Project Prom Shopping Days Offer Free Formal Wear for Teens

 

Project Prom Shopping Days Offer Free Formal Wear for Teens

Nearly 60 teens and families attended the Project Prom Store Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening on Saturday, February 12, at Lakeland Square Mall to shop for Prom formal wear and many left happy with beautiful dresses, suits, and accessories in exchange for signing a pledge to celebrate alcohol- and drug-free.

Lakeland City Commissioner, Stephanie Madden, was on hand for the first of 5 Project Prom Student Shopping Days on Saturday, along with UthMpact members (l. to r.) Valerie, Kelsi, Angelina; Polk County School Board Members Sarah Fortney & Lisa Miller; Commissioner Stephanie Madden; InnerAct Alliance Board President and Senior Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships for Polk County Public Schools, Jeanette Crowley; and UthMpact members Hailey, Katie, Luisa, and Aimee.

Additional Project Prom Student Shopping Days will take place on: February 26, March 12, March 26, and April 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall (in the old Sears wing). Students must bring a Polk County School ID to shop and receive their formal wear for FREE! Store capacity may be limited due to COVID precautions.

Community donations of gently used dresses, shoes, men’s suits, and accessories are requested – especially women’s dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and Plus Sizes (18+) and men’s dress pants (waist 30-36) and dress shirts (all sizes). Formal wear donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on shopping dates, at the InnerAct Alliance office (weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.), or at select Polk County Public High Schools. For information, please visit www.uthmpact.org, www.projectprompolk.com, or call (863) 802-0777.

 

Project Prom Store Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Tomorrow - Saturday, February 12!

 

Project Prom Store Ribbon Cutting
Saturday, February 12, 2022

InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact are excited for the 10th year of the Project Prom effort to provide formal wear to deserving high school students and educate about the risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation time. Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol- and drug-free and receive their dresses and suits for FREE!

Lakeland City Commissioner, Stephanie Madden, will be on hand for a special Ribbon Cutting on Saturday morning, February 12, at the Project Prom Store in the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 US Highway 98N in Lakeland (in the old Sears wing). The store will open for the first Student Shopping Day at 10:00 AM. Additional shopping days are scheduled for Saturdays: February 26, March 12, March 26, and April 9 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 

We ask for everyone's patience as capacity in the store will be limited due to COVID precautions.

Marijuana IQ Test

 

We all know that Marijuana can affect the ability to make decisions, solve problems, and perform other cognitive functions, but...

How much do you REALLY know about the effects and risks of Marijuana? You might be surprised!

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers an online quiz to test your Marijuana IQ.

Click the following link to find out!

 https://www.samhsa.gov/marijuana-quiz

Project Prom Store Ribbon Cutting & First Student Shopping Day - Saturday, February 12, 2022

 

Project Prom Store Ribbon Cutting &

First Student Shopping Day

Saturday, February 12, 2022

InnerAct Alliance and youth coalition, UthMpact, are proud to present the 10th year of the Project Prom effort to provide formal wear to deserving high school students and educate about risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation time. Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol- and drug-free and receive dresses and suits for FREE!

Lakeland City Commissioner, Stephanie Madden, will be on hand for a special Ribbon Cutting on Saturday morning, February 12, at the Project Prom Store in the Lakeland Square Mall - 3800 US Highway 98N in Lakeland (in the old Sears wing). The store will open for the first Student Shopping Day at 10:00 a.m. Additional shopping days are scheduled for Saturdays: February 26, March 12, March 26 and April 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We ask for everyone's patience as capacity in the store will be limited due to COVID precautions. 

Since 2013, over 5,000 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 dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and Plus Sizes (18+) and men's dress pants (waist 30-36) and dress shirts (all sizes). Formal wear donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on designated shopping dates, at the InnerAct Alliance office (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays), or at select Polk County Public High Schools.

Visit www.uthmpact.org, www.projectprompolk.com, or call (863) 802-0777 for more information.

2022 Project Prom Shopping Days

 

2022 Project Prom Shopping Days

Countdown to Prom has begun Countdown to Prom has begun but unfortunately the expenses associated with this special social event could make attending prom out of reach for some teens. InnerAct Alliance and youth coalition, UthMpact, are proud to present the 10th year of the Project Prom effort to provide formal wear and accessories to deserving high school students and educate youth and parents about the risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation time. Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol and drug-free and receive their dresses and suits for FREE!

