Project Prom Shopping This Weekend!

 

Get your Shopping on! UthMpact's Project Prom Store will be open this Saturday, April 1st and Saturday, April 15th to allow teens in the Polk County area to shop for free formalwear from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 US Hwy 98N, in Lakeland (use entrance to the right of Dillards).

Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol and drug-free and receive their dresses and suits at no cost. 

Community members may support the effort by donating gently used dresses, men’s suits, shoes, and accessories. Especially needed are women’s dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and plus sizes (18+) and men’s suits in smaller sizes, dress pants (waist 30-36) and dress shirts (all sizes).

Donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on shopping dates or at the InnerAct Alliance office (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays).

UthMpact’s goal is promote a safe and fun Prom Night. For more information, please visit www.uthmpact.org, www.projectprompolk.com, or contact Samantha McCain at (863) 802-0777.

Sports Promote Healthy Behaviors + Help Prevent Drug Use

 

Today is Opening Day for Major League Baseball! Whether you play baseball, follow the game as a fan, or just enjoy a hot dog at the ballpark, Opening Day is something special because it marks the ceremonial start of spring (with summer soon to come) and the hope, optimism, and enjoyment that comes with the new season.

Sports can help promote mutual respect and tolerance, teaching important social and interpersonal skills, and it can also help reduce drug use. 80% of studies have found that participation in sports is associated with decreased illicit drug use – with 50% showing reduction of marijuana use among youth involved in sports. Using sports to help people, especially youth, has proven to be an effective tool in keeping them from falling into a cycle of anti-social behavior, violence, crime, and drug use.

So put on your baseball cap and root for the home team today! Grill up some hot dogs for family dinner and watch one of the MLB Baseball Games on TV or head to your local field to play a quick game of catch.

Understanding Addiction Helps Support Recovery

 

One in 7 Americans report experiencing a substance use disorder. Substance use disorders (SUDs) occur when a person’s use of drugs or alcohol results in health issues or problems in their work, school, relationships, or home life. 

Even though they may know drugs are harmful, those suffering from substance use disorders may have trouble controlling their drug use. Some people may turn to drugs as a way to cope with stress, trauma, or to help with mental health issues. Others may develop SUDs from after misusing medications prescribed by their doctor. In either case, drug use over time makes it easier to become addicted.

Education and awareness around the harm of using substances, along with the support of friends, family, and caregivers can help prevent SUDs. If you know or think someone is struggling with addiction, gently reach out and ask them if you can help. Your concern might be just what they need to begin their journey to recovery. Your support could make all the difference in their success.

Resources are just a phone call or quick click away. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) operates a National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - a free and confidential treatment referral and information service that is available 24/7, 365 days-a-year (in English and Spanish).

Online resources for families coping with mental and substance use disorders can be found at: https://www.samhsa.gov/families along with access to treatment locations: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-treatment

 

 

Important Family Court Services Info from Polk County Clerk of Courts

 

Important Info from Polk County Clerk of Courts...as of April 1, Family Court Services will no longer be available at the Lakeland branch office due to resources.

Beginning April 1, those in need of family services such as: alimony, child support, custody, divorce, name change, modifying family law cases, parenting plan/visitation, and paternity may visit any of the following locations:

* Bartow - 225 North Broadway Ave., Bartow

* Current Northeast Office (closes April 28) - 3425 Lake Alfred Rd., Winter Haven

* NEW Northeast Office (opens May 8) - 200 Government Center Blvd., Lake Alfred

To save a trip, you may also complete and file paperwork online using DIY guide services on the Clerk's website: 
 

https://www.polkcountyclerk.net/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=82

 

IAA Enjoyed Spring Fling Fun at Crystal Lake Elementary School

InnerAct Alliance had a blast partnering with Crystal Lake Elementary Eagles families, community members, and vendor organizations to celebrate Spring Fling 2023 with a fun day of activities including food, inflatable games, face painting, popcorn, ices, hula-hoops, dunk tanks, music, and an Easter egg hunt. Thanks, Crystal Lake for organizing an enjoyable family event - a great way to kick off the spring season in our community!

