Walter Harris and Emma Grimm join us to shed light on their poignant journeys through homelessness. Through bouts with the juvenile justice system, foster care, and relentless searches for stable housing, their stories are powerful testimonies of how these experiences fueled their passion for youth homelessness advocacy, restorative justice and mentorship. Join us for these compelling conversations and discover how advocacy and community support can truly transform lives.

Read the transcript (PDF).

Meet Our Guests

Emma Grimm (she/her/they/them) is a passionate advocate and student. They serve as co-chair of the Western PA Youth Action Board, Advocates4Change. Through this position, Emma has been able to bring the perspective of a former foster youth to the homeless response system, advocating for youth transitioning out of care. Emma believes in centering the voices of those with lived experience, acknowledging that they are the experts in solutions and systems that have shaped their lives. She regularly participates in speaking engagements, sharing insights on improving youth-serving systems and organizations, strengthening youth-adult partnerships, and elevating the voices of individuals with lived experiences. Emma ultimately leads with her own lived experience to empower and expand opportunities for youth.

Through her work with the YAB, Emma was connected to Westmoreland Community Action where she has been working as the Regional Youth Systems Navigator. In this position, she is responsible for helping homeless youth throughout the 20 county region of Western PA gain access to the resources necessary to obtain housing. She works to make connections across different systems within the region in order to adequately serve the youth. Emma will be graduating in the fall from the University of Valley Forge with a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Studies and is hoping to continue in her pursuits of advocacy work full-time, but on a larger scale.

Walter Harris lives on the Southside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is a returning
citizen after serving 130 months in federal prison. He has been home for 40 months on June 25, 2024. Since returning home, he has been volunteering for many community organizations: he belongs to the Elsinore Bennu Think Tank for Restorative Justice(EBTT), sponsored by Duquesne University and sits on the planning committee for Voices for Juvenile Justice, which is an EBTT Initiative. He is a volunteer and founding member for Western PA's Participatory Defense Hub, in partnership with Abolition Law Center. He is on the Leadership Board for Allegheny County Anchored Reentry Coalition (ACAR), and also co-chair the Basic Needs Committee. He sits on the Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging Committee for Western PA's CoC ( Continuance of Care) and on the Reentry Committed and Homeless Advisory Board (HAB) for the same. He is a certified mentor/site leader for Father's on the Move - Pittsburgh and was ordained as a minister in August 2023 by Last Days World Outreach, an affiliate of Assemblies of God Church. HE will be a licensed Chaplain from Christians in the Marketplace ( CIMP )Ministries.

Resources

• Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH)
• Sign up for email updates
• "I Will Be Your Voice" Podcast
• Center for Schools and Communities
• Western Pennsy

Maryama's story is one of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Born and raised in Niger, she embarked on a journey to America with her family at the age of 15 to join her father. However, life took an unexpected turn when she found herself homeless at 18 years old, during her senior year at Central Dauphin East High School. Despite the challenges she faced, Maryama refused to let her circumstances define her future. She sought refuge at the YWCA Harrisburg and later discovered the Transitional Living Program at the Valley Youth House Dauphin County Office. This program became a lifeline for Maryama, providing her with stability, support, and the resources she needed to navigate the difficult transition into adulthood. Maryama's story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of having a support system in times of need.

Meet Our Guest

Maryama Labrane was born in Niger. At 15, Maryama came to the U.S. and found herself homeless during her senior year at Central Dauphin East High School. She sought refuge at the YWCA Harrisburg and later discovered the Transitional Living Program at the Valley Youth House Dauphin County Office. This program became a lifeline for Maryama, providing her with stability, support, and the resources she needed to navigate the difficult transition into adulthood.

Read the transcript (PDF).

Resources

Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH)

Sign up for email updates

"I Will Be Your Voice" Podcast

Center for Schools and Communities

Valley Youth House

Since we are still early in 2024, “I Will Be Your Voice” shares a special bonus episode with the staff behind the scenes at the Center for Schools and Communities. In this bonus episode, we chat with our Center for Schools and Communities team who are working on statewide projects for the Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness program. Join us as we preview upcoming projects for 2024, areas of focus, what we are excited about, and what you can look forward to in the coming months!

