Young People to the Front

• From Foster Care System to Storytelling - A Conversation on Youth Homelessness and Systemic Change with Loe

  In this emotional and unflinchingly honest episode of YP2F, host Tonny St. James welcomes writer, filmmaker, and journalist Loe Renee for a conversation about what it means to survive—and thrive—after the foster care system.From early experiences in group homes to a professional journey through film, journalism, and advocacy, Loe shares their story with striking vulnerability and clarity. Together, they unpack what it means to be a “shadow youth,” the unspoken gaps in the system, and how reclaiming childhood joy—through bouncy balls, Connect Four, and creativity—can be a radical act of healing.This episode is a testament to the power of listening, the complexity of systemic inequity, and the dignity every young person deserves.Topics Discussed in this Episode:What it means to be a "shadow youth" and why so many foster youth remain invisibleNavigating group homes, legal ID numbers, and early adult responsibilitiesWhy trauma-informed care must be more than a buzzwordTransitioning from survival to expression through film and journalismThe systemic failure of programs that aren’t led by or informed by lived experienceEmbracing joy, play, and community as survival toolsReimagining youth care: dignity, trust, and real support over performative fixesConnect with Loe Renee:Published Work: The Imprint – Loe ReneeInstagram: Coming soonYouTube (Launching Soon): Late Night Loe

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• Dr. Seth Pickens Talks the Importance of Building People, Not Just Buildings

  In this latest episode of YP2F, hosts Tonny and Robin sit down with Dr. Seth Pickens; a pastor, researcher, and Managing Director of the Homelessness Policy Research Institute (HPRI) at USC and explore the powerful intersection of spirituality, data, and homelessness policy. From his journey in ministry to launching trauma-informed, human-centered pilot programs for housing-insecure youth, Dr. Pickens unpacks why building people up is just as vital as building housing. The conversation dives into systemic gaps, the role of equity in research, and how personal empowerment can change the narrative around homelessness in LA and beyond.Topics Discussed in this Episode:Dr. Seth Pickens’ personal and professional journey from ministry to research leadership at USCHow trauma-informed, goal-oriented programs can lead to sustainable housing outcomesThe balance between spiritual truth and empirical data in solving complex social issuesYouth homelessness prevention through early education, community care, and empowermentBridging cultural gaps in faith-based and secular spaces to drive systemic changeConnect with Dr. Seth Pickens and the Homeless Policy Research Institute (HPRI):https://www.instagram.com/drsethpickens/hpri.usc.edu

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• Bridging Perspectives in Advocacy: A Conversation with Chino Quinlan and Christian Quijano

  In this episode of Young People to the Front, Tonny, Robin and Fatine are joined by Christian Quijano and Chino Quinlan to discuss their shared work in youth homelessness advocacy and how their friendship and professional collaboration evolved from a West Coast convening event. Christian, Associate Director at My Friend’s Place, and Chino, a youth advocate with lived experience working at Safe Place for Youth and the LA LGBT Center, reflect on the intersection of data, storytelling, and personal history. They explore the complexities of transitioning from receiving services to providing them, navigating professional relationships formed through shared experience, and the essential role of belonging and community in healing and empowerment. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of youth voice in program design, the challenges of burnout, and how success and validation are defined differently depending on background and culture.Topics Discussed in the EpisodeNavigating professional relationships between former service recipients and providersYouth-led advocacy and the Young Adult Steering Council (YASC)Nonlinear paths to success and redefining metrics of achievementThe role of belonging and community in healing and program engagementProvider responsibility, burnout, and the importance of representation in service organizationsConnect with My Friend’s Place:https://www.myfriendsplace.org/https://www.instagram.com/myfriendsplace/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/my-friend's-place

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• Ep 38 - Reshaping Homeless Services with Ashley Bennett, the Director of Homelessness at the LA City Controller’s Office

  In this episode of Young People to the Front, the hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine welcome guest Ashley Bennett, Director of Homelessness at the Los Angeles City Controller’s Office. The conversation explores Ashley’s personal journey from experiencing homelessness as a youth to becoming a community organizer and later transitioning into government work. She discusses her work with Ground Game LA, her pivotal role during the Echo Park Lake encampment, and her transition into the Controller’s Office under Kenneth Mejia. Ashley provides a detailed look at the importance of transparency in city budgeting, especially concerning homelessness, and highlights new tools like the Homelessness Dashboard and Build My City Budget. The episode underscores the need to spotlight youth homelessness as a distinct and often underrepresented issue in city planning and services.Topics Discussed in the Episode:Ashley’s lived experience with youth homelessnessFounding and organizing with Ground Game LAEcho Park Lake encampment and community defense strategiesTransparency and budgeting tools in the Controller’s OfficeThe need for youth-specific homelessness data and resourcesConnect with Ashley Bennett:https://controller.lacity.gov/https://www.facebook.com/lacontrollerhttps://www.instagram.com/lacontrollerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@lacontrollermejiahttps://twitter.com/lacontrollerhttps://bsky.app/profile/lacontroller.bsky.socialhttps://homelessdashboard.lacontroller.app/https://shelterbeds.lacontroller.app/

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• Echo Park Research Collective Ft. Will Sens Jr

  On this week's episode, Tonny sits down with Will Sens Jr. from the Echo Park Research Collective. The two discuss his non-traditional route to becoming part of a research project. Will shares his journey from being a resident of Echo Park Lake to participating in a research project alongside UCLA students. They explore the power of community and belonging, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely support you rather than those who exploit your expertise. Discover firsthand experiences of participating in community-based research, how data collection becomes an act of empowerment, and ways to revolutionize the research field through meaningful youth engagement.

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