Young People to the Front

In this episode of Young People of the Front, hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine talk with Tai Jones, an Intensive Supporting Senior Case Manager at The People Concern in SPA 5 and entertainer who has performed on prestigious stages like The Wiltern Theatre and in major studios, including ABC. Dedicated to uplifting young people and addressing homelessness prevention, Tai shares her journey from a childhood immersed in the arts to a career in social services, inspired by her mother’s nonprofit work. 

She discusses the challenges young people face in navigating social support systems, the need for better assessments and case management, and the systemic changes required to make long-term housing stability a reality. Tai also provides insights into setting professional boundaries in advocacy work, the importance of financial literacy, and how to create spaces where youth feel empowered to seek help. 

• Tai’s transition from performing arts to youth advocacy
• The impact of growing up in Los Angeles has on her work in social services
• Barriers young people face in accessing stable housing and support
• The importance of financial literacy and self-advocacy in maintaining housing
• How case managers and social workers can create sustainable change while maintaining personal well-being

Connect with Tai Jones:

https://www.instagram.com/youthlednation/

More about Tai Jones:

Tai Jones is an Intensive Supporting Senior Case Manager at The People Concern in SPA 5, specializing in supporting individuals and families diagnosed with mental health conditions. She provides housing navigation services and housing retention assistance to ensure stable housing for people of all ages throughout Los Angeles County. In addition to her role at The People Concern, Tai serves as a SPA 8 Youth Advocate for Youth Led Nation, an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting young adults facing homelessness in Los Angeles County. Through advocacy, policy reform, and resource navigation, she works to raise awareness, create systemic change, and inform funders and organizations dedicated to serving unhoused youth.

Outside of her advocacy and housing support work, Tai is deeply passionate about the performing arts. Born and raised in Inglewood, California, Tai’s love for theater developed during her grade school years. She later expanded her talents to competitive athletics as an all-star cheerleader, competing across California. In 2016, Tai was accepted into the House of Blues Music Forward Foundation's Emerging Artist Program, in partnership with Live Nation, where she began performing on prestigious stages like The Wiltern Theatre and in major studios, including ABC and Fox News.

In this episode of Young People to the Front, hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine sit down with Alexis Obinna, a dedicated community advocate, social worker, and consultant. 

Alexis shares her powerful journey from an affluent upbringing to the foster care system, and how her lived experiences shaped her commitment to social justice. She discusses the challenges of navigating higher education while experiencing homelessness, the systemic barriers within social services, and the urgent need for policy changes to better support youth aging out of foster care. 

Alexis also provides insights into her research work, highlighting the importance of making data accessible for advocacy and policy reform. 

• Alexis' Journey Through Foster Care and Homelessness – How her personal experiences led to her becoming a community advocate.
• Barriers in the Social Services System – The challenges young people face when transitioning from foster care to stable housing.
• The Role of Research in Advocacy – Why data transparency is crucial for policy change and how young advocates can use research in their work.
• Navigating Higher Education While Homeless – The difficulties of balancing school, work, and survival without stable housing.
• Holding Nonprofits and Agencies Accountable – The need for better resource allocation and support systems for youth in crisis.

Alexis Obinna is a dedicated social worker, advocate, and businesswoman with a lifelong commitment to community service. From a young age, she has volunteered her time and expertise to address critical issues such as racial equity, housing, and child welfare. As a social worker, Alexis has empowered communities.  Her advocacy extends to influencing government legislation and collaborating with nonprofit organizations to promote social justice and transform lives.  Through her multifaceted efforts, Alexis continues to make a significant impact on the well-being of individuals and the broader community.

Connect with Alexis:

Instagram

Linkedin

In this episode of Young People to the Front, Tonny, Robin and Fatine sit down with members of Water Drop LA to explore their work addressing water access issues in Skid Row and beyond. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic, Water Drop has grown into a critical lifeline, distributing over 2,000 gallons of water weekly to unhoused residents. 

This week’s guests, including USC researchers Erik and Jordy and community advocate/skid row resident, Tony, highlight the challenges of water scarcity, the devastating impact of sweeps, and the systemic neglect of basic human needs like water and shelter. We discuss the barriers to permanent solutions, the importance of community advocacy, and the organization's mission to one day no longer need to exist. 

