Troubled girls get chance to go to senior prom

Saturday, May 6, 2000 | 8:53 a.m.

From her braces to her freckles, to her spontaneous giggling, the 18-year-old girl in a T-shirt and jeans seems like any teen looking forward to her senior prom.

But because of her restricted privileges -- a result of getting into trouble at Regina Hall, a group home where she has lived for the past two years -- she almost missed it. No phone, no dating, no outings.

For her senior prom, however, an exception was made. "This is an event that only comes one time," Gloria Vernal, director of Regina Hall, said.

To see that the girl and two juniors who are residents at the home make it to their Basic High School prom, the Marion Residence and Regina Hall Auxiliary stepped forward.

Fifteen girls live in the at-risk adolescent group home in Henderson run by Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. The home addresses behavior issues brought on by abuse, neglect and dysfunctional families. When it comes to the extras, such as prom, there's little money.

The all-women auxiliary, with 11 directors and 18 members, exists to provide the girls at the home the sort of life experiences other girls their age might have. It raises funds for vacations, day trips and outings and throws holiday parties.

It is trying to renew its dedication by creating greater community interest and new programs, such as mentoring and life skills.

The group is also seeking more members and sponsors, according to Elizabeth Trosper, auxiliary member. And it is planning new fund-raising events such as a summer barbecue.

"We're here to provide what we can so these girls can have a normal teenage life," Chairwoman Amanda Cyphers said. "Prom is one of those normal things."

The auxiliary is paying for the dresses and flowers. The girls will take a loan to pay for the tickets, photographs, hairdos, nails and shoes.

One 16-year-old resident, whose 4-month-old baby lives nearby in a foster home, works at McDonald's so she can pay to enter an independent living program where she can live with her child. The other junior works to keep herself out of trouble. The senior is starting a new job Monday at a senior convalescent home.

For the next few months, part of their paychecks will go toward the Basic High School prom -- a $200 package.

The prom is only one of the niceties and necessities the auxiliary provides the girls.

Last year the auxiliary threw a shower to furnish girls moving into independent living with basic needs, such as a kitchen table, dishes, silverware and towels.

The vacation funds are a great relief to the home, Vernal said.

"That's our time to be normal and play. Between the therapy and the strict rules, it gets very intense here. You can't take 15 girls and 10 staff very far on $600."

And tonight, the 18-year-old, who has been living in group homes most of her life, will feel like a princess at her prom.

"I don't know what I'd do if I didn't go to prom," she said.