Late April means prom season. Area high schools each put on their own themed events, but one particular prom in Montezuma County stood out above the rest.
Community Connections Inc, a non-profit that serves people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities, held its first-ever prom at the Mancos Performance Center on April 27. The theme was “Light up the Night.”
Vocational consultant Rachael Hightower said turnout was solid, with more than 100 people attending. Sixty of them had disabilities. The age range was wider than a conventional prom; guests ranged from age 20 to 76. Some arrived with dates, others came single.
“Everybody danced with everybody. They all had a great time,” Hightower said.
CCI has served Montezuma, Dolores, La Plata, San Juan and Archuleta counties since 1985. Staff mentor and help those with disabilities live independently, find jobs, manage their money and learns new hobbies.