BCFS Health and Human Services-Tyler along with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services fourth annual prom for Tyler youth in foster care earlier this month at the Hilton Garden Inn. Several attendees are pictured here in a limo provided by Lavish Limousines of Dallas. Courtesy

More than 70 Tyler youths in foster care got to experience a Midnight in Paris-themed prom in March.

BCFS Health and Human Services-Tyler along with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services put on the fourth annual prom for Tyler youth in foster homes at the Hilton Garden Inn, according to a BCFS news release.

“Community support helped make this year’s prom especially memorable,” BCFS Director Carla McCalope said. “In addition to sponsors that we knew about weeks in advance, we had some last-minute sponsors who really helped make Midnight in Paris truly amazing for our youth.”

Because many of the youths pursue their education in nontraditional ways, such as charter schools, GED programs or online, they do not all have the opportunity to attend a school prom.

Because of this, BCFS, in partnership with the state and other supporters, steps in to create one.

“Though their circumstances are very unique, we try to offer them opportunities to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like prom, that other young people may take for granted,” Ms. McCalope said.

BCFS Health and Human Services-Tyler serves youth in and aging out of foster care, as well as other young adults facing challenges, such as homelessness and poverty, or those recovering from physical and emotional abuse.

The center serves as a “one-stop-shop” that provides counseling, case management and assistance with education, employment, housing location and medical care.

TWITTER: @TMTEmily

 

CLOSER LOOK

For more information about BCFS’ work in Tyler, to volunteer or make a donation, visitDiscoverBCFS.net/Tyleror call the center at 903-526-0882.