According to the American tradition, prom is supposed to be a magical night. Dressed in floor-length gowns and crisp tuxedos, teenagers are invited to experience classic refinery uncommon in their daily lives.
Hair is styled, boutonnieres are clumsily pinned, and dances are awkwardly requested. It's a special night filled with romance and fun.
But for many teens around the country, these are memories they'll never have, because they weren't invited to prom. Only TV and movies will form their impression of this traditional dance.
However, one church in Memphis, TN is striving to change all that. With something they call "Joy Prom," individuals across the nation are finally experiencing this special night.
Some might say that prom is a rather overhyped tradition — and I might be inclined to agree — but judging by the smiles below, it obviously meant a lot to these attendees.
Be sure to watch the heartwarming video at the end. At the 0:21 mark, I couldn't hold back the tears.
Please SHARE if you think that everyone deserves their night to shine!
Joy Prom 2014 from Silent Images on Vimeo.
Knowing that many special needs teens had never attended prom, the Christ United Methodist Church decided to do something amazing: They'd throw a full-scale dance all their own. They called it "Joy Prom."
The church opened their doors to 110 special needs individuals. Dresses and tuxedos of all sizes, styles, and colors were donated by the community.
Attendees were invited to pick out and try on the dresses they liked. Alterations were made on-site by church volunteers.
After dresses were picked and tailored, it was time for accessories: Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, gloves, and tiaras were carefully laid out for the ladies.
Hair and makeup services were provided, along with fresh corsages.
After the men were dressed in their tuxedos, they were invited to sit for a shoe shine.
Once the attendees stepped out of their limos, they were applauded down the red carpet.
Each name was announced and cheered for.
"I felt like a princess," said one Joy Prom attendee.
Said another, "I felt proud, confident, and excited."
"Our whole purpose is to bring glory to God and just love on the special needs community," said Ashley Parks, the church's special needs ministry director. "We wanted to make them feel special. This was their night."
With the help of 350 volunteers, Joy Prom was a tremendous success. It touched the lives of many community members.
Now, communities around the nation are hosting their own Joy Proms. From Charlotte, NC, to Las Vegas, cities all over are spreading joy.
And it's not just young people whose lives are being touched: So long as they're age 16 and up, any special needs individual may attend. That means that those who missed out decades ago can finally experience prom.
"As the mother of two children with special needs, I have been in the world of special needs and disabilities for the past 18 years," wrote one community member. "I do not remember an event bringing this much joy to my heart in all of these years."
"I am humbled beyond belief by the abundant love displayed by each and every person involved in this event," she continued.
"Thank you for loving our children like God loves them — unconditionally and unabashed," she wrote.
Thanks to the compassionate hard work of Joy Prom, special memories are being made across the nation.
Be sure to watch the beautiful video below, and please SHARE if this warmed your heart!
Be sure to watch the beautiful video below, and please SHARE if this touched your heart!
