate boost in how they feel about themselves, which carries over into better classroom participation and social interactions.
Performance
Teachers and parents report that students with regular access to our services show improved attendance and classroom engagement. Looking good helps students feel good, leading to better focus and participation in educational activities.
Connection
Our services create meaningful connections between youth and positive adult role models. The barber chair becomes a place for mentorship, guidance, and community building that extends beyond just a haircut.
Pathways
Through our youth barber training workshops, we've introduced many young people to potential career paths in the barbering industry. Several former participants have gone on to pursue formal barber training or apprenticeships.
Stay in
the Loop.
Subscribe to the Treasure Coast Barbers United Inc. newsletter and be the first to know about everything happening in our community.
Programs &
Events
From free haircut expos to youth mentorship programs — discover everything Treasure Coast Barbers United Inc. has to offer.
Meet Our Team
Our dedicated board members bring diverse expertise and a shared passion for youth development and community service.
Gregory L. Jones Jr
Founder, President, and CEO, Treasure Coast Barbers United Inc
Adolfo Covelli
Vice Chairmen, Treasure Coast Barbers United Inc
Oliver Brown
Treasurer and Board Director, Treasure Coast Barbers United Inc
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Treasure Coast Barbers United (TCBU)?
TCBU is a non-profit organization established in 2021 with a mission to ignite confidence in our youth, one self-care service at a time. We use the beauty and barbering profession as a platform to provide free grooming services, mentorship, and educational workshops to help young people become civic-minded, confident professionals.
Who is eligible for your services?
Our programs are primarily designed for youth (typically under 18) throughout the Treasure Coast—specifically St. Lucie, Martin, and Indian River counties. We focus on reaching families who may be facing economic hardships that make regular professional grooming services a financial challenge
Are the services truly free?
Yes. Every haircut, hygiene kit, and workshop provided by TCBU is 100% free of charge for the youth and families we serve. We operate entirely on grants, corporate sponsorships, and the generosity of community donors
What is the TCBU Mobile Self-Care Unit?
The Mobile Self-Care Unit is our most ambitious project to date! Thanks to a generous donation from the Council on Aging of St. Lucie County, we are currently in the process of converting a transit bus into a professional, state-of-the-art barbershop on wheels. We are actively raising funds to complete this "transition to operational" phase, which includes installing essential electrical and plumbing systems, professional workstations, and wheelchair accessibility.
Why focus on haircuts and self-care for youth development?
We believe that when you look good, you feel good—and when you feel good, you perform better. A fresh haircut provides an immediate boost in self-esteem, which has been shown to improve school attendance, classroom focus, and social interactions while reducing the impact of bullying.
What kind of workshops do you offer?
Beyond grooming, we provide "beyond the chair" mentorship. Our workshops focus on essential life skills such as:
Financial Literacy: Understanding the basics of money management.
Mindfulness: Techniques for mental health and stress management.
Personal Hygiene: Establishing healthy daily habits.
Career Pathways: Introducing youth to the beauty and barbering industry.
Who provides the haircuts and services?
Services are provided by a combination of licensed Barber and Beauty professionals and students currently enrolled in accredited programs. We believe in providing a "real-life" training ground where student barbers and cosmetologists can gain valuable experience and mentorship as a teaching tool under the supervision of seasoned professionals.
How can I get involved as a volunteer?
We are always looking for licensed barbers and stylists to join our mission! Additionally, we welcome community members to help with event coordination, mentoring, and workshops. You can sign up as volunteer by submitting the application on the following link - https://www.tcbu2021.org/juneteenth2026volunteerregistration
How can I support TCBU financially?
As a community-funded organization, every dollar makes a difference. Your contributions go directly toward the mobile unit conversion, hygiene kits for youth, and keeping our programs free for families in need.
How can my school, church, or organization request a visit?
We can’t wait to bring TCBU to your neighborhood! Once the Mobile Self-Care Unit is fully operational, we will launch an interactive Community Calendar and a Partner Sign-Up Link right here on our website for organizations to request a scheduled visit. In the meantime, if you are interested in partnering for a stationary event, please reach out via our Contact Us page.