Community Resources Available to Help All Students Enjoy Prom

Katie Hale

Seniors Grace Carlin, Katie Hale and Shelby Spore enjoyed their junior prom. All three are making plans to attend senior prom this year on April 13th.

As students gear up for the annual GCHS prom in April, some families may be worried about their ability to afford formal wear for their students to wear. The YSC (Youth Service Center) is collecting gently used suits this year for their Prom Closet to relieve some of that burden for families to help male students find the proper clothing for prom, while the Amen House in Georgetown is currently collecting prom dresses, shoes, and accessories, also. 

Prom is a very prominent event across the country. Many students may even believe that it is a right of passage to attend. Elvia Taulbee, the coordinator for GCHS’s Youth Service Center, felt it was important to make sure that everyone would not only be able to attend, but also look their very best when they attend. “I know most kids are excited about attending, so I just wanted to make sure everyone could attend looking their best despite their situation,” said Taulbee. 

A common misconception that comes along with the YSC is that families must be “needy” to receive help. However, anyone can experience an obstacle or a barrier in life at any point in time regardless of income level.  Taulbee and her staff are here to remove those barriers for all.  “I think the most important thing students forget is that the YSC is for EVERYONE. There are no requirements to use or receive the services of the YSC, including getting prom assistance,” saidTaulbee.

The suits collected for the Prom Closet are completely free. “There is never any charge to get help from the YSC,” Taulbee said. 

The Amen House, a non profit organization here in Georgetown, has collected prom dresses, shoes and accessories, and will host a shopping event.  This will be the fourth year for the event sponsored by Amen House.   Like the suits from the YSC, the dresses are completely free. “Any young lady looking for a dress can come to the event,” said Michele Carlisle, the executive director of the Amen House. 

Both the Prom Closet and the Amen House’s dress store will be open soon to customers. Great Crossing’s Prom Closet will be open for students on March 2nd, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm, and then again on March 8th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and March 9th, 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. The Amen House’s dress store will open the same dates and times as GCHS’s event, at Faith Baptist Church located at 116 Pocahontas Trail. 

Questions about the Prom Closet can be sent to Elvia Taulbee at [email protected] .  The Amen House can be reached at 502-863-5305.