I Will Be Your Voice For Student Success

In this episode, we sit down with Zozan Küçükaydın, Anti-Human Trafficking Services Coordinator, to discuss the critical intersection of youth homelessness, housing instability, and human trafficking, and how schools can play a vital role in recognizing risk and supporting students. Learn about the development of the PA ECYEH program’s Youth Human Trafficking Toolkit for Educators, a trauma-informed resource created to help school-based professionals identify warning signs, understand vulnerabilities, and respond with care. Through collaboration with experts at the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR), this conversation highlights practical strategies for creating safer, more supportive school environments where students can access connection, resources, and pathways to success. 

Meet Our Guest: 

Zozan Küçükaydın, Anti-Human Trafficking Services Coordinator, PCAR

Zozan develops anti-trafficking awareness material and best practice information for PCAR and for professionals working with survivors of human trafficking. Through technical assistance and training, Zozan works to bridge gaps and support rape crisis centers, anti-trafficking task forces, and other service providers across the Commonwealth. Before her role, Zozan provided counseling and case management to trafficking survivors and is a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Psychology minor. Through her studies and experience, Zozan is dedicated to promoting service equity and the use of anti-oppressive frameworks in the anti-trafficking field.

Please review the transcript (PDF).

Resources:

• Youth Human Trafficking Toolkit for Educators
• Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR)
• National Center on Safe and Supportive Learning Environment – Youth and Human Trafficking
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
• Polaris
• Sign up for email updates
• The Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (PA ECYEH) Program.
• The Pennsylvania Education Stability for Children and Youth in Foster Care Program
• Center for Schools and Communities

Formerly I Will Be Your Voice: Stories of Homelessness and Hope, this podcast has expanded to explore a broader range of topics affecting students and families. Join Youth Development staff at the Center for Schools and Communities as they explore practices, programs, and partnerships shaping outcomes for students and their families.

In this episode of I Will Be Your Voice, host Matt Butensky speaks with Anthony Bruno, a senior at Lower Dauphin High School and founder of Project Textile, a student-led organization dedicated to supporting families and individuals experiencing homelessness. Joined by Lower Dauphin Principal Justin Hanula and School Social Worker Denise Haas, Anthony shares how a simple idea grew into a multi-school initiative that collects clothing, hygiene products, food, and other essential resources for local shelters and community members in need. 

Listeners will learn how Project Textile empowers students to lead service efforts in their schools, raises awareness about homelessness, and creates meaningful opportunities for young people to make a difference in their communities. Anthony also discusses his vision for expanding the organization across Pennsylvania and his belief that students have the power to create real change right now, not someday in the future.

This inspiring conversation highlights the impact of youth leadership, community collaboration, and the importance of ensuring that every student and family has access to basic necessities and support.

Meet Our Guests:

• Anthony Bruno, Senior, Lower Dauphin High School and Founder, Project Textile
• Justin Hanula, Principal, Lower Dauphin High School 
• Denise Haas, Social Worker, Lower Dauphin High School

Read the transcript.

Resources:

• Sign up for email updates
• The Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (PA ECYEH) Program.
• The Pennsylvania Education Stability for Children and Youth in Foster Care Program
• The Pennsylvania Education Leading to Employment and Career Training (PA ELECT) Program
• The Pennsylvania Migrant Education (PA MEP) Program
• The Pennsylvania Refugee Education (PA REP) Program
• The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant
• Center for Schools and Communities

Formerly I Will Be Your Voice: Stories of Homelessness and Hope, this podcast has expanded to explore a broader range of topics affecting students and families. Join Youth Development staff at the Center for Schools and Communities as they explore practices, programs, and partnerships shaping outcomes for students and their families.

The I Will Be Your Voice podcast is back! After a break, our team reconnects to share fresh insights, critical updates, and resources designed to support children, youth, and families.

We highlight new and updated tools including a Human Trafficking Toolkit for Educators, supports for unaccompanied homeless youth, and tools to help school teams implement Act 1 of 2022 across Pennsylvania. Join us as we reflect on where we’ve been, share what’s new, and look ahead to the work that continues to move student support forward.

Review the transcript (PDF)

Meet Our Host and Guests

• Matt Butensky (Host), Youth Development Program Manager, Center for Schools and Communities
• Meghan Dale, Special Projects Managing Coordinator, Center for Schools and Communities
• Taylor Teichman, Youth Development Coordinator, Center for Schools and Communities
• Ben Simmons, Youth Development Specialist, Center for Schools and Communities

Resources:

• Sign up for email updates
• The Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (PA ECYEH) Program.
• The Pennsylvania Education Stability for Children and Youth in Foster Care Program
• The Pennsylvania Education Leading to Employment and Career Training (PA ELECT) Program
• The Pennsylvania Migrant Education (PA MEP) Program
• The Pennsylvania Refugee Education (PA REP) Program
• The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant
• Center for Schools and Communities

This episode was produced under our previous focus on students experiencing homelessness.