Project Prom In The News!

 

Happy to share the good news that UthMpact’s Project Prom was featured on WFTS-TV ABC Action News in Tampa last weekend. 

WFTS attended the March 18th shopping day at Lakeland Square Mall where they filmed teens and their families shopping for prom attire. Click on the link below to view the segment that aired on the ABC Action News evening broadcast:

Project Prom Shopping from Saturday March 18 2023 1.mov

Two more Project Prom Shopping Days are scheduled on Saturdays April 1 and April 15. Since 2013, Project Prom has provided 5,250 prom dresses, suits, and accessories all at no cost to Polk County high school students in exchange for signing a Project Prom pledge to celebrate alcohol- and substance-free.

Congrats to our UthMpact leaders and to all teens who choose to make healthy choices during the Prom and Graduation seasons!

 

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week – Focus on ADDICTION

 

In honor of National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, InnerAct Alliance is partnering with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) to share quick science-based facts about alcohol, drugs, and addiction to educate youth and adults about the short-term and long-term effects associated with use. Today’s focus is on ADDICTION.

Addiction is a disease, not a character flaw. Drug use can lead to addiction because the brain and body become so used to having the drug that it is hard to function without it. Before you know it, more drugs are needed and it becomes harder and harder to stop taking drugs. Overcoming a substance use order is not as simple as resisting temptation through willpower. Recovery may involve medication to help with cravings and withdrawal as well as therapy. Treatment can help people with substance disorders and the sooner a person receives treatment, the better their chances of recovery.

We are often asked the following questions about Addiction:

“How do I know if a teen or young adult has a substance use disorder?” Family members may be more likely to notice when their loved ones are experiencing changes in mood or behavior. Some of the telltale signs and behaviors associated with substance abuse and related problems are outlined in the graphic above. In addition to providing love and support, family members can connect those in need with treatment, resources, and services to begin and stay on their recovery journey.

“How can I help someone with a problem stop taking drugs?” It can be difficult to support a loved one through a struggle with substance use. The process can be complicated when the person refuses to accept help. It’s important to realize that while you may not have control over someone else’s substance use, support is available to cope with how that substance use may affect you.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) operates a National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – a free and confidential treatment referral and information service that is available 24/7, 365 days-a-year (in English and Spanish). 

SAMHSA also offers online resources for families coping with mental and substance use disorders – visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/families to access resources and find treatment locations: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-treatment

Remember, if someone is experiencing an overdose, mental health crisis, or other serious emergency, always call 9-1-1.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week – Focus on DRUGS

 

In honor of National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, InnerAct Alliance is partnering with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) to share quick science-based facts about alcohol, drugs, and addiction to educate youth and adults about the short-term and long-term effects assocated with use. Knowing the risks can help people make more informed decisions and reduce potential harm. The focus today is on DRUGS.

Drugs are chemicals that change how your body works and impact the way you think, feel, and act. When people talk about "drug problems", they usually mean abusing legal drugs or using illegal drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine, LSD, crystal meth, and heroin to get high. Medicines that are prescribed by doctors when you are sick are legal drugs, but it is not safe to use these medications any way you want or buy them from people who sell them illegally. 

Illegal drugs are not healthy for anyone, but they are particularly harmful for kids or teens whose bodies are still growing. They can damage the brain, heart, and other organs. For example, cocaine can cause a heart attack even in children. Under the influence of drugs, it is

hard to do well in school, sports, and other activities. It's harder to think clearly and make good decisions.

People take drugs for different reasons. Sometimes kids and teens try drugs to try to fit in with a group of classmates. Others turn to drugs to deal with challenges or escape from reality for a while. A drug might temporarily make someone who is sad or upset feel better or forget about problems, but this only lasts until the drug wears off. 

