Young People to the Front

• Why the System Fails Foster Youth: Alexis Obinna on Policy, Advocacy & Change

  In this episode of Young People to the Front, hosts Tonny, Fatime and Robin 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. Topics Discussed in the Episode: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:InstagramLinkedin

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• Addressing Water Scarcity Issues: Insights from Water Drop LA and SkidRow Advocates

  In this episode of Young People to the Front, Tonny, Fatime and Robin 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.orghttps://www.instagram.com/waterdropla/https://twitter.com/WaterDropLAhttps://www.facebook.com/waterdropla/

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• West Coast Convening, Measure A Success, and Mark Markarian on Youth Housing and System Reform

  In this episode of the Young People to the Front, hosts Tonny, Fatime and Robin 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.Topics Discussed in the Episode: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/SycamoresABetterLifehttps://www.instagram.com/sycamoresabetterlife/https://www.youtube.com/user/HathawaySycamores

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• Madin Lopez on Empowering Queer Youth & Building Safe Spaces with Project Q

  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 videoshttp://www.facebook.com/projectq.infohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ52-4R8BBEPROJECTQ (@project_q_) / X

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• Tackling Mental Health and Systemic Challenges in Social Work with Monae Dale

  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 advocacyThe mental health challenges and burnout faced by social workersThe role of community in addressing homelessness and supporting youthThe importance of peer-based support and lived experience in mental health servicesSystemic barriers to housing, including working with landlords and the housing processConnect with Monae:https://www.linkedin.com/in/monae-dale-061355130/ 

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