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• The origins and mission of Water Drop LA in addressing water access in Skid Row.
• The harsh realities of water scarcity and its impact on the unhoused community.
• Systemic issues, including sweeps and the lack of quality housing solutions.
• Advocacy efforts for increased water access points and sustainable solutions.
• How listeners can get involved in mutual aid and support Water Drop LA.

Connect with Water Drop LA:

www.waterdropla.org

https://www.instagram.com/waterdropla/

https://twitter.com/WaterDropLA

https://www.facebook.com/waterdropla/

In this episode of the Young People to the Front, hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine reflect on recent milestones, including the success of Measure A in Los Angeles County, which secures $1.2 billion in funding for homelessness initiatives. The team discusses their participation in the West Coast Convening, a collaborative effort among service providers addressing youth homelessness across Pacific Standard Time states, and explores the unique challenges and achievements in homelessness services during the pandemic. 

Special guest Mark Markarian, Regional Coordinator for Service Area 3 (San Gabriel Valley), shares his journey into the field, the importance of collaboration in service delivery, and insights into how the homelessness response system can better serve young people. This episode dives deep into practical solutions, the resilience of communities, and the need for systemic changes to support youth facing housing instability.

• Measure A and its impact on homelessness funding in Los Angeles.
• Insights from the West Coast Convening and regional collaboration.
• Mark Markarian’s journey into youth homelessness services.
• The role of community colleges in addressing housing insecurity for students.
• Challenges and successes of providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Connect with Mark Markarian and Sycamores:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-markarian/

https://www.sycamores.org/

https://www.facebook.com/SycamoresABetterLife

https://www.instagram.com/sycamoresabetterlife/

https://www.youtube.com/user/HathawaySycamores

In this powerful episode of Young People to the Front, we sit down with Madin Lopez, founder and executive director of Project Q, a nonprofit focused on empowering queer and trans youth of color through haircuts and community support. Madin shares their journey from navigating the foster care system and the challenges of homelessness to creating an organization that combines self-expression with social justice. 

Project Q’s mission goes beyond hair; it’s about providing a safe and affirming space for marginalized youth to feel seen and celebrated. Madin discusses the importance of educating parents, policymakers, and communities on LGBTQ+ issues and shares moving stories about resilience, self-discovery, and the power of supportive spaces.

This episode also explores the intersections of identity and social justice, highlighting Madin’s experience as a Black, queer individual working toward systemic change. Madin delves into Project Q’s cross-country work, their advocacy for trans and reproductive rights, and their broader vision for fostering empathy and education to end the foster care-to-prison pipeline. 

Join us as we unpack vital topics on advocacy, allyship, and the power of self-expression for LGBTQ+ youth.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Madin's journey through foster care and how it shaped their mission.
• The founding and mission of Project Q to empower LGBTQ+ youth.
• Challenges in accessing healthcare and advocating for reproductive and trans rights.
• Community-based support for Black and Brown queer youth facing housing insecurity.
• Fostering allyship and advocacy amid political challenges.

Connect with Madin:

ProjectQ
(@project_q_) • Instagram photos and videos
http://www.facebook.com/projectq.info
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ52-4R8BBE

PROJECTQ (@project_q_) / X

Welcome back to Episode 29 of The Young People to the Front Podcast! In this lively and insightful conversation, we are joined by Monae Dale, a native Angeleno and social worker, to discuss her experience working in social services, especially with homeless youth in Los Angeles. 

Monae brings her unique perspective as a program officer at the California Community Foundation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her journey from providing direct services as a clinician to working in macro-level advocacy. We dive into the mental health challenges of working with unhoused youth, the systemic issues in homelessness services, and how important community and peer-based models are in supporting vulnerable populations. 

This episode is a candid reflection on the emotional and personal toll of social work, and Monae offers practical advice on self-care, burnout prevention, and the importance of staying grounded in this critical field. Whether you're interested in youth development, mental health, or community work, this episode is full of valuable insights.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Transitioning from direct social work to macro-level advocacy
• The mental health challenges and burnout faced by social workers
• The role of community in addressing homelessness and supporting youth
• The importance of peer-based support and lived experience in mental health services
• Systemic barriers to housing, including working with landlords and the housing process

Connect with Monae:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/monae-dale-061355130/

Looking for ways to shift public perception and advocate for meaningful policy changes in the fight against homelessness? Join us as Jerry Jones explores the role of storytelling, the impact of major events like the Olympics, and the need for inclusive decision-making in creating a more compassionate Los Angeles.