Drug don't solve problems. Using drugs often leads to other problems on top of the original problem. Drug use can lead to addiction because the brain and body become so used to having the drug that it is hard to function without it. Soon, more drugs are needed. Once addicted, it is very hard to stop taking drugs. Stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, sweating, shaking, and pain. Treatment can help people with substance disorders and the sooner a person receives treatment, the better their chances of recovery. 

Our goal is to inform and prevent youth from starting to use drugs. We encourage parents to keep the lines of communication open with their children. To learn more about drugs and substance abuse prevention, call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777 at (863) 802-0777, visit: www.inneractalliance.org, www.samhsa.gov,  or https://nida.nih.gov   

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week – Focus on ALCOHOL

 

In honor of National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, InnerAct Alliance is happy to partner with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) to share some quick science-based facts about alcohol, drugs, and addiction. We believe that knowledge can empower youth to make more informed decisions and adopt healthy behaviors that will enhance their mental health and well-being. Today the focus is on ALCOHOL.

Alcohol is a drug that slows down or depresses the brain. Like many drugs, alcohol changes a person's ability to think, speak, and see things as they really are. As the brain keeps developing into the mid-twenties, drinking alcohol as a teen can greatly increase the risk of damage to the developing brain. The safest level of alcohol drinking for young people is not drinking at all.

Alcohol and Binge Drinking (drinking heavily over a short time with intention of becoming drunk) can lead to young people taking risks and putting themselves in dangerous situations that increase the risk of alcohol-related harm, injury, or even death:

* Common side effects of alcohol use are hangovers, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and shakiness

* Car accidents and drunk driving are the leading causes of death for young adults between ages 18-25. According to SAMHSA, underage drinking contributes to more than 4,300 deaths among those below age 21 in the U.S. each year. Drinking under age 21 is also strongly linked with death from alcohol poisoning

* Alcohol impairs judgement so youth under the influence of alcohol or other drugs are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual practices that may lead to sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy

* Unintentional injuries such as falls, drowning, burns, and firearm injuries, plus increased violence that may result in homicide and/or suicide

* Long-term chronic diseases such as liver cirrhosis; pancreatitis; cancer (liver, mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus); high blood pressure; and psychological disorders

* Although Alcohol is the most commonly-used substance by teens, most teens do not drink. Teen alcohol use continues to drop each year - in 2019. rates of past-year alcohol use by students in grades 10-12 were at a 5-year low

Studies show the most influential role models for young people are their parents and caregivers. While you may not be able to prevent young people from experimenting with alcohol, you can talk with your children to inform, encourage, and model sensible drinking habits. Be sure to remind them of the law - the minimum legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21 years old.

To learn more about underage drinking prevention, call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777, visit www.inneractalliance.org, www.samhsa.gov, or https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators   

 

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week: March 20 to March 26, 2023

 

National Drug and Alcohol Fact Week
Supports Youth to Make Informed Decisions About Their Health

InnerAct Alliance is joining with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) for National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW): March 20 to March 26, 2023 to help share science-based facts about drugs, alcohol, and addiction, and encourage youth to adopt healthy behaviors.

Key Facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

*Alcohol is the most-commonly used substance among young people in the U.S.

*Underage drinking is a significant public health problem across the nation. Excessive drinking is responsible for more than 3,900 deaths and 225,000 years of potential life lost among those age 21 each year.

*In 2020, nearly 75% of overdose deaths in the U.S. involved opioids; most involved synthetic opioids like illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF).

*1-in-7 Americans report experiencing a substance use disorder.

