WICHITA, Kansas, May 12, 2008 -- Some special moms in the Wichita area won't get their Mother's Day surprise until Tuesday. That's when a local spa is opening its' doors for the first time to a select group of women -- women who, quite simply, aren't in the habit of being pampered.

For many it is considered a luxury -- a day at the spa, a slice of time for rejuvenation. But for the people who own Healing Waters Medical and Day Spa, this is a necessity, one they believe is so important that even in these turbulent economic times they plan to provide to more people in Wichita.

"One day a month we are opening up our day completely to women who've suffered domestic violence," said Amanda Gorecki, owner.

On Tuesday, for the first time, victims of the YWCA Women's Crisis Center in Wichita -- women who are being sheltered from abuse -- will become Healing Waters clients without any money changing hands.

"So there's a sign up sheet and the staff are given an opportunity to give if they want to, so their forfeiting money during that time and the spa is forfeiting making money at that time."

In fact, after we talked, Amanda learned that most of the therapists were giving their service and their time, choosing to come in on their days off to make the program work.

Body therapist Amy Waliczek will volunteer. She feels so strongly that what she offers -- "peace, balance, calm retreat -- will do more than make the sheltered women feel good. She thinks it could reshape their lives.

"I think, possibly, we have in some situations -- whether it's physically or emotionally abused -- and they are touched and knowing that there is a safe place they can go, and being in close contact with someone, it's okay," said Amy. "It's okay again."

With women and children often filling all 33 beds at Wichita's YWCA crisis shelter, there is much work to be done. And back at healing waters, much hope that this is where it begins.

"Especially for people who maybe don't get regular physical touch or haven't experienced touch in a positive way," said Amanda. "It's a great opportunity to begin a healing process and that's really a lot of our name, because what we want to offer is not just a quick fix, not just make them more beautiful, but really begin some inner healing as well."

The second Tuesday of each month is set aside at Healing Waters for the domestic violence victims, and on that rare occasion that there are no women in the shelter that day, the plan is to pamper crisis center volunteers instead.