It had all the splendor of a traditional Prom – music, lights, dancing – but the revelers were older adult residents of Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) Affordable Housing communities.
The community room of Village at Mackenzie Place, an LSS community in Affton, Missouri, was a Luau prom wonderland, complete with a DJ, colorful decorations, a professional photographer, and food. The evening even featured a crowning ceremony for the Prom Queen and Prom King, LSS residents Irene and Paul. Approximately 100 residents from various LSS Affordable Housing communities throughout the St. Louis Metro area attended.
“This community support deeply impacted our residents, many of whom have limited financial resources, by providing them with a wonderful night of fun,” said Nikki Jennings, LSS Executive Director of Affordable Housing.
At the Prom, residents dressed to impress, with many dancing the evening away bedecked in floral leis.
“I had an awesome time! I only wish it could have lasted longer – we didn’t want the night to end,” said Kim, a resident.
“Everyone kept saying how great it was to interact with other communities,” said Leigh Anne Hoorman, Service Coordinator for Lutheran Senior Services.
“I’ve had a few residents say, ‘That was a lot of fun’ and ‘I had a great time’,” said Melita Hodzic, Director of Service Coordination for Lutheran Senior Services. “It was wonderful to see the residents experience such a moment of joy.”
More than 200 Edward Jones branches held a donation drive in October and November to collect toiletries and cleaning products for the more than 700 residents in all Affordable Housing communities as part of the firm’s community impact project for 2023.
“We received boxes upon boxes of toiletries and cleaning products. These are going to bring a lot of joy to our residents,” said Jennings. “Kudos to Edward Jones for the great work they are doing to help our Affordable Housing residents to live life to the fullest.”
