I Will Be Your Voice – Stories of Homelessness and Hope

More than 40,000 children and youth experience homelessness in Pennsylvania, posing a significant barrier to succeed in school. In partnership with Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH), join Center for Schools and Communities staff Melissa Turnpaugh and Matthew Butensky as they interview state and national experts, homeless liaisons, service providers, and those with lived experience. These conversations will dive deeper into resources, partnerships and best practices that help these children and youth thrive in school and life. Along the way, guests will share untold stories to amplify the voices and stories of students experiencing homelessness across Pennsylvania and beyond.

Contributors

Co-host

Matt Butensky

Matt Butensky is the youth development project manager with Center for Schools and Communities (CSC). Since joining CSC in 2016, Matt has worked on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Education on several statewide programs that support special student populations including students experiencing homelessness, students experiencing foster care, and refugee students. During his time with CSC, Matt has also received certifications in trauma-skilled education, education policy, and leadership.

Co-host

Melissa Turnpaugh

Melissa Turnpaugh is a project coordinator for the American Rescue Plan Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) program for the Center for Schools and Communities (CSC). Melissa previously worked serving youth from low-income families at the Milton Hershey School and youth experiencing homelessness between the ages of 18-24 at Valley Youth House in Dauphin County.