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, a founding member of Arise Chautauqua.

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. Additionally, the organization is a 501-C (3) charitable, tax-exempt, enterprise with a program designed to promote, educate and provide support services for women and girls; at-risk youth; children and youth or victims of crime and abuse.

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

Three girls, from various school districts, look at potential dresses offered for free, by Arise Chautauqua and Collaborative Children’s Solutions, as part of the duo non-for-profits Homecoming Dress Shopping Experience, Oct. 1. Submitted photo

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

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

Arise Chautauqua recently hosted several ‘Back-To-School Events’ to help families that are struggling with purchasing school supplies, haircuts and trims, along with makeup applications.

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

Lindstrom said four volunteer cosmetologists and stylists, who work at various salons around the county- and support the non-for-profits mission gave cuts, trims and beauty treatment during the multi-day event program.

For more information visit the organization’s Facebook page, Arise Chautauqua or email hello@arisechautauqua.com