10 Metro Atlanta Teens Can Now Attend Prom Thanks To Foundation

ATLANTA, GA — Prom is a rite of passage for many teens, but for 10 metro Atlanta teens, it’s a “miracle” turned reality. Thanks to the Taylor Made Foundation, a group of high school girls will now be able to attend their prom this spring. The nonprofit’s "Once Upon a Prom Dress Drive '' collected gently used prom dresses, shoes and accessories and distributed them on Saturday at their second annual event.

Founder and executive director Darnell Taylor said she wanted to assist underprivileged prom-goers in metro Atlanta. The event was invitation only and participants had to be referred by a guidance counselor, teacher or religious representative. Boutique Day of Empowerment took place in Covington, GA, at the Turner Lake Banquet Hall, 6185 Turner Lake Rd NW. Many of the students who participated came from homeless shelters, foster care and families who couldn’t support them financially for prom night.

Shynyah Ivy, 18, said the help came just in time. Mount Zion High School’s prom date is set to take place in just under two weeks.

“My grandma got sick and my aunt had to stop working,” she said. “It was hard for prom so I wasn’t going to go. Then I got sent this link and I signed up and then I was like, ‘O-M-G, I’m going to prom.’”

She said she’s grateful and would like to pay it forward one day.

“It was really nice of Ms. Taylor to put the time aside to make something like this happen,” she said.

Frances Prieto, a 17-year-old East Side High School student teared up when trying on dresses. She told Patch she couldn’t stop the emotions.

“A lot has been going on recently just with my life and with my family,” she said. “We just bought a house after moving around for like five months at different houses. This is really going to help my family make sure we’re able to keep above water.”

The Taylor Made Foundation gave her an unexpected “amazing” experience, Prieto said, who added that without the support she wouldn't have had motivation to even attend.

“I’ve never felt so comfortable in my body, really, up until now,” she said.

Taylor said that when putting the event together, that was one of her goals, to boost their self-confidence.

“When [Frances] found her dress, she said ‘I feel so confident,’ and seeing how beautiful and happy she is now, that’s it for me. That’s what this is all about.”

The big day consisted of motivational speaking, live hair and makeup demonstrations, giveaways, and more. The young women also received assistance from who Taylor calls "fairy prom mothers." These were professional women volunteers who offered to do more than hand out dresses.

The women encouraged the girls as they guided them through the entire selection process, moving station to station. There were tables for jewelry, handbags and tiaras. A tall shoe rack stood in the corner of the room near the racks of colorful dresses. There was something for every size.

When each girl tried on a dress, she’d step out from behind the curtain for the room to see. Vocal support was conveyed through clapping, cheering and compliments. When a dress was selected as the one, a volunteer would shout, “She said, ‘Yes’ to the dress.” The room would erupt into more cheers.

Taylor, who grew up in New York City, said the event was personal for her. Due to a complicated family situation, she said she was put out of her home during her senior year of high school.

"I guess you could say I was homeless," Taylor said. "Being out in the streets, prom wasn't even a thought in my mind. I was in survival mode."

She did, however, attend her graduation. A friend bought her a dress and paid for her hair to be professionally styled. Taylor shared her story with the girls and mothers in the room.

People said they could relate to her story.

“That was the impact I wanted to have,” Taylor said. “We’re just trying to do the best that we can to fulfill whatever the need is in our community, in whatever way we can.”

Last year they helped two girls, this year 10. And next year?

“We want to also involve the young men,” Taylor said. “The more people we get involved, the more students we can reach.”

There was another surprise. One graduating senior will receive a scholarship this year, said Darren Martin, executive director of the Chapman Foundation. He's also marketing promotions director for Sheen Magazine.

Chapman was one of the event sponsors who decided to see the work in action.

“When we heard about it we were like, ‘Look we can do better, we want to come there, be on the scene,’” he said. “Touching the lives of someone in need is important to us.”

Martin said they were initially going to distribute their Nairobi Hair Care product samples, but he felt inspired to do more once he arrived.

“We’re there for anything that involves community and youth, especially high school seniors and those individuals going to college,” he said.

The girls were instructed to fill out the scholarship application online and include “Once Upon a Prom.” Scholarships start at $1,000. Applications must be postmarked no later than June 15.

“I wanted to make sure we did it here ," Martin said, "so it’s not like we’re just here to put clothes and shoes on you. No, our foundation teamed up with Taylor Made to help you go to college.”

The Chapman Foundation awards close to a quarter of a million dollars each year, Martin said. They also have a student ambassador program.