Say yes to the home dress | News, Sports, Jobs

: Back left, Shana Morton and Ella Woodis, two cosmetologists, provided free haircuts and styling for two Arise Chautauqua program participants, whose names and faces are withheld to protect their identities, at the organization’s Back to School event held at the beginning of the year. September 2024 at the organization’s main building. PJ Photo by Christopher Blakeslee

: Three girls, from different school districts, look at potential free dresses from Arise Chautauqua and Collaborative Children’s Solutions as part of the duo’s non-profit Homecoming Dress Shopping Experience, Oct. 1. Photo sent

Back left, Shana Morton and Ella Woodis, two cosmetologists, provided free haircuts and styling for two Arise Chautauqua program participants, whose names and faces are withheld to protect their identities, at the organization’s Back to School event held at the beginning of the year. September 2024 at the organization’s main building. PJ Photo by Christopher Blakeslee

Two local non-profits have teamed up to make sure some teenage girls in the local area have the time of their lives before potential homecoming dances in each school district.

Arise Chautauqua joined forces with Collaborative Children’s Solutions to provide low-income or financially challenged families with daughters who wanted to attend their school’s homecoming dance with a “Say Yes to the Dress” experience of their own.

“We had 25 girls pick out dresses for their homecoming dances,” said Kaylie Lindstrom, Arise Chautauqua charter member.

According to the Arise Chautauqua Facebook page and guidestar.org – the organization believes in creating a place for girls to be encouraged, empowered, equipped, celebrated and loved. In addition, the organization is a 501-C (3) tax-exempt charitable enterprise with a program designed to promote, educate and provide support services for women and girls; young people at risk; children and young people or victims of crime and abuse.

The organization’s founders, Lindstrom and Jessica McKeever, believe that connection is key to preventing abuse, exploitation and human trafficking.

Three girls, from different school districts, look at potential free dresses from Arise Chautauqua and Collaborative Children’s Solutions as part of the duo’s non-profit Homecoming Dress Shopping Experience, Oct. 1. Photo sent

“For this event we had girls from six different school districts participate in events,” McKeever said. “We are grateful to Collaborative Children’s Solutions for partnering with us for this event.”

A freshman from Jamestown said, “I feel like a princess” after receiving her dress. The student’s identity is being withheld to protect her and her family’s privacy.

Arise Chautauqua has recently hosted several “Back to School Events” to help struggling families purchase school supplies, haircuts and haircuts, along with makeup applications.

The Post-Journal reported in September that 40 girls received haircuts, haircuts, beauty treatments, backpacks, school supplies, clothing and toiletries — all free at the main Aris building location.

Lindstrom said four volunteer beauticians and stylists, who work at various salons around the county and support the non-profit’s mission, provided cuts, haircuts and beauty treatments during the multi-day program of events.

For more information visit the organization’s Facebook page, Arise Chautauqua or email [email protected]