Vicki Sokolik refuses to be an Ostrich. Her son brought to her attention the crisis of unhoused youth — youth unhoused, not living with a parent/guardian, and not in foster care — in America, and she has been fighting to support this vulnerable population every since. Most active in Tampa Bay, Florida, Vicki is the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Starting Right, Now, which removes barriers for unaccompanied homeless youth to cultivate long-term well-being and self-sufficiency. She is also the author of the new book, “If You See Them: Young, Unhoused, and Alone in America.”

Vicki Sokolik joined host Jay Ruderman to discuss the many ways unhoused youth fall through the cracks in our society, how her organization helps them, and also how to build trust with people who could use your help. 

Episode Chapters

(00:00) Intro 

(01:10) Vicki’s origin story

(02:40) What is “unhoused youth?”

(06:40) What should a person do if they worry they see an unhoused youth?

(08:19) How have conversations around unhoused youth changed in Vicki’s 20 years working with them?

(11:02) How do people get the word out and help unhoused youth?

(14:55) Vicki’s new book

(16:48) How Vicki builds trust

(20:10) What do students receive at Starting Right, Now?

(22:58) How does Vicki balance advocacy and direct support?

(27:53) Starting Right, Now alumni

(29:10) Goodbye

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To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/

Looking for more insights into the world of activism? Be sure to check out Jay’s brand new book, Find Your Fight, in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at www.jayruderman.com.