CIW staff help community special needs prom

May 3, 2024

CIW staff volunteers helped guests at a special-needs prom in Corona.

Volunteers from California Institution for Women (CIW) in Corona recently helped a local church put on a prom for those with special needs.

The event, from 4 to 9 p.m. on April 19, was held at the Crossroads Church in Corona.

Every special needs guest had the opportunity to virtually travel around the world in one night.

CDCR custody staff had the privilege of attending the event, on a volunteer basis, for the second consecutive year.

CIW staff interacted with and provided supervision for the special needs guests during the prom. Some custody staff supervised one of the many themed booths, adding to the guests’ experience. Meanwhile, other CIW custody staff were individually assigned as buddies.

Buddies monitored the experience of the special needs guests throughout the event. This included a photo booth, karaoke, limo rides around the parking lot and other activities.

Buddies had to be mindful of food allergies during dinner. After their meal, there was the prom dance.

According to organizers, the guests and community were appreciative of the uniformed presence, which brought unity to the environment.

CIW staff said they look forward to volunteering again next year.

Submitted by Lt. W. Newborg