05/25/2026
Saturday night, Housing Support Services Alliance hosted our very first “Senior” Prom — and after how magical it was, this is absolutely becoming an annual tradition. It was originally meant for residents 55 and better, but the more people I talked to, the more I learned how many never got to attend a prom in high school. So… it naturally turned into an all ages celebration.
It was wonderful to give people a reason to dress up, mingle, and FLIRT. The HSSA staff may or may not have played a little Cupid — introducing residents from different properties who we just knew would hit it off. And honestly, I think we might have made a few real matches.
Our Board chair Renee Ross crowned a Prom King and Queen, there was a DJ, catering, photo props, everything to make it a night to remember.
This was also an important sober social outing for the permanent supportive housing communities where we run the Living Well program. When someone quits drugs or alcohol, their dopamine is depleted, and it can be tough to relearn how to have fun and connect with others without substances. This night was pure joy- dancing, laughing, and seeing people light up- naturally. And... maybe staff saw a different side of me on the dance floor… though I’m not sure why they’re surprised. I’ve never exactly been the buttoned up, serious type.
A huge thank you to the wildly talented Marianne Newsom for the stunning decorations, to all our volunteers (Shay Hargus Webb, Marla Briley Kathleen Murphy and others!), and to Travis Flats for letting us use your beautiful community room!
It’s never too late to have a happy childhood!
