The Time of Our Lives Prom
Neighborhood House, Columbus Community Center, and the Ability Inclusion Center Celebrate an Evening of Music and Inclusion
Salt Lake City, UT — The Time of Our Lives Prom, hosted byNeighborhood House in partnership with the Columbus Community Center and the Ability Inclusion Center, was a resounding success, bringing together over 120 attendees for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and joyful memories. Held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Neighborhood House in Salt Lake City, the event served as a vibrant celebration of inclusion and connection for teens and adults of all abilities. The prom welcomed participants from all three organizing agencies, where guests ranging in age from 18 to their 80s could feel celebrated and empowered. The night featured numerous special touches and overwhelming community support:
- Mrs. Utah, Charlotte Shores, volunteered her time in the Glam Lounge, helping attendees prepare for their big night. Charlotte, whose advocacy platform centers on supporting individuals with disabilities, particularly in the neurodivergent community, shared a personal connection to the cause:
“I have ADHD, and so do all three of my children. My oldest is also autistic, and my middle child has sensory processing disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. It’s a wild and wonderful ride in our home, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. Giving back to this community in meaningful ways is not just a passion—it’s personal. Being part of the prom was an absolute joy.” — Charlotte Shores, Mrs. Utah.
- Volunteers from the National Charity League (NCL) joined Charlotte in transforming the Glam Lounge into an uplifting, confidence-boosting space.
- Prior to the event, all three agencies organized two thrift shopping trips, allowing attendees to find the perfect prom attire. Discounts were generously provided by The Other Side Academy and Savers Thrift Store in recognition of their support for the special needs community.• Guests were treated to corsages and boutonnieres, hundreds of long-stemmed roses, and swag bags filled with thoughtful goodies to take home.
- Dinner was provided by Olive Garden, which donated salad, spaghetti, and lemonade for the entire event. Cuisine Unlimited also donated catering equipment.
- The evening’s — a Columbus Community Center client living with both physical and developmental disabilities—kept the dance floor energized, delivering a fantastic performance that truly embodied the spirit of the night.
“This event was more than a prom—it was a reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together to lift each other up,” said Deb Hall, Adult Day Services Associate Director at Neighborhood House. “The love and joy in the room were absolutely contagious.” Together, the organizing agencies have a combined 254 years of service to individuals with disabilities—a testament to their ongoing commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and community. Let’s continue to make The Time of Our Lives a tradition worth celebrating!
About Columbus Community Center
Empowering individuals with disabilities through innovative programs, education, and inclusive services.
About Neighborhood House:
Neighborhood House has been serving the Salt Lake City community since 1894, providing affordable care and wrap-around services to children, families, and adults with disabilities and aging needs. Its mission is to enrich, empower, and educate children and adults through quality, affordable preschool programs, daycare services, and comprehensive support services. Visit nhutah.org for more information.
About the Ability Inclusion Center:
Advocating for and supporting individuals with disabilities through inclusive programming and community engagement.
