HEART OF STEELE

Even if you weren’t someone whose family couldn’t afford to go all-out for prom, I’ll bet you knew one.

Even in days gone by, that special night could get spendy, with the cost of tickets, flowers, dresses and suits, and after-party gatherings. Now, dresses alone can run into the four-figure range.

As in many communities across the country, young women in Steele County can turn to a local organization for help with their prom dresses. Unique Finds, the clothing and household goods arm of Community Pathways of Steele County, offered up more than 300 free dresses last Saturday for any girl who needed one. The remaining dresses will be sold for just $10 each.

In addition, a group of local moms will host a special morning of pampering for girls going to prom. Celia Anderson shares in this week’s paper about their plan to provide a light breakfast for those who sign up to have their hair and make-up done, free of charge.

There’s something special about a community coming together to help young women enjoy what will certainly be a memorable night in their high school careers. Everyone involved seems delighted to be part of both efforts.

To me, the most surprising part of all this came in my brief conversation with Unique Finds coordinator Matt McLaughlin, who told me about the conversations he had while girls were browsing the racks for their own perfect fit.

McLaughlin had the chance to speak with the adults who accompanied the teens, and he told them about everything Community Pathways offers. Most importantly, he explained that the nonprofit’s income guidelines are more generous than people think: 300% above the federal poverty standard.

To me, that’s the most critical thing for people to understand about the county-wide nonprofit–because these days, even families with an income well above the poverty line may be struggling with food insecurity. Massive medical bills or a large repair bill can knock a family back pretty hard, especially when you’re already living paycheck to paycheck–as so many people are.

McLaughlin was able last Saturday to get a few new families the relief they need–while their daughters walked away with a little boost in their self-confidence. It’s the kind of heart-warming outcome that Community Pathways is all about.

“We’re bridging gaps for people,” McLaughlin said. “That’s what we’re here to do.”