Paladin Inc. gets groovy at annual Paladin Summer Prom 2025 Celebration

While most people celebrate prom near the end of the school year, others are making the most of the experience near the end of the summer season. On Friday, August 15, Paladin Inc. invited all of its members to attend its annual prom party. 

Most people arrived at 10:30 a.m., enjoying a plate of chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans as they had lunch with their friends. Once they finished their food, the party transitioned to the dance floor. Brenda Flowers, day services director in La Porte County for Paladin, admires the way the organization’s annual prom event has brought everyone together over the past several years.

“We started this after the COVID-19 period,” Flowers said. “Everyone loved it because not everybody gets a chance to go to prom. They liked the idea of a day prom and look forward to it every time we get to host this event.”

The La Porte County prom took place at the New Creation Vineyard Church. However, Paladin spent the day celebrating prom all across Northwest Indiana, with multiple events in the counties they serve.

“Today is just a big celebration all-around,” Flowers said “We also have another prom going on for the people who use our services in Lake County at the same time. We usually work together on a theme, and this year is Las Vegas.”

This day is all about giving the members of the Paladin family an opportunity they might have never experienced prior. For these attendees, it means everything to share the dance floor with their best friends, looking their best and showing off their moves.

“We have a lot of people who do not have the opportunity to dress up to go to places like this,” Flowers said. “They’re most excited for the chance to dress up in formal outfits, look nice for their friends, and have a good time dancing to the music. Our prom allows us to play a variety of music that everyone is looking forward to hearing.”

Paladin emphasized the ability for everyone who attended to get prepared in the best way possible. 

From the donors who have continuously supported the organization to the people who helped prepare behind the scenes, the prom always takes a team effort.

“In the event that we didn’t have the funding, we would have to charge people to come to prom,” Flowers said. “We have not had to do that because of our committed donors. We have staff and family members that donate and a marketing person who will reach out to beauticians so everyone can get their hair, nails, makeup, and attire ready. Our community has really reached out and helped to allow all these young men and women to find their outfits and get ready for the big day.”

Prom is intended to be a night to remember for everyone. Whether you get to share that experience with your friends during high school or later on in life, nothing compares to a night of a well-rounded celebration.

“I always look forward to seeing the smiles on all of these faces,” Flowers said. “Our attendees get to dance, mingle, and have a good time from start to finish. It’s heartwarming to see them dressed up and how much excitement they have to share the celebration with the people they care for the most. That excitement in their voice about being here is the best part of this day.”

The event included multiple photo booth spots for the attendees as well. One had a Las Vegas theme, and the other was in front of a “This is how we roll” banner and balloons.

For more information on Paladin’s mission, services, and upcoming events, you can visit paladin.care.