Ian Smith

Vocalist

Ian has always been surrounded by music through his church, and learned to sing and play piano by ear within its walls. “Music is therapy to me. I do it because I love expressing myself,” he says. He especially likes healing, uplifting songs. “God makes me feel so joyful inside. I want to break stereotypes about how I should act as a black man with my positive music.”

Before moving in to his CHP residence last year, Ian was in the foster care system from age 7 to 21. Ian was sleeping on various family members’ couches, bouncing between group homes and shelters, before and after aging out of foster care. He felt a deep sense of relief when he received his apartment key. “I rejoiced! And I slept – a lot. It was the first time in a long time I could sleep peacefully.”

Ian has developed emotionally a lot since moving in.  He credits his faith in God in how he stays hopeful, and is grateful to CHP Support Services, because, “they came through for me when I didn’t know which way to go. They took their time to try to understand me.” Ian admits he spends a lot of time dreaming about his future; a luxury he didn’t have before. “The theme of this event is perfect for me because it’s an opportunity to express what I think about all the time.”