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The “Prom with Pride” social event at Zerega Day Hab in the Bronx on July 25 brought together people YAI supports from all regions for a fun night of socializing, dancing, and an overall good time.
The rainbow-themed party from 6-9 pm was attended by 40 people YAI supports. Everyone was dressed to impress and showed their community solidarity by wearing their #YAIproud orange bracelets.
Nicole Lambus, Program Director of East Tremont IRA and Rochambeau, cooked up a feast that included some crowd favorites such as chicken legs, string beans, and yellow rice.
“These kinds of gatherings give people we support a chance to network and socialize outside of the rigid 9-5 box and rekindle those relationships they have with other residents,” said Lambus. “They sit together and share their stories and it’s a good way for them to also practice their social skills.”
For some new residents who recently moved into YAI homes after long hospital stays, the event was a nice reminder of what it feels like to be a part of a community.
“That environment was all new to me because I’ve never had a chance to experience anything like that in my life,” said Rodrigo Alvarado, who was at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx for two years before moving to East Tremont IRA last month.
“I got to eat good food, enjoy myself, and talk to some people that allowed me to be me,” he added.
Partygoers were on the dance floor until the last song, and all agreed it was definitely a night to remember.
“We were happy we could provide them a chance to experience night life in a safe space with staff who know them well,” said Lambus. “It shows them that stuff like this can happen for them too, and we are going to make sure they have these opportunities as much as possible.”