Program launched to make proms more affordable

With the prom season fast approaching, the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence is launching a program dedicated to supporting Saipan’s public high school students to attend their school prom.

Project: PROM is an innovative awareness campaign that aims to provide donated prom or special occasion dresses and suits to high school juniors and seniors to make the occasion affordable for them.

Keala Peters, program assistant for the coalition, said their goal is to collect dresses, tuxedos, and accessories throughout the month.

Among the donations that will be accepted are prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses, sandals, shoes, accessories, handbags, tuxedos, and vests.

“We hope that recipients will attend their will attend their proms with the attire to feel confident and beautiful, as well as the tools to make respectful and healthy choices,” said Peters.

Ideally, donated items should be recently washed or dry cleaned. Donors are asked to inform the staff if they are unable to do so at the time of drop off.

Coalition volunteer Reina Camacho said donations can be delivered to the coalition office located at Springs Plaza on Chalan Pale Arnold during business hours or other drop off locations, namely Handbags etc. along Beach Road in Oleai; Kagman High School; Marianas High School; and Saipan Southern High School.

Donations can also be brought to the clothing drive on Saturday, March 31, at the Minatchom Atdao along Beach Road in Garapan.

Since the project is also in celebration of the Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, student recipients will be selected based on their interest in becoming an advocate against sexual violence or assault.

Sexual violence or assault is defined as the intentional contact, use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority when the victim does not or cannot consent and is considered a crime.

Those who will receive a prom outfit will also benefit from empowering education about healthy relationships and self-expression.

The donated items will be distributed to eligible recipients on April 14 in time for the prom season which begins in late April and continues through mid-May.

During the distribution, a workshop covering topics such as confidence building, prom etiquette, healthy relationships, and hair & makeup tips, will be facilitated by the group Teen Talk will be held at the Multi-Purpose Center from 1pm to 4pm.

For more information, contact Keala Peters at 234-3878 or kealapeters670@gmail.com or Reina Camacho at 664-8512.