PROM!

August 2022

There are rare moments that rise above even our greatest expectations, as if some invisible force works on our behalf without us being aware. For Universal, this event was one of those times.

Back in May, two therapists from our OT department – Casey and Alyson – had a vision of holding a summer prom for the clients. For most of us, prom is a memory of innocence and first crushes, when we put on our prettiest dresses and nicest suits to dance all night with our friends. Unfortunately, many of our clients have never been given the opportunity to experience a prom for themselves. Casey and Alyson wanted to make up for that, and thus, the seed of inspiration was planted.

It’s strange how quickly great ideas take on a life of their own. As the vision of a prom began to spread around the day program, solid plans took root very quickly. The Enrichment team, led by Shawna and Lauren, immediately began to help organize and delegate the details and responsibilities. While ideas may seem fun on paper, this event required serious logistical planning and coordination between all departments and staff.

Within a few weeks every single department and individual had some kind of role to play in helping to bring this prom to life. There was an enormous amount of work to be done but we were up for the challenge. Our vocational department Tru and the talented Naty worked with the clients to create the photo booth and the props. The DDD day program staff spent weeks shopping to make sure each client had a formal outfit to wear; the residential managers and staff from our group homes did the same for their clients. Alyssa from our corporate office provided all of the balloon art. Our Care Coordinator Megan and her daughter Mia spent the night prior to the prom setting up the dining hall and decorations. The DSP staff also provided the clients with an upscale prom lunch experience with black tablecloths, goldware, and a special lunch. The speech department ran the punch bar. Lastly, and most importantly, the therapists working the event were there to ensure that no one missed out on the fun, assisting the clients up and out of their wheelchairs so they could stand and dance as much as they wanted.

The event day began from 9:30am-12:30pm with a Beauty Bar and Grooming Station run by two hair and cosmetology volunteers whose job was to make the clients look and feel extra special. From 11:30am-1:30pm the clients were provided with a fine dining experience in the dining hall. After that, it was party time! From 1:30pm-3:30pm the prom consisted of dancing with DJ John, the Photo Booth in the Activity Gym, a sensory friendly silent disco in the sensory gym and, of course, the punch station.

By the time the event was over, the reality of the moment became apparent. Both clients and employees – some of whom have been with the company for almost twenty years – said this was their favorite event ever thrown in the history of Universal. There were slow dances and silly pictures, laughter and tears of joy, but mostly there was an overwhelming sense of gratitude and appreciation from everyone in the room. Thank you to Alyson and Casey for your vision, and to every individual who made this such an unforgettable day for the clients.

Beauty Bar

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Lights, Camera, Action!

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Photo Booth📷