From playing baseball to participating in Special Olympics and immersive digital experiences, our individuals enjoy days jampacked with as much fun as possible.
While each of our locations has its own “big” event, there’s one that everyone in Joplin, staff and individuals alike, circle on their calendar months in advance: Prom.
It started in 2015 with 20 attendees. Since then, our prom has tripled in popularity with more than 70 individuals attending, including invitees from El Dorado Springs. On July 25th, we transformed our activity room into a sea of stars for an evening that was truly “Out of This World.”
Months in the Making
The event itself only lasted two hours, but the all-hands-on-deck effort began in April with choosing a theme. Past themes have included Enchanted Forest along with Beauty and the Beast. Many ideas were considered for this year, with “A Night Under the Stars” bubbling to the top.
Despite its potential, the concept felt a little stale somehow.
Newly promoted Activities Coordinator Morgan Mabrey knew it could be something so much more — and since it was her first time planning the event, she wanted to shoot for the moon. That’s why she chose “Out of This World” for the theme.
“Watching creativity come to life like this is so rewarding,” she says. “Nothing compares to creating such a memorable night for our individuals.”
So, just how much goes into the event?
A lot, from so many people.
The first thing our individuals saw when they entered was a space-themed backdrop. A photographer took their pictures while staff dressed as aliens or astronauts added to the fun. While the finishing touches were placed, attendees watched Home while snacking on treats from local favorites:
• Mary’s Berries contributed a delicious constellation of chocolate strawberries and other sweets
• Zave’s Cakes baked cookies that looked and (tasted) otherworldly
• Cramer’s Rangeline Meats provided scrumptious meats and cheeses
• Diana Love, a cherished employee of 20 years, made space-themed cupcakes
In all, creating the event took Jennifer Weldon, Lexy Baldassarre, Cindy Smith, Morgan and others days and days of hands-on effort — and it was worth every second.
Building Anticipation
The week leading up to prom is like “prom spirit week,” with activities that tie into the theme. This year, we took our individuals on a tour of the local Freedom of Flight Museum at the Joplin airport, where they learned about rockets.
Getting Gussied Up
Many of us recall the swirl of emotions around our own high school proms. Which flower should we choose for our corsage or boutonniere? Who should we ask? Will they say yes? What if we can’t find our dream dress without breaking the bank?
Looking back, it was a stressful time!
We want our individuals to feel relaxed and excited, not stressed. That’s why we make the evening entirely free for them.
Fortunately, we’re surrounded by gracious and giving local businesses who help make the magic happen.
Operation: Fairy Godmother, for example, is our go-to for fittings and formal wear so our individuals looked their absolute best.
As for haircuts and grooming, we tried something new. For the first time, we took attendees to City Pointe Beauty Academy for the full salon experience: haircuts, beard trims and makeup. It was a real win/win as students of the salon hone their skills and our individuals get pampered for free!
All Inclusive, In More Ways Than One
While typical proms anoint a queen and king and people mingle in their cliques, our proms exude a sense of close community.
Attendees range in age from 18 to 65. Some bring dates. Some go it alone. But everyone gets a say in the playlist —DJ’ed by none other than Howie Nunnelly’s son, Israel — in a completely judgement-free zone.
“Everyone is just hanging out, dancing and laughing,” Morgan said. “It was such a memorable experience and I’ll never forget how our individuals reacted to the theme.”
If you’re looking for a place where your loved one can thrive, we invite you to learn how Easy Living can help your family member discover new worlds of possibility.