Please review the transcript.

Resources:

Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH)

Sign up for email updates

"I Will Be Your Voice" Podcast

Center for Schools and Communities

Meet Our Guests

Matt Butensky is youth development project manager at Center for Schools and Communities.

Benjamin Simmons is youth development specialist at Center for Schools and Communities.

Taylor Teichman is youth development coordinator, ECYEH, at Center for Schools and Communities.

Melissa Turnpaugh is youth development coordinator, ARP-HCY, at Center for Schools and Communities.

Our morning chat with the Pennsylvania Department of Education State Coordinator for Homeless Education, Mr. Storm Camara, isn't just about the challenges of providing educational stability for children and youth experiencing homelessness; it's a celebration of successes and a glimpse into the future of educational support systems. Mr. Camara gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the growth of the Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (PA ECYEH) program under his guidance, revealing systemic strides toward equity and the importance of identifying and assisting over 40,000 students experiencing homelessness. Discover how the American Rescue Plan Homeless Children and Youth Program has supercharged Pennsylvania's efforts with initiatives like "Finding Your Way in PA" app and the upcoming "The Bridge Project in Pennsylvania" online mental health service. The conversation also underscores the importance of collaboration with educational departments and community organizations, which proves pivotal in setting students on their pathway to success. The announcement of the "Paving the Way to Educational Success Conference" spotlights our dedication to involving the community in this pressing issue—an event you won't want to miss this October.

Please review the transcript.

Resources

Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH)

Sign up for email updates

"I Will Be Your Voice" Podcast

Center for Schools and Communities

Meet Our Guest

Mr. Storm Y. Camara, M.Ed., M.S. is the state coordinator for Homeless Education at the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Prior to this position, he was a school principal for 3 years, ending his tenure at Quehanna Motivational Boot Camp. He has been a teacher of English and Elementary Education in the Philadelphia Public School system, teaching a total of 10 years in the city. Mr. Camara has also been an adjunct professor at Cheyney University, offering instruction in Introduction to Education courses, as well as Praxis workshops for aspiring Elementary Education teachers.

Eden Village is a new, planned tiny home community in Harrisburg, PA, to provide the chronically homeless a permanent place to live and rebuild. Hear from husband and wife Jon and Raquel Bomberger, who serve on the board of Eden Village Harrisburg, how the vision for this community began among friends interested in making a difference is becoming a reality. Learn more about the inspiration, planning and steps it takes to build such a community. Recently, Eden Village was featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show! #NoOneSleepsOutside

Please review the transcript.

Resources:

Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH)

"I Will Be Your Voice" Podcast

Sign up for email updates

Eden Village of Harrisburg

Support Eden Village of Harrisburg

Kelly Clarkson Hosts Eden Village

Eden Village of Harrisburg Facebook

Recorded at 2023 Paving the Way for Educational Success Conference, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hear Rene Denfeld's inspiring journey as a teen experiencing homelessness, longtime foster and adoptive parent, author, speaker, justice worker, and keynote presenter at 2023 Paving the Way to Educational Success Conference. Her book, “The Butterfly Girl”, draws upon her own experiences as a young girl living on the streets and offers valuable insights on how to nurture healing and trauma in children. In this journey, Rene shares the impact that writing has had on her own healing and how it can heal trauma and spark hope for children experiencing homelessness and foster care Through her work and personal history, Rene serves as a beacon of hope, providing strategies and support to help children overcome adversity. Rene also gives us a sneak peek into her new book.

Please read the transcript.

Resources:

• Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness at Center for Schools and Communities
• Rene Denfield
• Sign up for email updates

About Our Guest

Rene Denfeld is the author of the acclaimed novels The “Child Finder,” “The Enchanted,” “The Butterfly Girl,” and the forthcoming “Sleeping Giants.” Her literary thrillers explore themes of survival, resiliency, and redemption, and have earned glowing New York Times book reviews, and multiple prestigious literary awards. Margaret Atwood has proclaimed her work “astonishing” and called “The Butterfly Girl” a “heartbreaking, finger-gnawing, yet ultimately hopeful novel.” Rene was the chief investigator at a public defender’s office and has worked on hundreds of cases, including death row exonerations, and helped rape trafficking victims. In addition to her advocacy work, Rene has been a foster adoptive parent for more than 25 years. She was awarded the Break The Silence Award in Washington, D.C., for her social justice work. In 2017 the New York Times named her Hero of the Year. The child of a difficult history, Rene is an accomplished speaker who loves connecting with others. Rene lives in Portland, Oregon, where she is the happy mom of several children from foster care. “A glittering gem of a story — part mystery, part fairy tale, and all white-knuckled, edge-of-your-seat thriller…” – Library Journal, Starred Review.

