A Podcast on Student Well-Being, Stability, and School Success
Every student brings unique strengths and assets into the classroom. What does it take for every student to succeed – especially those facing the greatest challenges?
Formerly I Will Be Your Voice: Stories of Homelessness and Hope, this podcast has expanded to explore a broader range of topics affecting students and families. Join Youth Development staff at the Center for Schools and Communities as they explore practices, programs, and partnerships shaping outcomes for students and their families.
Featuring voices and stories from education, human services, community organizations, and advocates, this podcast examines topics including housing instability, foster care, out-of-school time, school mobility, higher education, career readiness, school climate, mental health, and access to opportunity.
Each episode delivers practical insights, real-world strategies, and powerful stories that highlight how we can remove barriers and create pathways for student success.
Subscribe and listen to learn more and help amplify solutions that support the whole child – and the systems that surround them.
#IWillBeYourVoice
Episodes
Click the red arrow to listen.
Hover over the episode player to access these features!
Read the episode summary, guest information and links to resources mentioned during the episode.
Download the episode to play on the go.
Listen to Episode 22: Project Textile: How Students are Mobilizing School Communities to Support Families Experiencing Homelessness
Spend some time with Anthony Bruno, a senior at Lower Dauphin High School and founder of Project Textile, a student-led organization dedicated to supporting families and individuals experiencing homelessness. In a conversation with host Matt Butensky, Lower Dauphin Principal Justin Hanula, and School Social Worker Denise Haas, Anthony shares how a simple idea grew into a multi-school initiative that collects clothing, hygiene products, food, and other essential resources for local shelters and community members in need.
Project Textile empowers students to lead service efforts in their schools, raises awareness about homelessness, and creates meaningful opportunities for young people to make a difference in their communities. Hear about Anthony’s vision for expanding the organization across Pennsylvania and his belief that students have the power to create real change right now, not someday in the future.
This inspiring conversation highlights the impact of youth leadership, community collaboration, and the importance of ensuring that every student and family has access to basic necessities and support.
Check out their Instagram @projecttextile_pa.
Also available on these podcast directories:
Meet Our Host
Matt Butensky is the youth development program 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.