Pennsylvania’s ECYEH Program summer camp, “Build Your Best School Year,” is returning this July! Learn about this year’s summer camp hosted at Camp Fowler in Orefield, Pennsylvania. This year’s camp for McKinney Vento eligible middle-school aged students will take place July 28 to August 1. Hear from Mike Brady, Camp Director, and Melissa Turnpaugh, Center for Schools and Communities, as they discuss this unique opportunity specifically for Pennsylvania McKinney-Vento eligible students.   

Read the transcript (PDF).

Links 

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

Meet Our Guest

Mike Brady, M.Ed., Director, Camp Fowler

Mike Brady, M.Ed., is a passionate experiential learning facilitator with over 20 years of experience in education, adventure-based learning, and youth development. Now in his third year as director of Camp Fowler, Mike leads year-round programming that fosters personal growth, resilience, and community.

Before joining Camp Fowler, Mike created and facilitated The Epiphany Project, an innovative experiential learning program for youth in an adolescent residential treatment facility. He also spent years as a dedicated social studies and alternative school teacher, earning recognition as Teacher of the Year for Chesapeake Public Schools in Virginia.

Mike lives in the Lehigh Valley with his wife, three kids, three dogs, and two cats, bringing his passion for adventure, education, and the outdoors into both his personal and professional life.

This episode was produced under our previous focus on students experiencing homelessness.

Listen to the latest "I Will Be Your Voice" episode where we kick off 2025 and chat with the statewide Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) program team at the Center for Schools and Communities. We'll reflect on unforgettable highlights from 2024 and unveil exciting initiatives on the horizon for 2025. Get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at our efforts with the ECYEH program and discover how our team collaborates to create lasting impact. Don't miss this engaging and insightful episode - it's packed with stories, teamwork, and inspiration!

Read the transcript (PDF).

Links 

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

Meet Our Guests

• Matt Butensky, Youth Development Project Manager
• Taylor Teichman, Youth Development Coordinator
• Ben Simmons, Youth Development Specialist
• Melissa Turnpaugh, ARP-HCY Youth Development Coordinator

This episode was produced under our previous focus on students experiencing homelessness.

In this special episode, we’re stepping away from our usual format to bring you powerful messages of homelessness and hope, in recognition of Pennsylvania’s annual Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) Student Homelessness Awareness Week.

Observed each November—most recently from November 11-15, 2024—this week shines a light on the critical importance of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. It highlights the efforts to provide stability, consistency, and support to children and youth experiencing homelessness across Pennsylvania. You will hear recorded messages from some of Pennsylvania’s most dedicated advocates for students experiencing homelessness. Through their voices, we invite you to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges these students face, the life-changing resources they need, and the vital impact we can all make together. We hope these messages educate, inspire, and motivate you to take action. Each of us has the power to make a difference—and collectively, we can achieve even more.

Read the transcript (PDF).

Links 

• PA ECYEH Awareness Week Toolkit
• Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
• Sign up for email updates
• Center for Schools and Communities

Meet Our Guests

Jada Guiste, Psychology Student, University of Pittsburgh, Former Homeless Youth 

Doris Hagemann, Director of Student Services, Cumberland Valley School District 

Lisette Rivera, Site Coordinator for Families in Transition, Foster Care Point of Contact, School District of Lancaster

Patricia Maila, Site Coordinator for Families in Transition, School District or Lancaster

Gwen Bailey, Vice President, Programs, HopePHL

This episode was produced under our previous focus on students experiencing homelessness.

As we approach 2024, ECYEH Awareness Week, November 11-15, join us for an eye-opening discussion on ECYEH Awareness Week with special guest Sonia Pitzi, a dedicated regional coordinator with Pennsylvania's Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (PA ECYEH) Program. Together, we explore the transformative power of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act in providing stability and educational rights. Discover how the origins of ECYEH Awareness Week focus on the critical role of education amidst the daunting challenges faced by these students. 

Our conversation delves into the tradition of Wear Red Day, showcasing how symbolic red attire sparks essential conversations about student homelessness. We also spotlight progress, emphasizing the small victories that contribute significantly to the educational journey of students experiencing homelessness. This episode serves as a potent reminder of the power of education, community, and advocacy in driving change.

Read the transcript (PDF).

