Hope Network’s River Valley facility will soon be transformed for the 2nd Annual Prom of the Decades.
One of the residents started playing and singing sweet music in the hall last year, sparking the plan to host a graduation for integrated treatment residents.
Everyone was dancing and asking for music as a result of that, according to Crystal Herzhaft-France, Hope Network’s director of integrated care program, and we immediately decided it was crucial to give them a regular chance to dress up and have a fun day.
The first homecoming in 2023 was attended by roughly 50 people.
“The encounter last season ended up being so effective. I don’t believe we could have anticipated the beneficial effect that that event produced. It was an emotional practice for everyone involved”, Herzhaft-France recalled.
Hope Network is now planning to hold the next Prom of the Ages on August 2. It will become an annual occurrence. Occupants have a lot to look forward to when hitting the catwalk in the main entrance of the facility, which will turn into a ballroom.
“We start the day by building a glitter place so that everyone who lives there can come out and do their hair, makeup, and nails. That is done by individuals who come in and give their time to make that happen for them,” Herzhaft-France said. We have a DJ who enters the image hall, and we also have a dining place where residents will receive their food from the menu they choose.
Many of the occupants that Hope Network serves include complex and serious medical conditions that are combined with medical disorders, so many have not gone to prom or are unable to recall it.
“When the occupants left the glitter stop last year and they dressed up in their gown, had their hair and makeup on, and looked in the mirror, they were in complete weeping,” Herzhaft France said. “Seeing themselves, I believe, made them realize who they really are,” they said.
Many people are eager to take advantage of that opportunity again, which the individuals alone cannot have.
“I can’t wait to see their faces”, said Kim Von Kaenel, who is in her first year as a Hope Network volunteer.
The at more than 300 locations across Michigan, helping people with disabilities exist separately.
“I cannot show the love and the joy that I have volunteering,” Von Kaenel said. “You don’t have to just volunteer for the prom. I mean Hope has got so many different … East Michigan, West Michigan, there’s but many services that you can volunteer. You don’t have to give up all of your time. Yet for a few hours per week, I can say it is the most satisfying thing I’ve always done.”
If you’re unwilling to volunteer, Hope Network is furthermore seeking gifts of delicately used prom dress from any century. Plus-size dresses and suits are a particular have.
Donations may be dropped off at between 9 a. m. and 5 p. m. If you’d like to cut off clothes outside those days call 616.558.7784 to arrange a drop-off period.