
Project I Am From - Playing My Own Game Now
11/20/24 • 35 min
🎙️ In this special episode for Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Youth Voice Amplified features Cynthia, a youth advocate with lived experience of youth homelessness. Through the Project I Am From poetry exercise, Cynthia shares a raw and moving piece reflecting on her roots, resilience, and growth. She opens up about her journey as a homeless high school student, the support systems that helped her, and her ongoing mission to uplift others in her community. She also offers profound insights into how communities can support homeless youth, the resources that make the biggest impact, and how to address common misconceptions about homelessness with empathy and understanding.
Resources & information mentioned in the episode:
- I Am From Poem Template
- National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
- Kern County Point In Time Count 2024 Report
- "City of Bakersfield works to clear popular homeless camp in south Bakersfield" KGET TV
- Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.
Connect with Youth Voice Amplified - Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
- Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast
- Youth Voice Amplified on Facebook
If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at [email protected].
Credits:
Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste
Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer
đź’¬ Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!
🎙️ In this special episode for Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Youth Voice Amplified features Cynthia, a youth advocate with lived experience of youth homelessness. Through the Project I Am From poetry exercise, Cynthia shares a raw and moving piece reflecting on her roots, resilience, and growth. She opens up about her journey as a homeless high school student, the support systems that helped her, and her ongoing mission to uplift others in her community. She also offers profound insights into how communities can support homeless youth, the resources that make the biggest impact, and how to address common misconceptions about homelessness with empathy and understanding.
Resources & information mentioned in the episode:
- I Am From Poem Template
- National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
- Kern County Point In Time Count 2024 Report
- "City of Bakersfield works to clear popular homeless camp in south Bakersfield" KGET TV
- Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.
Connect with Youth Voice Amplified - Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
- Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast
- Youth Voice Amplified on Facebook
If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at [email protected].
Credits:
Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste
Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer
đź’¬ Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!
Previous Episode

Project I Am From - The Only Way Out is Through
In this moving episode of Youth Voice Amplified, we welcome back Melie, a dedicated advocate for homeless youth, to kick off our special focus on Homeless Youth Awareness Month. Through Project "I Am From," we dive deep into the power of lived experience and poetry, uncovering unique stories of youth who have experienced homelessness and the places they come from. Listen as Melie shares her own powerful piece, "I Am From," and reflects on resilience, family traditions, and what it truly means to find strength amidst adversity. Join us all throughout November as we lift up the voices of homeless youth in our community and bring awareness to their journeys and struggles.
Resources & information mentioned in the episode:
- I Am From Poem Template
- CITY OF GRANTS PASS v. JOHNSON
- National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
- How Many Youth Are Homeless?
- Listen to Melie's episode on Youth Voice Amplified!
- Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.
Connect with Youth Voice Amplified - Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
- Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast
- Youth Voice Amplified on Facebook
If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at [email protected].
Credits:
Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste
Production Partners: Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office and Liam Silva
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer
đź’¬ Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!
Next Episode

Inside Youth Homelessness: Voices from the Frontline
This special holiday bonus episode of Youth Voice Amplified wraps up Homeless Youth Awareness Month with a heartfelt roundtable discussion featuring members of the Youth Action Board (YAB), part of Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative. These inspiring young advocates, with lived experiences of homelessness, share the challenges faced by homeless youth, the critical role of community support, and practical ways we can all help.
From personal stories to impactful advice, the YAB members discuss the importance of compassion, advocacy, and programs like the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program and the Purple Pie Challenge. As we celebrate the holidays, this episode reminds us to support youth experiencing homelessness and work toward meaningful change in our communities.
Resources & information mentioned in the episode:
- National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
- Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative
- Kern County Point In Time Count 2024 Report
- Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.
Connect with Youth Voice Amplified - Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
- Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast
- Youth Voice Amplified on Facebook
If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at [email protected].
Credits:
Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste
Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer
đź’¬ Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!
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