| PRESS RELEASE | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Joshua Kinney Director of Marketing & Communications Phone: 484-557-1601 jkinney@missiondc.org |
| Central Union Mission Hosts “Senior Prom” to Restore Joy, Connection, and Community |
| Washington, DC — May 28, 2026 — For some seniors in Washington, DC, this Friday’s “Senior Prom” may be the first dance they’ve attended in decades and one of the few moments this year where they’ll feel celebrated, photographed, embraced, and surrounded by community. As senior loneliness and social isolation continue to rise nationwide, Central Union Mission is creating space for older adults to reconnect through joy, friendship, music, and meaningful community at its upcoming “Senior Prom” celebration on Friday, May 29th. Hosted through the organization’s Senior Fellowship program, the event is designed to remind seniors that they are seen, valued, and deserving of celebration regardless of age or circumstance. Event Details What: Senior Fellowship “Senior Prom” When: Friday, May 29, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Where: Comprehensive Family Resource Center, 3194 Bladensburg Rd. NE, Washington, DC Guests will walk a red carpet, pose for photos, enjoy breakfast, and dance the morning away with music, classic hits, and a lively “Soul Train” line. Attendees are encouraged to dress to the nines or simply come as they are, with prizes awarded for Best Dressed and Most Spirited. The celebration will also include the crowning of a Prom King and Queen. For many participants, the event offers far more than entertainment. Many seniors who attend Central Union Mission’s monthly fellowship gatherings come not only for meals and groceries, but also for friendship, conversation, encouragement, prayer, and a renewed sense of belonging. “A lot of people think prom is something you leave behind in high school,” said Joe Mettimano, President & CEO of Central Union Mission. “But for many of our seniors, this event is about being reminded they still matter, they’re still seen, and they still deserve joy. We want every person who walks through our doors to feel celebrated and connected to community.” The Senior Prom is part of Central Union Mission’s broader commitment to serving vulnerable individuals and families throughout the DC region with dignity, compassion, and holistic support. In addition to fellowship opportunities for seniors, the organization provides food assistance, shelter, clothing, job training, addiction recovery support, healthcare resources, and family services. The event will conclude with lunch, bingo, worship, prayer, and grocery distribution, ensuring guests leave not only encouraged emotionally, but supported in practical ways as well. Media Opportunities Media are invited to capture joyful and visually engaging moments throughout the event, including: Red carpet arrivals and photo opportunities Seniors dancing and participating in the “Soul Train” line Crowning of the Prom King and Queen Interviews with seniors, staff, and leadership Conversations around senior loneliness, food insecurity, and community support To coordinate coverage or schedule interviews, please contact Joshua Kinney at jkinney@missiondc.org or 484-557-1601. About Central Union Mission: Central Union Mission, Washington, DC’s oldest private social service agency and a faith-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit, offers a comprehensive array of services to men, women and children in need from DC, Virginia and Maryland. Beyond offering over 60,000 bed-nights annually at its emergency shelter, the Mission’s shelter provides a full suite of transformational programs. Our Comprehensive Family Resource Center provides food and clothing to approximately 5,000 individuals monthly, as well as transformative wrap-around services. Our Mission: NOVA center in south Arlington provides critically needed social services, as well as food and clothing. All three facilities use a co-located service model providing onsite job training/placement, education, help with addictions, ESL classes, parenting classes, healthcare, assistance to veterans and senior citizens, legal aid, assistance with housing, spiritual discipleship and more. Additionally, the Mission operates a camp for underprivileged children and a 24-bed transition home. Our reputation is reflected in our four-star rating from Charity Navigator, Platinum Seal for financial transparency from Candid, and Top-Rated award from GreatNonProfits  |