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Our 43RD Year • Issue No. 34 • August 27, 2026
Cleveland Vocational Industries holds gala prom at YMCA By Alan Hodge Cleveland Vocational Industries Inc. (CVII) held a glamourous prom for its staff and associates on August 21 at the Dover YMCA. It was the first time CVII had ever hosted an event of this type and the hard work by those involved was evident in every corner of the gym where it took place- and in the smiles of all 100 or so participants. CVII is a nonprofit organization that serves approximately 70 adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. CVII’s mission and purpose is empowering adults with intellectual or physical impairments by providing opportunities for work, social interaction, life skills and relationship-building in a safe and caring environment. “We believe that everyone deserves the chance to thrive, and we are committed to creating supportive community where individuals can achieve their fullest potential,” says director Will Mabry. Back to the prom- The Dover YMCA gym was decorated to the nth degree with glamorous, classy, black and gold table settings and banners for the occasion. Participants were dressed in their best- many of the suits and evening dresses were donated by the community. The bill of fare was a sumptuous spread of
The 2026 CVII Prom crowned Queen Gloria Whitworth and King Lamorris (Big Moe) Campbell. (Photo provided)
CVII director Will Mabry and paraprofessional Leslie Camp had a great time at the prom. (Photos by Alan Hodge)
fried chicken, ham, a bounty of side dishes and of course, loads of dessert offerings. The sounds of laughter and lively conversations filled the gym. Music was provided by DJ Dr. Jim of WPCS podcast radio. Many of the participants got up and cut a rug- even if it was gym floor hardwood. CVII human re- This group of volunteers came from the Target sources director Distribution Center in Newton. Stephanie Oliver surand I thought it would be good for veyed the crowd and said this- us to do it too,” she said. “Since this is our first prom it has According to Mabry, Camp apbeen an interesting proached other staffers with the experience making it idea earlier this year and it took happen,” she said. “I off. think everyone is very “We talked with Erik Smith at excited about how it the Dover YMCA and he agreed turned out.” to let us use the gym,” he said. Mabry agreed. Shelby Mayor Stan Anthony “By the grace of was at the prom and praised the God and the gener- event. osity of others it has “CVII is an outstanding organiworked out,” he said. zation.” he said. “It’s good to see The idea for a the atmosphere of joy and happiprom came from CVII ness that is being exuded here.” staff paraprofessional In addition to CVII staff, nuLeslie Camp. merous volunteers were on hand “I had seen where to serve the food. Special kudos CVI HR director Stephanie Oliver and staffer Christy Ingersoll with some of the delicious other agencies like goes to a group from the Target ours had held proms chicken that was on offer. See PROM, Page 2
Plenty of smiles at this prom table.
More happy prom goers.
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