Hello Good People!

My name is Khaylen Mahdi — Barber-Artist & Business-Creative (Co-Owner of Global Cuts Barbershop, Amherst MA) — and I’m the founder of Cuts for the Future. I’d like to thank you, in advance, on behalf of the team and our partners for your contribution to the CFTF ambition in uplifting the next generation of Western Massachusetts.

The purpose of Cuts for the Future is rooted in the principle that we have the opportunity to #BETHECHANGE that we want to see, one haircut at a time. Annually, the CFTF team of Barber-Artists & Hair-Stylists come together to provide full-priced haircuts & styles and invest 100% of the team’s earnings and the community’s donation to a purposeful & charitable organization dedicated to empowering the youth of a town or city in Western Massachusetts.

On February 22, 2026, the 2nd Annual Cuts for the Future Pop-Up Barbershop team (made up of 24 total Barber-Artists & Hair-Stylists) partners with New England Barber Academy, as the official event host, to help raise funds for the Springfield Safe Neighborhood Initiative — an organization dedicated to bringing opportunity to the next generation of Springfield through education, athletics, and resources.

Last year, on February 22 of 2025 we raised over $4,000 and donated to the Holyoke Safe Neighborhood Initiative. We had a total of 8 Barber-Artists who contributed to this amazing accomplishment. Fortunately, this year we've tripled the team size and expanded collaboration opportunity to make this moment special. Leveraging the GoFundMe page allows for community visibility and accessibility to our progress and success. Let's have some fun!

Nothing of great value can be done alone. It takes us all. Western Massachusetts, let's unite and invest into the next generation of Springfield. To help us in raising funds for the Springfield Safe Neighborhood Initiative — please contact us to schedule a haircut appointment for February 22nd and/or feel free to donate here on our GoFundMe page. Our goal is to achieve $50,000 in donations. This would be a big accomplishment for our CFTF team and for the community of Western Massachusetts. This year, every dollar we make goes directly to the children of Springfield through SSNI. Share our page with your friends, family, companions, and colleagues. You can find more detail/information regarding Cuts for the Future 2026 on Instagram @km.cuts and follow/support our journey & progress.

Event Details

Springfield Safe Neighborhood Initiative Mission Statement:

The Springfield Safe Neighborhood Initiative (SSNI) is a strategic partnership of local, state, and federal law enforcement; city and state governments; civic and human service organizations; faith-based groups; the business community; educators; property managers; and residents. Together, we strive to create a safe, healthy, and economically vibrant Springfield by sharing information, fostering collaboration, identifying and supporting at-risk youth, and building strong community ties.

Three Core Pillars of SSNI:

1. Identify: We work to proactively identify youth and families in need of support. Our approach connects individuals with essential social services, educational programs, and resources to enhance their well-being and stability.

2. Engage: We host a variety of events designed to build relationships and promote a sense of community, including: Family Fun Nights, Field Trips, Sports Clinics and Recreation Leagues, Back-to-School Events, Neighborhood Walks, Meetings, and Cookouts. These activities foster trust and provide safe, enriching experiences for children and families.

3. Impact: Our long-term vision is to transform the Springfield community — one person, one family at a time. By empowering residents and cultivating a support network, we contribute to healthier, safer, and more connected neighborhoods.

New England Barber Academy Mission Statement:

At N.E.B.A. our mission is to empower aspiring barbers with the skills, knowledge, and professionalism needed to succeed in the modern grooming industry. We are dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment where creativity, craftsmanship, and personal growth flourish. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence, we prepare our students not only to master the art of barbering but also to become leaders who positively impact their communities. We strive to inspire a passion for lifelong learning, uphold the highest standards of ethics, and foster a culture of respect and inclusion. Our goal is to help each student achieve their full potential as confident, skilled, and responsible professionals who bring pride and service to the barbering community.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and ambition. We're excited for you to join us on this journey to bettering the young lives across the place we call home, one haircut and one donation at a time. We thank you for your investment and congratulate you on walking in alignment with our CFTF team motto #BETHECHANGE.

Please contact me @km.cuts on Instagram or via email with any questions.