On March 11, the YWCA Central Alabama held its annual Prom Palooza event, providing free prom dresses to girls in need. High school girls from throughout St. Clair County entered the doors of St. Simon Peter Episcopal Church. The Parish Hall was filled with prom dresses of every size, shape, and shade of color. Shoes, jewelry, and purses lined the tables to accessorize the dresses chosen.

“We want to make this a wonderful experience for them,” said Vernetta Bowman, rural domestic violence services coordinator for the YWCA. “Every girl dreams of going to her prom, and we want to make sure that everyone has a chance to make that dream a reality.”

Girls invited to the Prom Palooza event are referred by their high school guidance counselors, who work with teachers to identify girls who may need assistance. “Some girls may be in poverty or going through a bad situation. Others may have a parent with a difficult medical condition,” Mary Jane Gibson, volunteer coordinator stated. “We try to serve as many girls as possible.”

Last year, more than 150 girls from Jefferson and St. Clair County were able to receive free prom gowns. While girls are encouraged to preregister for the event, some may not have known about the program until a friend receives an invitation. If they received an invitation for the St. Clair County Prom Palooza event but were unable to attend, the YWCA will also be conducting an event in Birmingham on Saturday, March 18 from 9 am-12 pm at My Sisters Closet, 2324 3rd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203. If you would like to refer someone that could benefit from the YWCA Prom Palooza program, they may contact Jessica Jones at jjones@ywcabham.org or call (205) 322-9922 extension 317 to register.

The YWCA began their mission of “eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all” over 150 years ago. The YWCA provides child development programs for children of homeless and working poor families; safe, affordable housing; a broad array of domestic violence services; and social justice programs. The YWCA offers a rapid rehousing program that assists families transitioning from temporary shelters to more permanent homes with their security deposits, rent, furniture, and household items.

The YWCA Central Alabama opened Our Place in Pell City in 2009. They offer emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. This year, the organization is looking for volunteers to “Adopt-a-Room.” Four large bedrooms and bathrooms will be available for groups to decorate in a theme, including paint, bedding, rugs, and accessories. The furniture is already provided. “We would like these rooms to be inviting,” Vernetta Bowman said. A plaque with the adopters information would be displayed and all of the decor would remain with the room, which offers temporary housing to women and children in need.

The group has several opportunities for the community to volunteer. They are always in need of donations of clothing, hygiene products, household items, and furniture. The YWCA can offer to pick up larger furniture items if necessary. Items for Easter baskets for children are needed as well. Bowman also suggested that local photographers that may be available to volunteer their services would be greatly appreciated. “Some mothers do not have their children all of the time, or some may have had to leave photos behind and do not have a family photo,” Bowman said. “Having a family portrait in a frame would mean a lot to them.”

Volunteers are also needed to help someone move from temporary housing to a permanent home. They need assistance in moving furniture and decorating during the month of April.

The next fundraising event, Purse & Passion, will be held on August 24 in Pell City. Last year, the fundraiser was able to raise around $80,000 for the YWCA, making it one of the largest non-profit fundraisers in St. Clair County.

If you are interested in adopting a room, donating items, volunteering, or for more information, please visit www.ywcabham.org, www.facebook.com/YWCACentralAlabama or call (205) 322-9922.