Knowing the facts about the dangers of underage use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and prescription medications and how they may affect their health and well-being can empower youth to make informed decisions. To help parents start a conversation about drugs and health, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has compiled some great answers to some of the top questions heard most often from teens, such as "What is the worst drug?" When it comes to drugs and alcohol, there is no "worst" just as there isn't a "best" drug - all have the potential to produce negative health effects or lead to a dangerous situation in the short or long term. Whether a drug causes a serious health issue - like a life-threatening overdose - can depend on how much a person uses, how they consume it, and other factors. Some drugs, like the synthetic opioid fentanyl, are so potent that a life-threatening overdose can occur the first time a person uses them. Because fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (Molly), fentanyl may be unknowingly ingested at unknown quantities leading to overdose. Similarly, injecting potent drugs can be particularly dangerous because this route delivers the drug more directly to the brain than ingesting or snorting drugs. Injection also carries risks of injury and infection.  Some drugs are more frequently associated with addiction and dependance than others. For example, more than half of people who smoke cigarettes regularly meet the criteria for a tobacco use disorder, while only about 1-in-11 people who regularly use marijuana (cannabis) meet the criteria for a cannabis use disorder.  Certain drugs can have a stronger effect on the brain than others. Research has shown that methamphetamine may damage cells and structures within the brain that cause long-term problems with emotion and memory. Family history or certain physical or mental illnesses can also influence a person's chances of developing an addiction or other negative health effects of drug use.  Age is also an important factor when calculating risks of substance use. Teens and young adults tend to be more vulnerable to the negative effects of many drugs because the brain is still developing through a person's mid-20's. All these factors point to the reality that certain substances may pose different risks to different people in different situations. To put it simply, what is the "worst" drug is not an easy question to answer but it opens the door to understanding the risks associated with any substance use. Our goal is to inform and prevent youth from starting to use drugs and we encourage parents to open the lines of communication with their children. To learn more about drug facts and answers to common questions that teens may have about drugs and health, please contact InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777, visit https://www.inneractalliance.org/, or the NIDA website at https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/

Imagine a Drug-Free World

 

Students in fourth and fifth grade at Lakeland REAL Academy were asked by InnerAct Alliance’s teachers to use their imaginations to illustrate what a “drug-free world” might look like as part of this semester’s substance abuse prevention lessons.

These creative illustrations depict a drug-free world that is as colorful as it is beautiful. Let’s all work together to support prevention so that our children and all children of the future can live in a beautiful drug-free world!

Happy 1st Day of Spring 2023!

 

Today marks the spring equinox which also is the first day of Spring! Technically speaking, it is the day that the sun crosses the equator from the southern hemisphere into the northern hemisphere. This is the astronomical beginning of spring with longer days and more sunlight because there’s more time between sunrise in the morning and sunset in the evening.

With Spring comes the promise of new beginnings as suggested in the colorful graphic from Positively Present. So, let's celebrate the day being hopeful about what the new season will bring - peace, hope, luck, growth, joy, wonder, abundance, and change!

May Good Luck Find You 🍀

 

The luck of the Irish and all things green are celebrated on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th each year. It’s a special day to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. 

The holiday has evolved into a fun and festive celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, and a whole lot of green. As my Irish grandmother used to say, “On St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish!”

If you are of age and choose to partake in raising a glass, please remember to celebrate responsibly and in moderation. You are a role model for youth and they are constantly watching you!

Some sweet lucky charm suggestions for positive thoughts and actions are illustrated in the colorful graphic featured today courtesy of Positively Present. 

May GOOD LUCK find you through the actions you take today and every day! 🍀

 

Beware of Tranq or Xylazine

 

The addiction epidemic fueled by fentanyl has cost more than 100,000 American lives in each of the past two years. It affects communities in every demographic from poor to middle class to affluent areas. 

A new lethal drug called "Tranq" has recently taken over in the northeast causing overdoses and deaths in places like upstate New York and Philadelphia. Tranq is actually Xylazine, a sedative commonly used by veterinarians as a tranquilizer for large animals such as horses.

Drug dealers are reportedly mixing opioids like fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine with Xylazine. The mixing of xylazine into other drugs causes a great risk to Americans and produces serious and even life-threatening side effects. Tranq is a horrific skin-rotting zombie drug that causes open wounds on users and may lead to amputation of limbs. 

