We continue the Stories of the TAY* with Christopher Martin. Healing your life from childhood trauma takes a strong person, and what if you have to  navigate the world with social anxiety as well? Christopher is on his way to stability and figuring out how move his life forward by facing his past. We're rooting for you Christopher! 

*Transitional Age Youth

If  you need a place to turn to help you prevent homelessness or help you if you are experiencing homelessness go to  The Valley Family Services  

Produced: Betsy Foldes Meiman

Theme Song 'True' by Haunted Horses NYC  

Sound Engineering: Joe Foldes

If  you need a place to turn to help you prevent homelessness or help you if you are experiencing homelessness go to  The Valley Family Services  

Produced: Betsy Foldes Meiman

Theme Song 'True' by Haunted Horses NYC  

Sound Engineering: Joe Foldes

 At our zoom holiday party last night, The great Gabe Evans, Connectopod collaborator, friend, and one of our professional media mentors for Changing the Narrative shared his holiday creation.  So for a Christmas, Chanukah and Festivus gift we present: 

The Greatest Christmas Story Ever Told Part 1: The Siege (follow link for the rest!)

The world's number 2 toy factory in the world is trying to take out Santa.

Hilarious fun for the whole family! 

You

Happy Holidays! Peace, Joy, and Love to you all. -Love Connectopod, The TAY, and The Village Family Services drop in center

You never know when rain will come....Mathew Contreras was an employment specialist at The Village Family Services drop-in center for homeless youth. Always a high achiever, Matthew was able to hide his drug use and mental health issues while working and attending college until he wasn’t.  To move forward, he needed to deal with what was holding him back. Matthew knew he could turn to The Village with no judgment upon him during his most vulnerable time. The services they provide help people experiencing homelessness, but even more importantly can prevent homelessness altogether. Out and proud, and graduating from CSUN this spring, Matthew has begun to build the life he is envisioning which includes being an advocate for LGBTQ issues.

If  you need a place to turn to help you prevent homelessness or help you if you are experiencing homelessness go to  The Valley Family Services  

Produced: Betsy Foldes Meiman

Theme Song 'True' by Haunted Horses NYC  

Sound Engineering: Joe Foldes

You may remember Gayle Alvarez from such hits as the Changing the Narrative Unhoused Youth Gayle episode a few weeks back.  Or maybe you've had her help at The Village Family Services drop-in center for homeless youth in North Hollywood. Either way, Gayle is a social justice hero. She's come through her own trauma from using the DiC services to providing them as an employment specialist there. Her personal experience drives her to support other TAY (transitional age youth) experiencing or in danger of experiencing homelessness.   Gayle chose podcast journalism to convey the impact of mental health on homelessness. With the help of her mentor, recent USC Grad Student and independent journalist Natalie Reddington, Gayle brings you facts, resources, and encouragement. 

Gayle is also an artist. This is her work.

Gayle in action recording her podcast episode

And that's Natalie on the right, working.

You can contact Gayle Alvarez if you are in need, or would like to give time, talents, or treasure at  The Valley Family Services  818-738-7327

Produced: Betsy Foldes Meiman

Theme Song 'True' by Haunted Horses NYC  

Sound Engineering: Joe Foldes

You may remember Gayle Alvarez from such hits as the Changing the Narrative Unhoused Youth Gayle episode a few weeks back.  Or maybe you've had her help at The Village Family Services drop-in center for homeless youth in North Hollywood. Either way, Gayle is a social justice hero. She's come through her own trauma from using the DiC services to providing them as an employment specialist there. Her personal experience drives her to support other TAY (transitional age youth) experiencing or in danger of experiencing homelessness.   Gayle chose podcast journalism to convey the impact of mental health on homelessness. With the help of her mentor, recent USC Grad Student and independent journalist Natalie Reddington, Gayle brings you facts, resources, and encouragement. 

Gayle is also an artist. This is her work.

Gayle in action recording her podcast episode

And that's Natalie on the right, working.

You can contact Gayle Alvarez if you are in need, or would like to give time, talents, or treasure at  The Valley Family Services  818-738-7327

Produced: Betsy Foldes Meiman

Theme Song 'True' by Haunted Horses NYC  

Sound Engineering: Joe Foldes

Daniel Estrada emanates gentle intelligence that is hard to imagine exposed to cruelty and neglect. He and his six siblings were taken from an abusive home and filtered separately through the foster care system.  He lived in 10 homes over 8 years, to finally be adopted at 17. With the help of his foster moms, he made it all the way to Cal Poly only to crumble under the weight of PTSD and depression. He ended up alone on the streets. But Daniel’s story is not done. His vivid imagination has always been a refuge. He is a talented writer drawing on his pain, but reshaping the events into expressive entertaining escapes.  Find out how he is finding his way back, with the help of the DiC (Drop-in Center) at The Village Family Services in North Hollywood.

Produced: Betsy Foldes Meiman

Theme Song 'True' by Haunted Horses NYC  

Sound Engineering: Joe Foldes

Everything is coming up roses for 24 year old Gayle Alvarez. But it was a lot of hard work to make this garden grow. From homelessness to peer counselor to employment specialist for homeless youth at The Village Family Services, she has turned her needing into leading. She shares her journey through undiagnosed mental illness and how she found her way in hopes it will encourage others who find themselves on the edge. 

Produced: Betsy Foldes Meiman

Theme Song 'True' by Haunted Horses NYC  

Sound Engineering: Joe Foldes