LOCAL “MOMS” PARTY TO CELEBRATE SOCIAL SERVICE AND RAISE HOPE
Thursday, August 16, 2018
On March 9, 2018 over 200 women boogied the night away at the Silver Spring Civic Center to the top hits of the 80’s. They celebrated YMCA Youth & Family Services (YMCA-YFS) first ever Mom Prom fundraiser. Though Mom Proms have been done by other charitable organizations around the country, this particular one was unique. The combination of attendees was both ticket purchasing supporters as well as clients who have directly benefited from our services and whose entrance fee was covered by generous donors. The event gave an opportunity for Y advocates, community members, volunteers, staff, and clients to come together and celebrate the work that YMCA-YFS has done in the community for over 40 years. (FULL STORY SHEET)
The night was special for everyone no matter what their background. LaTasha,* a client of the Linkages to Learning program who has greatly benefited from a mothers support group and computer class, delighted in an evening where she could dress up, feel beautiful, and forget about the challenges of life. Between work and the busyness of being a wife and mother, Latasha would have never dreamed that she would be able to attend such a special event. Latasha had never attended a prom or a gala before; for her the evening was unforgettable,
“It was nice to meet people from different backgrounds and walks of life. I enjoyed my time because I often go out with my kids and husband and it was the first time I have been out by myself. It was nice to go somewhere where I was not judged for what I was wearing and everyone was really accepting and had a great time.”
Mom Prom was a reminder that It will take the collective help of community members in partnership with non-profits to make sure no child or family is forgotten. YMCA-YFS launched its first Mom Prom in an effort to increase the awareness of the challenges that some of our youth and families face in Montgomery county and the role YMCA-YFS has as being a resource of hope to them. Nearly $15,000 was raised from the event to support YMCA-YFS in providing mental health services, youth development programs, mentoring, and crisis intervention to the most vulnerable families in Montgomery County, MD.
The Y needs your support in order to continue providing critical services to our county neighbors in need during this financially challenging time. To make a donation to YMCA Youth & Family Services visit: https://www.ymcadc.org/donations/yfs-providing-quality-and-effective-services/
*Name changed to protect client’s identity