Little is known about treating xylazine exposure in humans. Among the very real concerns is that tranq cannot be counteracted by using naloxone, or Narcan. Narcan does not have the ability to reverse a deep Xylazine sedation due to it not being an opioid. 

Sadly, very potent drugs like this have fueled the opioid crisis and infiltrated communities targeting many who have no experience using narcotics. Now more than ever, it is important to be aware of current trends to educate adults and children about the very real dangers of experimentation with illicit drugs. 

Annual Prevention Summit Highlights

 

Own the Upside, in partnership with StandUP Polk, UthMpact Polk, InnerAct Alliance, and the Drug Free America Foundation, proudly presented the first Own the Upside Prevention Summit held in Polk County since the COVID-19 pandemic on February 21, 2023, at the W.H. Stuart Conference Center in Bartow.

Dr. Dennis Embry, a foremost expert in the science behind prevention and behavioral health, headlined this full-day informational event to share a realistic view of youth culture, emerging drug trends, and other topical prevention issues. Other guest speakers, Carlton Hall, Kadian Parchment, and Amy Ronshausen, shared strategies to help our community take a stand in the war on drugs not only in Polk County but across the nation. 

Own The Upside was initiated by the Drug Free Coalition partnership of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk counties, Florida and founded on the Positive Community Norms Theory. Science shows us that the discouraging news we hear in media and society may tend to make us forget that there are encouraging positives to celebrate what we refer to as the “Upside.” Data collected annually via the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) reports that most kids don’t engage in risky behaviors. Attitudes about abuse are shaped well before children reach adulthood. Own The Upside believes we can impact children’s lives now by supporting and investing in prevention programs and services that reduce access, identify risky behaviors, change community attitudes towards alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, and empower youth to make positive healthy choices. 

Thanks to presenters, attendees and caterers Gaskins BBQ & Lobster.  

 

   

UthMpact Leadership In Action!

 

UthMpact Leadership Class XII enjoyed a busy Planning Day on Wednesday, February 1 that challenged their thinking and learning skills. Time was allotted for the students to work on their Leadership Graduation presentations to ready them for presentation to family and community members in April. The Planning Day Agenda continued with a fun opportunity for the teen leaders to put their sleuthing skills to work on a Scavenger Hunt at the Bartow History Museum where they learned about interesting facts and key events in history.

Skill building exercises continued in an Escape Room adventure that required calculating college tuition costs, budgeting to handle expenses, learning to sew a button on, and practicing to arrange a proper dinner place setting. Overall, the UthMpact Team enjoyed an action-packed and efficient Leadership Planning Day!

On Wednesday, March 1, UthMpact Teen Leaders took to the road to experience some of the inner workings of Lakeland Government. First stop on the spring tour was Noah’s Ark of Central Florida, where the group had an opportunity to learn about this community that provides housing and lifestyle options to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live an independent lifestyle. 

Next stop was Lakeland City Hall where the youth leaders met with City Manager, Shawn Sherrouse. Kelly Recreation staff came by to lead a welcomed stretch break before Kevin Cook, Lakeland's Director of Communications, shared an informative overview of Lakeland's storied past. Travels continued with a stop at Lakeland Electric for a cool behind the scenes tour of the utility center's call center and other service departments. 

No better way to wrap up the afternoon than by catching a Spring Training Game that saw the home team Detroit Tigers defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-7 at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. 

 

Get the 4-1-1 on Project Prom

 

InnerAct Alliance and youth coalition, UthMpact, are happy to offer the 11th year of Project Prom to provide free formal wear to deserving high school students and create awareness of the risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation. 

Our next Project Prom Student Shopping Day will take place this Saturday, March 18, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Project Prom Store located at the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 US Highway 98N in Lakeland (use entrance to right of Dillards). Two more shopping days will follow on Saturdays April 1 and April 15.

Students with a Polk ID may sign a pledge promising to celebrate alcohol and substance-free and receive their prom formal wear for FREE! 

Read over our Project Prom FAQ to be sure you have all the info you need!