Links 

• PA ECYEH Awareness Week Toolkit
• The Bridge Project in PA 
• PA ECYEH Learning Series
• ECYEH Cell Phone Project
• Finding Your Way in PA App
• Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
• Sign up for email updates
• Center for Schools and Communities

 
Meet Our Guest

Sonia Pitzi, Regional Coordinator, Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness, Lincoln Intermediate Unit

Sonia has worked with students experiencing homelessness for 29 years, eliminating educational barriers for homeless students and unaccompanied teens through partnerships and coordination with school districts, shelters and other community agencies. Sonia obtained her bachelor's degree in Outdoor Education (Special Populations) from Northland College in Wisconsin. In 2015, she received the national Sandra Neese Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the National Association for Education of Homeless Children and Youth. She connects with students through a shared love of pizza, firmly believes that chocolate can save both her life and the lives of others and maintains that red is the best color because it can showcase a myriad of emotions.

This episode was produced under our previous focus on students experiencing homelessness.

In partnership with Move Forward Counseling and eLuma, The Bridge Project in PA facilitates FREE access to mental health services for PA children and youth experiencing homelessness. Learn the benefits of teletherapy; how schools, students, and families access services; how the program is addressing technological challenges; and the impact of mental health on academic achievement. 

We also tackle broader challenges school districts face, such as absenteeism and behavioral needs, and how virtual mental health support can enhance traditional in-person approaches. Discover the critical role of parents/guardians in the teletherapy process and the collaborative efforts between schools and teletherapy providers. Finally, we emphasize the importance of student engagement and self-advocacy, and highlight the seamless referral processes of The Bridge Project in PA and the ongoing mission to extend support to all students in need. 

The Bridge Project in PA is part of Pennsylvania’s American Rescue Plan Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) Program and is available for a limited time.

Read the transcript. 

A referral for services through The Bridge Project in PA is required by the Homeless Liaison at the student’s school. 

 Links:

• The Bridge Project in PA  
• Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
• Sign up for email updates
• "I Will Be Your Voice" Podcast
• Center for Schools and Communities

Meet Our Guests

Valerie McNicholl, Chief Operating Officer, Move Forward Counseling 

Valerie McNicholl is a licensed clinical social worker in PA and chief operating officer of Move Forward Counseling, LLC.  Valerie has 20+ years of experience working with children, adults, and families to improve their lives in a variety of treatment settings. Valerie approaches therapy from a strengths-based perspective and uses a variety of interventions. Originally from Schenectady, New York, she firmly believes that people heal differently, and that therapy can be a means to finding your way. 

 Chris Niemeyer, Director of School Partnerships, eLuma

Chris is a lifelong EdTech advocate and comes from a family of educators.  He has worked with schools in a range of roles, from implementing digital tools in classrooms to rolling out large-scale technology initiatives. Over the past 20+ years, he has worked with several influential EdTech companies and has the expertise required to successfully support educators and K-12 school districts. In that context, Chris joined eLuma with a shared mission to help all students achieve their potential. 

 Leslie Cole, Director of School Solutions, eLuma 

Leslie is a dedicated and experienced educational professional with a passion for supporting students, staff, and promoting systemic positive change. As a school psychologist supporting districts in the surrounding Tampa Bay, Florida, region, she gained invaluable knowledge and led efforts to support schools with Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), early intervention, and trauma-informed care. After the pandemic, Leslie made the decision to return to New York, where she became MTSS coordinator and later a district administrator. L

This episode was produced under our previous focus on students experiencing homelessness.

Can a community rally together to keep families united during their toughest times? Join us for an in-depth conversation with Matt Wagner from Family Promise as we explore the often misunderstood realities of homelessness and how their community partnerships take a holistic approach to providing services. Discover their collaborative efforts with local churches for nightly accommodations and their impactful partnership with United Way of the Capital Region's Road to Success program, which has been transformative in improving employment rates, even for those with criminal histories. Hear about their approach with their partnerships for food distribution and job preparation resources, illustrating how tailored assistance can make all the difference in helping families move towards stability. You will also learn constructive ways that you can get involved and make an impact. From spreading the word on social media to volunteering for important roles like van driving or committee participation, your support can be transformative.

Read the transcript (PDF).

Meet Our Guest
Matthew Wagner is the Executive Director for Family Promise Harrisburg, which means he has the best job in the world. He gets to help his community support families and individuals at risk of experiencing homelessness, currently experiencing homelessness, or transitioning out of experiencing homelessness on their path to permanent housing.  He believes in a collaborative approach that treats every person as an individual and works to help them, not just in the short-term, but also in the long-term to be able to prosper and achieve their goals.

Matthew likes to think outside the box and problem-solve, which have been invaluable in the decade he’s worked in the nonprofit world, first as a consultant, then on the communications side, before getting into fundraising. Now he’s combined all those experiences for the last almost two years as Executive Director of Family Promise Harrisburg Capital Region.  In his time there he established an environment where the staff, board, and volunteers all take what they do seriously but don’t take themselves seriously leading to a team-oriented approach where we are all extended family looking out for each other and those we serve.

Resources

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

This episode was produced under our previous focus on students experiencing homelessness.

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. 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
• Sign up for email updates
• "I Will Be Your Voice" Podcast
• Center for Schools and Communities