In late July, residents of Mercy Housing Lakefront’s Roseland Place Apartments traveled back in time to relive their prom day experience! This Chicago community is home to 60 seniors with low incomes in the Roseland neighborhood. With the help of community partners and sponsors, residents were given prom dresses, suits, shoes, and fashion jewelry. Many were also treated to an appointment with an onsite professional hair stylist, nail technician, and makeup artist. Residents’ family members volunteered at the event, taking photos and joining in the festivities.

CBS News Chicago even featured the celebration on their evening newscast, spotlighting the prom queen and king, Delores Williams and Lee Franklin, who are 95 and 91, respectively.

Events like this one are not only great fun for the residents, but they also serve as an important way to combat isolation and loneliness that disproportionately impact seniors.