Children Under 5 Victims of Drug Fatalities – Lock Your Meds!

 

Our nation’s opioid epidemic is having deadly consequences for children. A new study in The Journal of Pediatrics shows opioids are the most common substance leading to fatal poisonings among young children. Researchers say between 2005-2018, more than 700 children under the age of five died of a drug-related death – some of the 731 deaths were related to use of over-the-counter medications, the majority being opioids. The study did not state specifically how children gained access to the drugs but it was noted that more than 40% were accidental overdoses.

Many cases of accidental poisonings and prescription drug abuse are traced to the home medicine cabinets of family and friends. While you are setting your clocks ahead to Daylight Savings Time this weekend, please also plan a time to do some spring cleaning in your family’s medicine cabinets to dispose of unused or expired medications - and remember to always keep them locked for safety. 

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies will join The Drug Enforcement Administration to provide our community with an opportunity to dispose of unwanted medications in a safe manner on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, April 22, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, at locations throughout Polk County. Participating drop-off locations will be confirmed soon. Medications may also be brought to our county’s permanent drop sites at police department locations in: Auburndale (weekdays 8-5); Haines City (weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred (24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (24hrs/7days); and Winter Haven (weekdays 8-5). Only solids are accepted in permanent drop boxes (no liquids or syringes). To avoid harming lakes and ground water, please do not dispose of medication in the toilet. 

For more information, please visit the StandUP Polk website https://www.standuppolk.org, find us on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SUPCoalition, or call (863) 802-0777.

Celebrating International Women’s Day – March 8, 2023

 

Today is International Women's Day! First celebrated over a century ago, the day is embraced globally to champion the many social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women who have positively impacted the world as we know it today. This year's theme of "Embrace Equity" encourages the continued quest for a gender equal world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

While we honor and appreciate the work of heroines both past and present, let's take a moment today to thank the special women who truly make a positive difference in our own lives each day - our moms, teachers, neighbors, friends, and co-workers including the wonderful ladies who work at InnerAct Alliance and serve on our board of directors in support of prevention of substance abuse!

 

Put a Spring in Your Step with March Self-Care!

 

When it comes to mental health, research suggests that self-care promotes positive health outcomes, such as fostering resilience, living longer, and becoming better equipped to manage stress. Even small acts of self-care added to our daily lives can play a big role in taking good care of our minds, bodies, and souls. It helps to reinforce the belief that our needs are valid and should be a priority.

In our quest to encourage everyone to practice regular self-care and take time to do things to help you live well, we are happy to share this cute graphic from @Positively Present reminding us of some simple ways to incorporate proactive self-care activities in our lives each day.

Hope you enjoy these great reminders to...allow our feelings, notice little beauty around us, spend time with our furry friends, be proud of progress, and especially during the days leading up to St. Patrick's Day - make our own luck! 🍀

Project Prom Store Grand Opening on Saturday, March 4th at Lakeland Square Mall

 

InnerAct Alliance and our youth coalition, UthMpact, are proud to present the 11th year of the Project Prom effort to provide free formal wear to deserving high school students and educate about risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation time. 

UthMpact Teen Leaders will host a Project Prom Store Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting on Saturday morning, March 4 at the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Highway 98 N in Lakeland (use entrance to right of Dillards). The store will open for the first Student Shopping Day at 11:00 a.m. Additional shopping days are scheduled for Saturdays: March 18, April 1, and April 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Students with a Polk School ID may sign a pledge promising to celebrate alcohol and substance-free and receive complimentary dresses, suits, and accessories! 

Since 2013, over 5,250 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County. The community may support the effort by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men’s suits, and accessories. Especially needed are women’s plus size dresses (18+) and men’s small suits, dress pants (waist 30-36) and shirts (all sizes). Formal wear donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on shopping dates or at the InnerAct Alliance office (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays).

 For more information, please visit www.uthmpact.org, www.projectprompolk.com, or call (863) 802-0777.