St. Joseph Manor hosts prom night for residents, offering break from daily routine
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- For the first time, the Saint Joseph Manor Health & Rehabilitation center hosted a prom night for its residents, trading the everyday routine of care for an evening of music, dancing, and formal attire.
As a facility that assists in long-term and skilled healthcare, Saint Joseph Manor cares for a variety of residents, some of whom have never even had a prom of their own, a realization that helped spur the idea for a prom night.
“We do these things so that they can enjoy everything that we like to do,” said Misty Powell, Marketing and Admissions Coordinator for the center. “They can get all fancied up and dance and have some fun."
The idea was also inspired by the end of prom season and a desire to help residents relive fond memories.
“It just brings a lot of laughter and smiles and a lot of memories back," continued Powell.
Dresses for the evening were donated by Cinderella's Closet, while students from the St. Joseph Beauty School donated their time to do hair, makeup, and nails for the residents.
Men's attire was provided by additional community donors.
Throughout the night, residents enjoyed dancing, taking pictures, and experiencing everything else a typical prom night would offer.
Healthcare workers say nights like this break the daily monotony of living in a residential home and give their residents something to look forward to.
“This gives us a break from the everyday routine of patient care, the routine meals, the everyday routine,” said Joni Gallentine, the MDS Coordinator. “This is a good break, a good getaway, an escape.”
For healthcare workers, seeing residents dressed up and smiling offered a meaningful change of pace.
“It feels really good to be able to help the residents and just let them have a good time and know that we're like family,” Powell said. “Saint Joe Manor is just one big family. A lot of love under the roof.”
Veta DeVore, who had never attended a prom before, said she came out because she “wanted to.”
Amy Martin, who had been to prom years ago, described getting ready, from hair and makeup to painted fingernails, and said the process made her feel beautiful.
Additionally, staff said the facility will attend the upcoming Apple Blossom Parade, marking their third year participating, as part of ongoing efforts to reconnect with the community.
“We're trying to get our name back out in the public and let them know that we're here in St. Joe, and we're here to support their families,” continued Gallentine.
