MUNCIE, Ind— When you are special needs, you start school at three, and in 2014, Lynne Hatfield’s son, who has special needs, was about to age out of school. At the end of the year, the special-needs prom was canceled, but Lynne was not going to let that happen.
With $1,000, Lynne and her co-owner, Mindy Kemper, who also has a child with special needs, put together their special-needs prom event and have continued ever since. Then, in 2018, Mindy and Lynne decided to become a non-profit.
“We realized, being mothers of special needs individuals, once they are out of school, there is nothing for them to do,” Lynne said. “It was like a lost society, and it broke our hearts, so we knew we had to do something to make them a part of the community,” Lynne said.
Last year, their prom had over 900 attendees, making it the largest prom they’ve had so far.
However, when the coronavirus pandemic happened, the Delaware County Special Needs Prom took a hit, especially with funding.
“If we don’t have the funds, because everything we do is 100% free, so if the money isn’t there, then we have to start cutting events,” Mindy said. “I cannot imagine telling someone I’m sorry we can’t do the picnic this year, we don’t have the money.”
Not only is funding important for this organization to thrive, but to be fully supported by the community and the Muncie city council.
“I want to be seen by them. I want to send invitations to the higher-ups in Muncie, and I want them to come,” Lynne said. “I want them to support us, like we are important too,” Lynne said.
Lynne and Mindy’s main goal for their nonprofit is to make everyone feel welcomed, no matter their background.
“We have events where they are all welcome. They can do everything they want to do, and they are accepted. It’s a safe environment, we control the environment, we control the setting, so they do not have issues,” Lynne said.
“It is the best night, prom is the best night, full of joy and acceptance, and they are seen. It’s all about them,” Lynne said.
To get involved in the Delaware County Special Needs Prom non-profit organization, check out their website.
Contact Amelia Winter with comments at amelia.winter@bsu.edu.
