There’s nothing better than a second chance.
That’s why the Mental Health Network of Chatham-Kent is hosting a Second Chance Prom Night Aug. 26.
The Free 2B Me group is heading up the initiative that’s aimed at giving young people an opportunity to go to prom — something they may not have been comfortable doing in the past.
According to Sam Erdelyi, supervisor of youth initiatives, many in the LGTBQ2S+ community missed out.
“We’ve talked with a lot of members and friends and they wished they could have gone to their proms,” Erdelyi said.
“But they didn’t feel comfortable with either the clothes they wanted to wear or the date they wanted to bring,” she added.
“At our prom night they know they can feel confident,” Erdelyi said. “It’s a judgement-free zone where everyone is a friend or an ally of the LGTBQ2S+ community.
“It’s a safe space.”
It’s the second time the Free 2B Me group has held a second chance prom event, with the first taking place prior to the pandemic in 2019.
The event is free, running from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Hope House located at 71 Raleigh St. in Chatham. It includes a sit-down dinner, dancing, games and prizes and is open to young people aged 18 to 30 years.
An RSVP is required and can be made by calling 519-351-3100 or e-mailing sam@mhnck.com.
Alcohol and drugs are prohibited at the event.
The Free 2B Me group holds a weekly meeting at Hope House every Tuesday running from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
