Young People to the Front

In this episode of the Young People to the Front, hosts Tonny, Fatime and Robin reflect on recent milestones, including the success of Measure A in Los Angeles County, which secures $1.2 billion in funding for homelessness initiatives. The team discusses their participation in the West Coast Convening, a collaborative effort among service providers addressing youth homelessness across Pacific Standard Time states, and explores the unique challenges and achievements in homelessness services during the pandemic. Special guest Mark Markarian, Regional Coordinator for Service Area 3 (San Gabriel Valley), shares his journey into the field, the importance of collaboration in service delivery, and insights into how the homelessness response system can better serve young people. This episode dives deep into practical solutions, the resilience of communities, and the need for systemic changes to support youth facing housing instability.Topics Discussed in the Episode:Measure A and its impact on homelessness funding in Los Angeles.Insights from the West Coast Convening and regional collaboration.Mark Markarian’s journey into youth homelessness services.The role of community colleges in addressing housing insecurity for students.Challenges and successes of providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic.Connect with Mark Markarian and Sycamores:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-markarian/https://www.sycamores.org/https://www.facebook.com/SycamoresABetterLifehttps://www.instagram.com/sycamoresabetterlife/https://www.youtube.com/user/HathawaySycamores

In this powerful episode of Young People to the Front, we sit down with Madin Lopez, founder and executive director of Project Q, a nonprofit focused on empowering queer and trans youth of color through haircuts and community support. Madin shares their journey from navigating the foster care system and the challenges of homelessness to creating an organization that combines self-expression with social justice. Project Q’s mission goes beyond hair; it’s about providing a safe and affirming space for marginalized youth to feel seen and celebrated. Madin discusses the importance of educating parents, policymakers, and communities on LGBTQ+ issues and shares moving stories about resilience, self-discovery, and the power of supportive spaces.This episode also explores the intersections of identity and social justice, highlighting Madin’s experience as a Black, queer individual working toward systemic change. Madin delves into Project Q’s cross-country work, their advocacy for trans and reproductive rights, and their broader vision for fostering empathy and education to end the foster care-to-prison pipeline. Join us as we unpack vital topics on advocacy, allyship, and the power of self-expression for LGBTQ+ youth.Topics Discussed in the Episode:Madin's journey through foster care and how it shaped their mission.The founding and mission of Project Q to empower LGBTQ+ youth.Challenges in accessing healthcare and advocating for reproductive and trans rights.Community-based support for Black and Brown queer youth facing housing insecurity.Fostering allyship and advocacy amid political challenges.Connect with Madin:ProjectQ(@project_q_) • Instagram photos and videoshttp://www.facebook.com/projectq.infohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ52-4R8BBEPROJECTQ (@project_q_) / X

Welcome back to Episode 29 of The Young People to the Front Podcast! In this lively and insightful conversation, we are joined by Monae Dale, a native Angeleno and social worker, to discuss her experience working in social services, especially with homeless youth in Los Angeles. Monae brings her unique perspective as a program officer at the California Community Foundation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her journey from providing direct services as a clinician to working in macro-level advocacy. We dive into the mental health challenges of working with unhoused youth, the systemic issues in homelessness services, and how important community and peer-based models are in supporting vulnerable populations. This episode is a candid reflection on the emotional and personal toll of social work, and Monae offers practical advice on self-care, burnout prevention, and the importance of staying grounded in this critical field. Whether you're interested in youth development, mental health, or community work, this episode is full of valuable insights.Topics Discussed in the Episode:Transitioning from direct social work to macro-level advocacyThe mental health challenges and burnout faced by social workersThe role of community in addressing homelessness and supporting youthThe importance of peer-based support and lived experience in mental health servicesSystemic barriers to housing, including working with landlords and the housing processConnect with Monae:https://www.linkedin.com/in/monae-dale-061355130/ 

Looking for ways to shift public perception and advocate for meaningful policy changes in the fight against homelessness? Join us as Jerry Jones explores the role of storytelling, the impact of major events like the Olympics, and the need for inclusive decision-making in creating a more compassionate Los Angeles.In this episode of the Young People to the Front podcast, hosts Tonny and Robin are joined by guest Jerry Jones, who leads the Greater LA Coalition on Homelessness. They discuss the importance of advocacy in addressing homelessness and the need for a united front of organizations and advocates. Jerry dives into the details of Measure A, a citizen-led ballot measure aimed at providing funding for homeless services and affordable housing. The conversation touches on the misconceptions surrounding homelessness, the role of coalition building, and the need for accountability and reform in contracting. Interview begins 00:08:17 Topics discussed in the episode:- Jerry Jones' background in homelessness advocacy- The importance of advocacy in addressing homelessness- The details and significance of Measure A- The need for accountability and reform in contracting- The misconceptions surrounding homelessness and the importance of shifting public narrativesConnect with Jerry and the Greater LA Coalition on Homelessnesshttps://glach.org/https://www.instagram.com/greaterlaunited/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557974560968https://twitter.com/GreaterLAunitedhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/greater-la-coalition-on-homelessness/https://www.pinterest.com/GreaterLAunited/