A Night of Celebration: Songbird’s Graduation Story

Hope Center Indy took careful consideration in the collection and sharing of this story, ensuring that the graduate retained complete control over the narrative and actively contributed to both the writing and selection of the accompanying photographs. To preserve her privacy, the graduate has opted to be referred to as "Songbird". All information is shared with the explicit informed consent of the graduates and survivors.

Navy linens draped each table, catching the soft light that filled the ballroom at Hope Center Indy. Nearby, the Hope Center kitchen had prepared snack and dessert tables for guests to enjoy. White and blue florals reached across the space, and tucked among them were peaches. Peaches are Songbird’s favorite fruit, but they also told a deeper truth she had come to live. Something can appear whole and beautiful while carrying unseen bruises beneath the surface. And yet, those hidden spots do not define the whole.

On each table were bookmarks, something for guests to take home. Printed on them was a poem titled “Love is a Never Ending Journey,” written by the graduate.

The evening opened with words from Jenn Starr, Hope Center Indy’s Director of Residential Ministries, who reflected on the graduate’s journey through the Take Heart Residential program.

“Being in classes with you,” she shared, “I could literally see the Lord healing you.”

Alongside Jenn, Rosie Smith, Songbird's case manager shared words of encouragement and prayed for the graduate and her celebration.

Mary Wilkinson, Associate Director of Hope Center Indy, recalled the spark Songbird carried from the very beginning. “I remember the eagerness in your eyes, the hope on your face, the cartwheels in the boutique,” she said. “It’s only fitting that you made your entrance that way.”

From the start, Songbird chose decisively and courageously, even when it was not easy. “We all wish you would not have had to suffer as much as you have in your young life. I'm proud of you for taking the step of courage to come into the program. And I'm even more proud of you for each big and little step you took along the way, furthering your growth and healing. You were brave and more than willing to take the next right step for your life,” Mary shared.

Her path to Hope Center Indy was not by chance. “I believe it was God putting the pieces together to bring you closer to Him, because your life matters to Him,” said Mary. And that truth became evident in her honesty, her willingness to wrestle with trust, and in the way she opened her heart to healthy relationships.

When Songbird stepped onto the stage, she chose not to give a speech. Instead, she shared a poem.

“When I stepped through the doors there was a lot of things I could not do. I didn’t risk taking off my mask. I didn’t risk being open and sincere. I stepped through the door and couldn’t get over the fear of being judged and condemned. But this place gave me a second chance. When I stepped through the door, I walked into a world that confused my soul. There was something I didn’t understand. A love so strong and bold, it breaks down any wall. A freedom so confounding it caused me to stop in my tracks. A power of grace that truly heals.”

Carrie Jones once stood where Songbird now stands. As a former graduate, she understood the weight of the moment and what it represented.

She spoke of a love she had always witnessed in Songbird. A love like 1 Corinthians 13. Patient, hopeful, enduring. A love that keeps no record of wrongs, that always hopes, that always perseveres. A love that had been present long before Songbird could fully recognize it as evidence of God’s presence in her life.

Carrie prayed over Songbird, her words rooted in Ephesians 3:16-20, speaking of strength and a future beyond what can be seen. Then, a gift. A pair of pink and white Jordans for the journey ahead.

“You finished strong,” Carrie said. “Yet the race has only begun.  I cannot wait to see where Abba takes you.”

Anna Eldridge, a residential technician and someone the graduate personally invited to speak, shared a message of joy and perseverance.

“Your strength didn’t come from a life that was easy; it was forged in the fire. You have done more than just walk through the fire; you’ve learned to dance in the rain. You carry a dignity now that wasn't given to you by a diploma but was breathed into you by the One who called you by name. You are a living testament that what was meant to break you only served to build you. Don’t lose that ‘pep’ in your step,” Anna encouraged Songbird. “The world might try to tell you to sit down or be quiet, but I want you to remember the girl who sang at the top of her lungs in the bathroom just because she could. You aren’t just a survivor of your circumstances; you are a graduate of your growth.”

She paused to recognize the staff, mentors, and community who had been part of the journey, those who had sown into it, even when the outcome was not yet visible. “Sometimes we plant seeds in tears and wonder if anything will ever break through the dirt,” she said. 

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9.

“Today is your answer. Songbird is the harvest.”

Songbird chose “Proof of Your Love” by FOR KING + COUNTRY as her graduation song. As the music played, she stepped into the moment in her own way, dancing, smiling, and inviting others to share in her joy. At each table, guests were invited to write notes of encouragement, words she could carry with her into the days ahead.

Then came the moment the evening had been building toward. The presentation of her graduation certificate.

Mary Wilkinson, Jenn Starr, and Morgan Jones, Direct Care Coordinator, stood beside her as they placed it in her hands, along with a gift given to each Hope Center Indy graduate. Songbird’s gift was a beautiful necklace and earrings set.

As the formal program came to a close, it would not be Songbird’s graduation without an after-party. She opened the floor for karaoke and dancing and stepped into the center of it all, exactly as she is, full of life and full of joy. She twirled with family, sang alongside her program sisters, and celebrated with friends. She danced. She laughed. She was fully present in the moment, surrounded by those who have walked with her and those who will continue to.

But what she carries forward is even greater than what was celebrated that night.

Alongside her own transformation, she holds a vision for what comes next. Songbird was accepted into college to pursue her degree of choice. She has enrolled in Hope Community, Hope Center Indy’s transitional housing program, and boldly stepping into a new season of learning and growth while also carrying a profound and determined desire to impact others. She wants to be part of reforming the foster care system in a way that sees the whole person. Not just physical safety, but mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

“As I look back now, I see the transformation. I see the growth. I see the love that has grown so deeply in my soul,” said Songbird.

When asked how she wanted to be identified in this piece, she did not hesitate.

“Call me the Songbird of the Hope Center! Music has been with me every step of the way.”

"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing" Psalm 30:11.