CARE Mobile Program’s Senior Prom Brings Community and Connection to Lake Anne
- The Reston Letter Staff
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
By Kaydence Smith, Staff Writer
The CARE Mobile Program, a division of ServiceSource, was developed to help older adults who experience social isolation. The Mobile Program goes directly into the community to interact with older adults and provide engagement opportunities, such as the Senior Prom held at the Lake Anne House.
Yashoda Premysler, CARE Mobile Program Manager, says that the impact these events have had is huge.
“I always ask residents what they enjoy about the events and why they come. Many tell me that if they didn’t attend these events, they would simply stay in their apartments watching TV,” Premysler states. “They tell me the events make them happy and give them something meaningful to do. It’s also a chance to see neighbors and feel more connected to the community.”
Because Care Mobile visits different communities every month, people get opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people, and become more engaged in their communities. “Over time, people start seeing the same faces at events and become more comfortable with one another. Then, even after I leave, they continue interacting on their own. They meet in the hallways, spend time in the lobby together, go on walks, or play board games. They’re building friendships and support systems so they don’t feel alone.”
The Senior Prom took place at the Lake Anne House on May 27, and the turnout shocked even Care Mobile team members. With money given by Fairfax County, Care Mobile and ServiceSource were able to provide the community with a fun event complete with music and dancing, food, games, and prizes, a photobooth, and even a prom king and queen.
Premysler expresses her gratitude to both Lake Anne House for hosting, decorating, and catering, as well as the residents and volunteers who showed up for the event.
“It’s also exciting to see both familiar faces and new residents attending. Some people have been coming to my events for years, and some join for the first time today,” says Premysler.
To attend a Care Mobile Event or volunteer, visit https://servicesource.org/care-mobile/
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