Plans are underway for the Project Prom Store at the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Highway 98 North in Lakeland (in the old Sears wing). Student Shopping Days will be held on Saturdays: February 12, February 26, March 12, March 26, and April 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We ask for everyone's patience and understanding as capacity in the store will be limited due to COVID precautions. 

Since 2013, over 5,000 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County. Community members may support the effort by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men’s suits, and accessories. Especially needed are women’s dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and Plus Sizes (18+) and men’s dress pants (waist 30-36) and dress shirts (all sizes). Formal wear donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on shopping dates, at the InnerAct Alliance office (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays), or at select Polk County Public High Schools. 

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

New Funding Will Expand Prevention Programs Offered by InnerAct Alliance

NEW FUNDING WILL EXPAND PREVENTION PROGRAMS

OFFERED BY INNERACT ALLIANCE

InnerAct Alliance is proud to have received grant funding that will allow the agency to provide expanded and innovative substance abuse prevention services for students and communities in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties.

New programming will offer instruction to maximize drug literacy and promote social emotional growth in today's children. One program is targeted to middle and high school and offers an eye-catching campaign of marketing approaches that will shift perception regarding gateway substance abuse. There are also substance abuse prevention courses that can educate the students on critical knowledge and resistance skills needed to thrive in a world where alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are offered to most kids by age 12. Another program is targeted to elementary school and focuses on social emotional learning which encourages students to communicate in a positive way and treat humans and animals with fairness, tolerance, and kindness. Lessons will be taught by a humane educator trained to provide the most effective approaches to prevent substance abuse and bullying as well as promote empathy and critical thinking to help youth succeed in all aspects of life. Parents are invited to participate in learning activities by discussing topics covered in the lessons with their children that may lead to enjoyable and enriching conversations at home.

Grant funding will help expand efforts to reinforce positive messaging that most students are not involved in risky behaviors. Lessons focused on social norms data encourage young people to rethink their position and change perception about use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Knowing the Facts can help youth avoid succumbing to peer pressure because they feel confident in making more informed personal decisions after learning the reality that most teens are making the right choices by choosing not to drink, smoke, or use substances. 

“InnerAct Alliance is extremely grateful for additional funding to educate about risk factors that face our community in the wake of the opioid epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, but it comes with a catch…” said Angie Ellison, InnerAct Alliance executive director. “In order for our agency to retain this funding, we must match funds through monetary donations and in-kind services that total nearly $400,000. Individual and community donations will go a long way to help our kids!”

Community engagement & support are vital to continue our agency’s funding! The community can support the prevention efforts of InnerAct Alliance by visiting https://donorbox.org/giving-tuesday-fundraiser-1. Every dollar donated is matched by $4.00 so your donation can provide more children, teens, parents, and families with the tools to be successful in life that will lead to a brighter future for our entire community.

InnerAct Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and licensed provider for substance abuse prevention in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. Staff education specialists provide evidence-based substance abuse and bullying prevention for nearly 15,000 students in 70 elementary, middle, and high schools each year through highly effective programs such as Too Good for Drugs, Too Good for Violence, Keep a Clear Mind, Project ALERT, PAX Game, and Life Skills. 

Only 4 Days Remain to Bid on Lakeland Magic 90’s Throwback Jerseys

 

 

4 Days Left to Bid!

Only 4 days remain for fans of the Lakeland Magic and supporters of InnerAct Alliance to bid on special game-worn black and white striped Lakeland Magic 90's Throwback Jerseys that look just like the #32 jersey worn by 4-time NBA Champion and Orlando Magic super star Shaquille O'Neal!

Fans can bid on Lakeland Magic Game-Worn Autographed 90’s Theme Jerseys in an online auction, open until Tuesday, January 18, on Live Source bit.ly/3KdLcJF featuring players: Devonte Bando, Hassani Gravett, BJ Johnson, Admiral Schofield, Samir Doughty, Aleem Ford, Ignas Brazdeikis, TJ Haws, Jeremiah Tilman Jr., Davin Cannady, Dylan Smith, Devonte Patterson, and Jaire Grayer.

Jerseys feature the InnerAct Alliance logo on the back. Auction proceeds benefit the Lakeland-based nonprofit whose mission is to reduce the abuse and underage use of alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances in our community.