The Agency Goes to Prom

The Toussaint Academy of the Arts and Sciences (TAAS) is a licensed group home that serves homeless youth in San Diego County ages 14 to 17. Since 1992, the Toussaint Academy (formerly the Toussaint Teen Center) has strived to provide its residents with a comprehensive array of services needed to help them grow into healthy and successful adults. This innovative new program, which combines traditional education with a curriculum rich in the arts and sciences, is the first of its kind serving homeless youth in San Diego County.

The It’s All About the Kids Foundation has built a lasting relationship with the teens at Toussaint. It is a goal of the foundation to provide the students with the normal life experiences of any other teenager such as sporting events, day trips and yes, even Prom.

The Agency San Diego usually volunteers with Partying For a Purpose- the fund raising side of the foundation; however, when we heard about this event we thought is was important to help out. Having a meeting in LA the same day the team split up: Joel up to the meeting and Craig off to prom. Craig ended up dealing roulette, as it was a casino themed event at the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park. Due to his new reality show status is was soon dubbed the “Celebrity Roulette Table”

This was an event we were proud to be a part of. Not only was it a prom in the middle of summer for under privileged youths, it was also one of the coolest proms I had ever heard of. All the students arrived in the Stingaree stretch hummer limo all decked out in donated gowns and tuxes, complete with shoes, hair and make-up- these kids looked great. The Hall of Champions was hoping with a live DJ, Black Jack and Roulette table, a nice spread for dinner and drinks, a prize table, and even a VIP room for kids who passed a pop trivia quiz at the entrance.

One thing that struck me was the announcement of the prom court- King and Queen, Prince and Princess, Dutch and Duchess. The students nominated and voted for the court themselves. In doing so it was clear they had elected fellow students who were more than the stereotypical cheerleaders and jocks. The entire court was intelligent and well spoken. This wasn’t your usual popularity contest; they had honored peers whom had earned their respect.

Needless to say- we are proud to be working with this organization and with these remarkable students.

If you would like more information on how you can help just send us an email or go to www.itsallabouthekids.org