Bona Vista Brings Inclusive Prom Experience to Kokomo

By HEIDI PRUITT

The Kokomo Post Staff

Photo provided | Heidi Pruitt
Photo of Heidi and Bona Vista client Austin from A Night to Shine 2020, an inclusive prom hosted by the Tim Tebow Foundation, similar to the event Bona Vista is host on Oct. 21 at the Venue.

The joys of high school prom. The weeks of preparation leading up to one night full of memories to last a lifetime.

But for clients who participate in Bona Vista Program’s day services, going to a prom might seem unattainable.

At 7 p.m. Oct. 21, Bona Vista clients and members of the community are invited to spend a night together for an inclusive and free prom at The Venue in Kokomo.  

“Some of our clients have been to proms in high school, so it's bringing back those memories. Others have never had that opportunity,” said Brooklyn Dugdale, director of Adult and Pediatric Enrichment at Bona Vista.

When Dugdale found out that The Tebow Foundation’s annual special needs prom wasn’t taking place locally like in years past, she said Bona Vista knew it had to step up.

The excitement of this upcoming event radiates in the hallways of Bona Vista from clients who are eagerly awaiting this special day.

“I can’t walk down the hallway without being stopped probably five to 10 times about prom. It is the only thing talked about right now. Some of the clients are talking about their dates, including one specifically who has been in a relationship with a lady for 21 years and have both never been to prom,” said Dugdale.

Dugdale also noted the educational importance of helping clients work through the steps to prepare for such an event. 

“Multiple clients have been going out into the community to shop for prom outfits, get their hair done, and are using our technology room to do things like look up songs they want to dance to, or watching videos to learn specific dances. Every single thing we do every day at Bona Vista day services can be encompassed into [the preparation of] prom.”  

One of Bona Vista’s main goals is to foster inclusion in and around the 14 counties it serves throughout Indiana. 

“Having opportunities available that our clients or individuals in the community might not get otherwise are extremely important,” said Alika Altmiller, development coordinator at Bona Vista Programs. 

Altmiller said she believes opening this prom night experience to the public can help illuminate the fact that hosting an inclusive event isn’t difficult; it just takes some creative planning.

“You don’t have to have a direct connection [to Bona Vista] to see what impact inclusion and diversity have on individuals that are in our community. I think when you support an organization like Bona Vista, you are really promoting your community to move in a positive direction.” 

The prom will feature the classic activities we all know and love. Music, dancing, food, the crowning of a prom king and queen, and a photo booth. 

Prom guests will also have the chance to strut their stuff on a fashion runway and will also be entered to win various prizes throughout the event. 

Tickets for this event are free and open to the public, 18 years and older. Reserve your spot by emailing Altmiller at aaltmiller@dsiservices.org.

Those who are interested in volunteering to decorate or businesses interested in partnering with Bona Vista may email bdugdale@dsiservices.org.