FROM ROCK BOTTOM TO ROCK SOLID | BRIAN’S STORY
January 14, 2026
Our Drive To Change Lives – Daniel’s Road to Stability
January 27, 2026Engaging with Andrea: The Birthday Brigade!
The Birthday Brigade is Born!
Last year, I was approached by the Indiana Society of the National Society Colonial Dames of America, requesting a way they could help support the children we serve at HVAF. Yet, their request came with a caveat: they wanted to create something new and raise funding for this idea through their Heritage Project. I had been tossing around ideas in my head about how we could further serve the children, and this proposal got me thinking about the idea even more!
After discussing several ideas, it was agreed that the Heritage Project would fund birthday gifts for every child being served in our housing in 2026. When I took this idea to our Veteran Engagement Committee, not only were they supportive, but they also created a name and agreed to sing and throw a small party with a cake and a card at each residence on their birthday or as close as possible. The Birthday Brigade was born!
Exavior and his cake!
I was not sure how it would go at first, especially logistically, to make it all possible.
As always, the committee stepped up, and we had our first birthday a few weeks ago! Exavior was turning 18, and when we arrived, he thought he didn’t want us to sing. Yet, at the urging of his mother and grandmother, we lit candles and sang to him, and he had this sheepish grin that escaped his cool demeanor the entire time.
Ashley Rose & the Bday Brigade!
The experience took less than 30 minutes, but I witnessed a family that was bonding over this birthday, enjoying a moment that was creating lasting memories! This family has been in our Permanent Supportive Housing for the last 6 years and they were raving about all the things that HVAF had provided over the years. The Birthday Brigade was the icing on the cake, no pun intended!
Our second birthday was for Ashley Rose, turning 12. The family gathered around the dinner table and enjoyed the party. She wore a Birthday Princess crown and sash, and on this day, she was the Queen! After leaving, I was informed this was the only party Ashley Rose would have had.
When survival is a must, transportation is a barrier, and life is a struggle, some things are difficult to make happen. Thank you, Colonial Dames, for making sure that Exavior and Ashley Rose were celebrated on their special day!
This year, almost 60 children have signed up for the Birthday Brigade, and ten special events have been planned to give our veterans and their families opportunities they otherwise might not be able to have. If you are interested in supporting the Veteran Engagement Committee, please contact Andrea Carlile at acarlile@hvaf.org.