I Will Be Your Voice For Student Success

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

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)

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"I Will Be Your Voice" Podcast

Center for Schools and Communities

Valley Youth House

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

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)

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"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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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. 

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

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/pennsylv

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

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.

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

In this episode of “I Will Be Your Voice: Stories of Homelessness and Hope,” President of the Milton Hershey School and graduate, Pete Gurt shares about the mission and vision behind the Milton Hershey School and the impact and opportunities it provides for children, youth, and families' lives.  Please read the transcript.

Resources:

• Milton Hershey School
• Catherine Hershey School
• Apply! Milton Hershey School
• Apply! Catherine Hershey School
• 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

Meet Our Guest:

Pete Gurt ’85 is the President of Milton Hershey School and Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning. In his role, he has designed and implemented strategic plans, combining the needs of current students with founders Milton and Catherine Hershey’s guiding vision in order to lead MHS into the future. 

His most recent plan focuses on four key areas: Modeling Character and Well-Being, Innovating Career-Focused Education, Leveraging Impact, and Teamwork to Strengthen Community Alignment and Engagement. Under his leadership, MHS has grown to record enrollment of more than 2,000 students, launched a division to support young graduates, and established an Early Childhood Education Initiative with Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning. 

Pete is an alumnus of MHS, attending from age 5 through graduation. Prior to becoming president, he served the school for 30 years in a variety of roles including as a leader on the MHS Admissions team, Assistant to the President, Vice President of Administration, Vice President of Student Life, and most recently, MHS Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

He is a graduate of Temple University and holds a Master of Education degree from The Pennsylvania State University (Harrisburg). 

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

In this episode of “I Will Be Your Voice: Stories of Homelessness and Hope,” hear from Michele Albright, director of Lehigh Valley Emergency Services and Housing, and Reet Kaur, clinical coordinator at Valley Youth House. Valley Youth House provides an array of youth services including emergency shelter, transitional housing, street outreach, mentoring, and LGBTQ+ services. They envision a world in which every young person belongs to a nurturing community.  Please read the transcript.

Resources:

• Valley Youth House 
• Project Silk Lehigh Valley 
• In-school Programs, Valley Youth House 
• 2023 Paving the Way to Educational Success Conference, October 11-13, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  
• 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
  
  

Meet Our Guests:

Michele Albright is the director of emergency services and housing at Valley Youth House in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.  Michele has over 25 years of experience in social services, and 24 of those years have been working at Valley Youth House.  She has served in numerous roles but found her passion working with adolescent and transition-age youth who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.  Currently, Michele oversees the continuum of services from street outreach to shelter to transitional housing to permanent housing. Michele sits on the governing board of the local Regional Homeless Advisory Board and chairs the Board's Landlord Engagement Committee.    

Reet Kaur, M.A., LPC, is a clinical coordinator with five years of experience and works within Valley Youth House LV Shelter located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Reet specializes in trauma-informed care and is responsible for overseeing mental health therapy within the shelter including individual, family, and group sessions. She is also responsible for training undergraduate and graduate interns who aspire to be therapists and social workers post-graduation. She is a powerful force in the workplace as well as a lifelong learner who is currently a doctoral candidate in Community Care and Trauma. She is a firm believer that youth homelessness needs to be eradicated and has been working diligently within the organization to achieve this goal, one youth at a time. She uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to work with unstably housed youth in the community. She is inspired daily by the youth she serves as well as her family. In her free time, she travels, reads, and binge watches Netflix.

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

In this episode, one of PA’s ECYEH program regional coordinators, Sonia Pitzi, shares with us the origin of the "I Will Be Your Voice" campaign and the importance of elevating the voices and stories of students experiencing homelessness. Please read the transcript.

Resources:

• ECYEH Lincoln Intermediate Unit
• Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Facebook page
• Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (ECYEH)
• American Rescue Plan Homeless Children and Youth Initiative (ARP-HCY)
• 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

Meet Our Guest:

Sonia Pitzi has worked with students experiencing homelessness for over 27 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 WI. 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.