Affirming Services for LGBTQ Youth Experiencing Homelessness or Foster Care
Wednesday, March 12, 10:00-11:00 AM
In this month’s session, we will delve into the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness or foster care, including discrimination, family rejection, and heightened vulnerability to violence. We will explore effective strategies for addressing these challenges, with a focus on creating inclusive and affirming environments in our schools and community settings. Join us as we unpack principles of trauma-informed care tailored to LGBTQ youth, providing actionable practices for supportive interactions. Additionally, this session will provide resources for accessing key services such as LGBTQ-friendly housing, healthcare, and educational support.
Meet Our Instructor, Raisa Reyes
Raisa Reyes obtained her BA in psychology with a minor in creative studies. With nearly 10 years of experience in direct service and crisis management, she has been dedicated to providing affirming services to LGBTQ youth. Raisa has worked at the Ali Forney Center for nearly 10 years, starting as a youth counselor, then advancing to outreach coordinator. Now, as the technical assistance manager, she supports over 75 organizations worldwide in developing their operations using AFC’s Replication Model.
Special Event – Hosted by Region 2 ECYEH Program Office
McKinney-Vento Training Program: Transportation and Truancy
Thursday, April 10, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Transportation challenges and truancy often coincide for students experiencing homelessness. This session will review McKinney-Vento provisions related to transportation and truancy, common challenges, and creative solutions. For new and seasoned liaisons, building-level liaisons, and any student support staff. Act 48 are credits available.
Recorded webinars
Reduce Expulsion and Suspension with Socially and Emotionally Centered Practices
[Held February 12, 2025] Expulsion and suspension are complex issues that affect many children and families. Understanding the data related to the expulsion and suspension of young children and the impacts on children and families is critical in turning these challenges into solution-oriented practices. Join us to explore socially and emotionally focused practices and strategies that support the reduction of expulsion and suspension and build child and family-centered pathways for positive child outcomes.
Spreading HOPE — Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences
[Held January 8, 2025] HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) focuses on promoting equitable access to positive childhood experiences (PCEs) to build resilience and counteract the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). This approach empowers homeless liaisons and youth-serving professionals to create supportive environments, foster essential connections, and integrate frameworks like Strengthening Families Protective Factors to transform outcomes for vulnerable students.
Creative Pathways to Healing: Arts Integration for Students Experiencing Homelessness
[Held December 11, 2024] Explore how arts integration fosters healing, resilience, and academic engagement for students experiencing homelessness by building community connections and nurturing environments through creative expression.
Unleashing Extraordinary: Well-being Strategies for Educators Supporting Vulnerable Students
[Held November 13, 2024] Discover practical strategies, hands-on tools, and engaging activities to boost your resilience, enhance well-being, and thrive personally and professionally as we head into the holiday season.
ECYEH Monitoring 2024-2025: Essential Processes and Tools for your Monitoring Experience
[Held October 9, 2024] Highlights include changes to document submission and the interview process, the new monitoring scoring system, and key tips and resources to help you prepare for a monitoring visit.