In Memory of Kelly

By: Sandra Ziebold

In Memory of Kelly Lynn Cronkhite
An incredible woman, advocate, and friend
July 9, 1997 – May 17, 2021

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Kelly came to Beacon of Hope Crisis Center eager to give back and learn how to help survivors in a larger capacity.

From the initial moment she was introduced her sweet spirit was evident and to see her grow during her time with us was a joy.  Her choice to remain involved after her internship ended was such a delight to us.  Kelly was easy to talk to, intelligent, and creative. She was so sweet, and we cannot help but mention her incredible style. Kelly had a knack for balancing a professional and edgy wardrobe in the office. Every time we observed her work, she was kind and empathetic. We saw her grow in confidence as she talked with more survivors, provided resources, and helped ease their worries. She was also there to help train new interns and assist our Victim Advocates regardless of the request. This meant, they were able to get to know her better as well. From addressing client needs to gathering donations from the storage unit, Kelly was there to help.

Kelly was with us as we transitioned to remote work due to COVID-19. She volunteered to continue helping our team as we faced challenges unlike any other. Her dedication to help survivors never wavered. Our team always looked forward to working with her and knew she was someone that could be relied on. With changes happening quickly, we never heard a complaint or frustration. Kelly was patient and wanted to continue serving others during this time. It is important to mention this was around the same time she was graduating and had plenty of her own needs to focus on. Kelly graduated in 2020 from IUPUI with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She committed to an internship her senior year and ended as a long-term volunteer. She had a giving heart, and we are so incredibly grateful to have known her and to have our amazing memories of her laughing, carefree, full of so much spirit, passion, and spunk.

Kelly was not only actively involved with her internship at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center, but she was also passionate about helping people in the community in other ways. She would connect us with the women’s center on her campus regularly. When we received donations of infant formula beyond what our clients could utilize, she offered to take those items to the women’s center. She was always looking for ways to solve problems and was willing to show up to make things happen. This action-oriented mindset helped others feel motivated.

Kelly was more than a volunteer peer to our team; she was a friend.  Here are just a few memorable thoughts and moments shared by some of our employees.

I am now an employee and was an Intern at the same time as Kelly and on this day that comes to mind, our supervisor asked us to run to the storage unit to gather some things for the agency. Kelly drove, playing me all her favorite songs (none of which I knew), and we laughed the whole 15-minute car ride. Once we arrived at the storage unit, it took us way too long to figure out how to get in the unit, not only that, but when we finally got inside, we both kept getting lost and laughing hysterically at the silliness of this simple task we were asked to do. This memory sticks out to me, because it was the first time, I really got to see the silly, caring, but fun side of Kelly. The work we did at the agency required seriousness and professionalism, both of which Kelly did well, so when we got a minute to step away Kelly showed me her other side. That day forward we made the most of our intern days together, helping each other on tough tasks, checking in on the emotional state of one another, and even helping each other figure out life issues we faced. There was never a day I could not count on Kelly to be there, never a time when I needed extra help that Kelly did not step up, and never a moment we did not make the most of. Kelly had no idea the impact she made on me as a person, her passion is what sparked my interest the most in the social work world. Thank you for that Kelly.

When we went virtual, we stayed in touch, even when Kelly’s internship ended, we stayed in touch. Kelly made everyone around her feel lighter. She brought so much happiness, soul, passion, and excitement to every day. Kelly was, and will remain, an amazing friend, sister, and daughter. Kelly taught me so much. She was outstanding and really made something of herself. Kelly left an impression on every individual she encountered. I have no doubt in my mind that Kelly would have done extraordinary things. I am deeply saddened that she is gone. Thank you, Kelly, for your friendship. Thank you for your photography. Thank you for being you.

I was a daytime advocate while Kelly was an intern at our agency and during the long period of time that she was with us, we grew close. During our lunch breaks, we would sit often and just talk about anything and everything. She gave great advice and genuinely was a person that you could easily talk to about anything and trust. The work we do is extremely hard and whenever I was having a bad day, Kelly would always notice and come into my office, bring me a snack or a cup of coffee and just talk to me about what was going on. You could rely on Kelly not only to accomplish her tasks as an intern, but also as a friend. She was always willing to help our clients or those she worked with and was very hardworking. She was constantly interested in shadowing appointments and helping our clients on a day-to-day basis. Kelly was a passionate and kind person who will truly be missed.

No words can describe the impact Kelly had on us here at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center and the survivors we serve. She was a friendly face around the office and a caring person answering the call when victims reached out. We cannot say enough to acknowledge the mark she left. Thank you for showing us your light, you are forever in our hearts.

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 Thank you to all who have donated to Beacon of Hope Crisis Center in Kelly’s honor.  Her parents and siblings will be informed of your gift to our agency in her memory.
Kelly truly was a sunflower that stood out among sunflowers!
- Sandra K. Ziebold | CEO