In this episode of the Young People to the Front podcast, hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine are joined by guest Jerry Jones, who leads the Greater LA Coalition on Homelessness. They discuss the importance of advocacy in addressing homelessness and the need for a united front of organizations and advocates. Jerry dives into the details of Measure A, a citizen-led ballot measure aimed at providing funding for homeless services and affordable housing. The conversation touches on the misconceptions surrounding homelessness, the role of coalition building, and the need for accountability and reform in contracting. 

Interview begins 00:08:17 

Topics discussed in the episode:

- Jerry Jones' background in homelessness advocacy

- The importance of advocacy in addressing homelessness

- The details and significance of Measure A

- The need for accountability and reform in contracting

- The misconceptions surrounding homelessness and the importance of shifting public narratives

Connect with Jerry and the Greater LA Coalition on Homelessness

https://glach.org/

https://www.instagram.com/greaterlaunited/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557974560968

https://twitter.com/GreaterLAunited

https://www.linkedin.com/company/greater-la-coalition-on-homelessness/

https://www.pinterest.com/GreaterLAunited/

In a continuation from episode 25, hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine discuss with Alissa Walker the implications of hosting the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. There are various concerns surrounding the event, such as the impact on the city's homeless population, the need for improved public spaces and infrastructure, and the importance of prioritizing the well-being of the community. They point out the potential challenges of security, police presence, and the influence of political leaders. 

Key topics discussed in the episode include:

- Discussion on hosting the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028

- The coffee shop wars brewing in the Virgil Village neighborhood

- Concerns about the impact of the Olympics on the homeless population

- Need for improved public spaces and infrastructure

- Importance of prioritizing the community's well-being

- Challenges of security and police presence

- Influence of political leaders

- Historical context of previous Olympic events

- Emphasis on thoughtful planning and long-term benefits

Connect with Alissa:

https://www.torched.la/

https://www.facebook.com/alissawalker

https://twitter.com/awalkerinLA

https://www.torched.la/latest/rss

https://www.instagram.com/awalkerinla/

https://www.threads.net/@awalkerinla

https://thelapod.com/

In this episode of Young People to the Front, the hosts, Tonny, Laura, Fatine, and Robin, discuss the findings of the annual youth count, a project that estimates the number of homeless youth in Los Angeles. 

Here are the key points covered in the episode:

- The youth count takes place over the last ten days of January and aims to estimate the number of unsheltered and sheltered youth in Los Angeles.

- This year, there was a 17% decrease in the overall number of youth counted compared to the previous year, reflecting a shift towards more young people being housed.

- The count revealed that 20% of the youth estimated had experienced chronic homelessness for over two years.

- Significant percentages of youth were identified as having serious mental illness (22%), substance use disorder (15%), and developmental disabilities (11%).

- The count also highlighted the disproportionate impact of youth homelessness on young people of color, with 40% being Black/African American and 41% being Hispanic/Latino.

Tonny, Robin, Fatine and Laura also discussed the challenges of conducting the youth count, including the large area to cover, the timing of the count in January, and the difficulty in accurately capturing the hidden nature of youth homelessness. They emphasized the importance of community support and engagement in addressing youth homelessness and using the count's findings for advocacy and resource allocation.

Curious about how the city of LA is preparing for the security and population challenges of hosting the Olympics, and the concerns that have been raised by community members and activists?

In this episode of Young People to the Front, hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine are joined by journalist and host of the LA Podcast, Alissa Walker. They discuss various topics related to the Olympics in Los Angeles, including the history of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics, the impact of the Olympics on the city, the over-policing and security concerns, the use of private contractors for security, and the challenges of hosting major events in terms of infrastructure and community impact.

Key topics discussed in the episode include:

The history of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and the transformation of the city during those times.

The impact of the Olympics on residents, particularly in terms of security and over-policing.

The role of private security contractors and their potential impact on communities.

The challenges of hosting major events like the Olympics, including infrastructure and community concerns.

The upcoming World Cup and Super Bowl in 2026 and 2027, and the potential implications for security and community impact.

Connect with Alissa:

https://www.torched.la/

https://www.facebook.com/alissawalker

https://twitter.com/awalkerinLA

https://www.torched.la/latest/rss

https://www.instagram.com/awalkerinla/

https://www.threads.net/@awalkerinla

https://thelapod.com/