Young foster kids in Central Texas had the opportunity to prepare for the Prom Saturday. From choosing dresses to taking etiquette classes, more than 150 boys and girls spent the day at Mount Sinai Church for Prom Rack.
Gigi Bryant, one of the mentors of this project, aged out of the foster system and now she works every day to make a difference in the community. "The Prom Rack experience is just wonderful, because this is the opportunity when they get to be girls. They don't have to worry about what is going on in their lives and can relax and have a good time," Bryant says.
The event was launched 8 years ago by three friends. Now it is one of the most attended events in the community. Prom Rack provides a chance for foster kids to experience an important rite of passage.
"This is very special not just because I grew up in the foster system, but because I know how important it is to have rite of passage experiences, where you can just be a kid," says Bryant.
Sheila Young, coordinator of the Preparation for Adult Living Program (PAL), says that Prom Rack is a very beneficial event that helps prepare foster kids for the next stage of their lives.
"The kids look forward to this event every year. It increases their self esteem and helps them feel better about things that they gone through," says Young. "Just to know that there are people who care about them and that want them to have a good experience."
With full support from the community, volunteers and sponsors, Prom Rack is growing every year, bringing more than a dress to kids in foster care.