This week, CSH Indiana celebrated 12 graduates of the inaugural CSH Speak Up! Indianapolis, a powerful program that transforms personal stories of triumph over homelessness into voices for systemic change.
Over the past six months, supportive housing tenants with lived experience of homelessness worked closely with volunteer coaches who helped them shape their stories using CSH’s Speak Up! person-centered curriculum focused on healing and thriving. Graduates also learned best practices in advocating to expand supportive housing as a proven, effective solution to homelessness in Indianapolis and across the state.
In addition to the coaches, two professional storytellers taught the art of storytelling and guided participants throughout the program. Through these skills, this year’s graduates are prepared to work with partners, community organizations, and local and state government leaders as lived experienced consultants for ways communities can develop and operate quality supportive housing to help break the cycle of homelessness for good.
Photos by G Marie Photography
CSH has led Speak Up! In Los Angeles and other states for more than a decade, but this marks the first Speak Up! program and graduating class in Indianapolis. “I was inspired to bring Speak Up! here to Indianapolis when I heard one of our national board members and LA Speak UP! graduate Dorothy Edwards tell her story of overcoming homelessness, and a substance use disorder through supportive housing,” said Lori Phillips-Steele, CSH Indiana Director. “You could feel her energy and passion for this work from clear across the room. Sadly, Dorothy passed away in 2023, but her contribution to the world left a legacy of hope. Dorothy went on to become a peer support provider and her story and advocacy had a huge impact on hundreds of people.”
The graduation event highlighted the effort and commitment these advocates put into the program. Graduates shared their personal stories and spoke about how they plan to use their voices to impact their communities. “Their courage, resilience, and ability to turn hardship into advocacy is something that inspires all of us”, said Sharvonne A. Walker, CSH Speak Up! Coach. “Watching them step into the spotlight and use their voices to educate, uplift, and drive change was an honor. This is what community transformation looks like…. lived experience leading the way.”
Speak Up! Indianapolis is only possible through the generous support of our partners and benefactors. We are grateful to:
- Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre
- Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust
- The Indianapolis Foundation
- Storytelling Arts of Indiana
Thank you to Rob MacPherson, Vice President of Advancement at the Indianapolis Foundation, for emceeing the event and supporting efforts to build thriving communities through supportive housing. We also gratefully acknowledge the 12 coaches who contributed their time, energy, and passion. Congratulations to the Speak Up! Indianapolis Class of 2025!
