Get the Drop On…
The Youth Homelessness Prevention and Housing Stabilization Strategy Youth Council proudly presents "The Drop." A podcast by young people for young people to discuss various issues around Youth Homelessness in York Region. New episodes are available every month!
LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODE
Season 1
Episode 1: The Youth Strategy of York Region
With Special Guests: Bonnie Harkness and Emma Bockner
The first episode of our podcast gives you The Drop on The York Region’s Youth Strategy, with special guests Bonnie Harkness and Emma Bockner. Bonnie is the COO of 360° Kids and is a part of multiple committees with the York Region’s Youth Strategy. Emma is a youth who was involved with the York Region’s Youth Strategy from the time of its conception and Chaired the Steering Committee. Bonnie and Emma talk about the collaboration that has come together to form the York Region’s Youth Strategy, as well as some of the preliminary goals and projects.
Episode 2: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
With Special Guests: Charlotte Lombardo & Jerico Espinas
This month, special guests Charlotte Lombardo and Jericho Espinas visited the 360° Kids studio to give us The Drop on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Charlotte is a community based researcher and educator, and Jericho is a community based lawyer and non-profit manager. Both guests are part of the York Region’s Youth Strategy’s EDI Subcommittee. These experts help us understand how oppression, systemic issues, and equity create risk factors that contribute to youth homelessness. What can we do as individuals and collectives to help solve these issues?
Episode 3: The Difference Between Empathy & Sympathy
With Special Guest: Zeelyna Wise
Our extra special guest, Zeelyna Wise, is here this month to give us the Drop on The Difference Between Empathy & Sympathy. Zeelyna is a mindfulness expert, community leader, and the Youth Empowerment Coach for the York Region’s Youth Strategy. Zeelyna has been supporting the youths involved in the York Region’s Youth Strategy by advocating, supporting, and listening beyond hearing. Learn about the power you hold to change your community and the experiences of individuals around you by providing empathy rather than sympathy. How can you channel your compassion and caring in a way that promotes individuality and mutual respect within a community environment?
Episode 4: Eliminating Structural Barriers
With Special Guests: Clovis Grant (he/him) and Marie Morton (she/her)
Clovis Grant and Marie Morton stopped by to give us The Drop on The York Region’s Youth Strategy’s Eliminating Structural Barriers Subcommittee. Clovis is the Chief Executive Officer of 360° Kids, and Marie is the Executive Director of CAYR Community Connections. Our special guests this week explain structural barriers, by highlighting what they are, who they affect, and why they are a major factor related to youth homelessness. Looking specifically at the York Region, there are several examples of community members affected by structural barriers and organizations advocating for community members. How can you recognize and eliminate structural barriers?
Season 2
Season 2 Episode 1: By Youth for Youth - COMING SOON!
With Special Guests: Samantha Lobb & Sean Sweeney
This month’s special guests Samantha Lobb and Sean Sweeney give us The Drop on The By Youth For Youth Project, which is aimed at informing homeless and/or at-risk youth of their tenancy rights. Sam is a child development expert and former Chair of the York Region’s Youth Strategy’s Youth Council, and Sean is a Director and Cinematographer in the GTA who captured the By Youth For Youth (BYFY) Videos. You won’t want to miss all of the information about the project, how it was created, and the information they learned about tenancy along the way. What are your rights as a tenant and where can you go for help if a landlord has violated your tenancy rights?
Season 2 Episode 2: Housing Stabilization
With Special Guests: Yvonne Kelly & Charlene April
This month we were joined by special guests Yvonne Kelly and Charlene April, who gave us The Drop on The York Region’s Youth Strategy’s Housing Stabilization Subcommittee. Yvonne is the Chair of the Housing Stabilization Subcommittee and Charlene is a member of the Housing Stabilization Subcommittee and CEO of Creating Roots, which is a Toronto based non-profit. The York Region has missed housing affordability targets for years on end, but that is not the only issue affecting housing stability for youth. What steps can you take to help create more stable housing in the York Region?
Season 2 Episode 3: Queer Homelessness
With Special: Guest Jesse Vacaruic
Jesse Vacaruic dropped by the studio this month to give us The Drop on Queer Homelessness. Jesse is a 360°Kids Youth Care Worker and Musician. Jesse uses their personal experiences, education, and professional knowledge to shed light on queer homelessness. This episode is jam packed with tips for those who identify as queer and are currently experiencing homelessness. How does intersectionality and identity affect an individual’s experience of homelessness, and what can you do to make the York Region more inclusive?
Season 2 Episode 4: The Stigma Surrounding Addiction Part 1 of 2
With Special: Guest Zach Dickinson
On this episode, previous Youth Council Chair Zach Dickinson delves into the impact of addiction stigma on youth accessing housing, mental health, and addiction services. Zach, a former addict and homeless youth, now advocates for peers in various programs. His lived experience provides insight into youth issues and service barriers. Zach and James explore how youth engagement in decision-making is pivotal in destigmatizing services, fostering leadership among young individuals. Alongside his Youth Council role, Zach actively participates in programs like YouthSpeak, the Mental Health Committee for York Region, and the 360Kids Substance Use and Addictions Program while pursuing post-secondary studies in Social Service.
Season 2 Episode : The Stigma Surrounding Addiction Part 2 of 2
With Special: Guest Zach Dickinson
This month James continues his conversation with former Youth Council Co-Chair Zach Dickinson surrounding the impact of addiction on at-risk youth. In this podcast, Zack shifts the focus to his own personal story involving childhood trauma, family breakdown, homelessness, incarceration, and his journey towards recovery. While his story is full of sensational experiences from stealing food to feed other homeless youth to squatting in an abandoned school, Zach offers key insights from his experience that can benefit other youth going through similar circumstances including securing meaningful employment with a criminal record and finding a place for your voice to be heard and validated.
Listen up.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.