BERKELEY – A prom is one of those rites of passage that most of us take for granted. However, there are a lot of kids who never join their peers at these dances.
But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have the same opportunities as everyone else. A group of volunteers held a prom for special needs kids at the Bayville Firehouse on Route 9 recently. There were about 75 kids of all ages.
Pretty dresses, sharp suits, and shoes made for dancing were the clothes of choice. Decorations made the fire hall come alive with fun and the kids loved every minute of it.
Shanna Cermak and her husband started Mikey’s Mission, a nonprofit providing social and learning opportunities for special needs children. It’s named after their 11-year-old son who has autism.
Photo courtesy Shanna Cermak
“It’s lifelong,” she said of autism. “It can’t be cured. It can’t be therapied away. You have to make the change for them.”
That’s why she and other volunteers created this prom. Taking an event most people associate with a huge, loud dance and making it for them. There was a room set aside for kids who were sensitive to noise, for example.
Previously, they had put together a Turkey Trot at Cattus Island County Park in Toms River. Last year, they held a Valentine’s Dance.
The Berkeley PBA and Bayville Fire Department helped with the event. (Photo courtesy Shanna Cermak)
“This was by far the biggest activity and it was amazing,” she said.
The Cermaks had met with Joe Chester, Don Rowley, and Chris Schick, who is the delegate for the Berkeley PBA.
The PBA and Bayville Fire Department co-sponsored and brought in props, music, and more. Pies Place provided the food.
“It was amazing,” Schick said. “I felt humbled to be a part of that.”
Photo courtesy Shanna Cermak
Some of the kids were belting out to karaoke. The ones who were nonverbal blew kisses and gave air hugs.
“I really look forward to it next year,” he said.
Photo courtesy Shanna Cermak
How To Help
If you want to get involved with Mikey’s Mission, visit Mikey’s Mission on Facebook. The best way to get in touch with the group is to email Mikeysmission1@gmail.com.
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