HOPEWELL JUNCTION – Odyssey Church hosted its fifth annual “Night to Shine” prom at Mill Creek Caterers in Hopewell Junction on Friday, aimed at bringing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities together for a special night.
The event was sponsored by former NFL player Tim Tebow’s foundation, and is one of many hosted across the country.
“A lot of folks with special needs normally don’t have that opportunity to experience a prom ball that goes with it,” said Odyssey Church pastor Steve Dambra. “In God’s eyes, we’re all kings and queens regardless of what abilities or what disabilities we have.”
Attendees received the full prom experience. The women wore corsages; the men wore tuxes, guests came in limos, ate a catered buffet and danced to songs from pop stars Jennifer Lopez and Lizzo.
The prom was not limited to high school-age individuals. Attendees were ages 16 and up, which allowed for those both young and old to dance the night away.
Highland High School student Jonah Suberg was delighted to attend prom with her friends.
“It makes me feel happy to be here,” she said. “I want to dance with my friends and have a good time.”
Robert Sumner, 20, danced with his aide at the Devereaux Foundation, Katie, and was “excited” to be there.
Odyssey Church patron James Reed has been going to the prom for a few years and is grateful to be able to go every year.
“It’s a blessing to be with people that are your friends,” he said, “to be loving and caring to one another, and to encourage lifting people up in the name of the Lord.”
The event marks an opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be welcomed by the faith community, as people in the disability community often face barriers in attending places of worship due to their own mental and behavioral challenges.
It is for this reason that Odyssey Church was founded, and longtime event volunteer Caroline Croopin empathizes with its mission.
“Nobody is turned away here for anything,” she said.
As a ministry of the Hopewell Reformed Church, Odyssey Church operates out of the Arc of Dutchess in Poughkeepsie, a nonprofit organization that provides vocational and residential services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in various stages of life. Worship services are hosted every Sunday at 10 a.m. for the organization’s individuals.