What does it take to support and uplift homeless students in a school district? Would you be able to adapt your services to a global pandemic, and come up with innovative ways to offer food security and mental health support? This episode introduces two remarkable figures from the State College Area School District: Cindy Sergeon-Smith and Morgan Bechdel. Cindy serves as a home and school visitor and the foster care point of contact, while Morgan is a certified school social worker. Together, they share how they've courageously navigated their roles and adapted their services during this crisis.

As poverty rates, food insecurity, and homelessness rise within the district due to the pandemic, Cindy and Morgan have faced unique challenges with ingenuity. From the implementation of a "Stuff the Bus" event that facilitated direct referrals to the food bank, to the creation of a pantry within the administrative building, their tireless efforts to provide stability, mental health services, and essential resources to students and their families are truly inspiring. They also shed light on their needs assessment, a critical tool that helps them understand and respond effectively to the fluctuating needs of their community.

And what about the power of community collaborations? Cindy and Morgan recount their experience in setting up a school pantry - a task that required not only motivation and courage but also strategic partnerships. They discuss how they involve students and staff in their program from running donation drives to raising awareness about homelessness and food insecurity. You'll also hear about their journey as they thank the podcast team for providing resources to help raise awareness for homelessness and food insecurity. This is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and dedication of educators who are truly on the front lines.

View the transcript of Episode 8.

Resources:

Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH)

"I Will Be Your Voice" Podcast

Sign up for email updates

About Our Guests

Cindy Sergeon-Smith

With 26 years of experience, Cindy Sergeon-Smith is the Home and School Visitor and the Homeless Liaison for the State College Area School District. Cindy’s professional experience has allowed her to become a restorative practices practitioner with the focus on relationships, building community and repairing harm. She strives to be the voice for students and families experiencing homelessness, while establishing a tight-knit community in the district and builds partnerships using restorative practices.

Morgan Bechdel

Morgan Bechdel is a Social Worker for the State College Area School District for the last four years. Morgan is an adventurous, caring, and passionate leader who works to integrate students and families in their communities, build relationships, and create positive living situations both at home and at school. While taking care of students, families, and staff’s basic needs, she is part of an integrated mental health approach in the State College Area School District, where she provides counseling and therapy support to students who are struggling with their mental health.

Notes
PA ECYEH Awareness Week Campaign Toolkit: https://ecyehpennsylvania.center-school.org/pennsylvania-ecyeh-awareness-week/

State College Area School District Family and Communi

What happens when a café not only serves a warm cup of coffee but also a helping hand to young adults who have aged out of foster care? In this episode, we hear from Kamal Marell, executive director of The Monkey and The Elephant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Monkey and The Elephant is a job and life skills program that seeks to equip youth who’ve aged out of foster care with the tools necessary to make the transition to self-sufficient adulthood. Please review the transcript.

Resources:
Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness at Center for Schools and Communities

"I Will Be Your Voice" Podcast

Sign up for email updates

The Monkey & The Elephant

About Our Guest
Kamal L. Marell is a Philadelphia native with over a decade of professional experience in fields of child welfare, public education, youth advocacy and community partnership. In his previous role as program manager of a shelter for women and children, Kamal was responsible for the implementation, oversight, and budgeting of quality assurance for onsite, trauma informed programming provided to residents by community partners and stakeholders.

Kamal earned a B.A. in sociology from Clemson University in 2010 and received his master’s degree in urban education from Temple University in 2018. Kamal is passionate about leading and serving young adults in the community by providing them with access, education, experiences, and opportunities beyond their past and present circumstances.