In this episode, we sit down with Zozan Küçükaydın, Anti-Human Trafficking Services Coordinator, to discuss the critical intersection of youth homelessness, housing instability, and human trafficking, and how schools can play a vital role in recognizing risk and supporting students. Learn about the development of the PA ECYEH program’s Youth Human Trafficking Toolkit for Educators, a trauma-informed resource created to help school-based professionals identify warning signs, understand vulnerabilities, and respond with care. Through collaboration with experts at the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR), this conversation highlights practical strategies for creating safer, more supportive school environments where students can access connection, resources, and pathways to success.

Meet Our Guest:

Zozan Küçükaydın, Anti-Human Trafficking Services Coordinator, PCAR

Zozan develops anti-trafficking awareness material and best practice information for PCAR and for professionals working with survivors of human trafficking. Through technical assistance and training, Zozan works to bridge gaps and support rape crisis centers, anti-trafficking task forces, and other service providers across the Commonwealth. Before her role, Zozan provided counseling and case management to trafficking survivors and is a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Psychology minor. Through her studies and experience, Zozan is dedicated to promoting service equity and the use of anti-oppressive frameworks in the anti-trafficking field.

Please review the transcript (PDF).

Resources:

• Youth Human Trafficking Toolkit for Educators
• Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR)
• National Center on Safe and Supportive Learning Environment – Youth and Human Trafficking
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
• Polaris
• Sign up for email updates
• The Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (PA ECYEH) Program.
• The Pennsylvania Education Stability for Children and Youth in Foster Care Program
• Center for Schools and Communities

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.

In this episode of I Will Be Your Voice, host Matt Butensky speaks 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. Joined by 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.

Listeners will learn how 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. Anthony also discusses his 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.

Meet Our Guests:

• Anthony Bruno, Senior, Lower Dauphin High School and Founder, Project Textile
• Justin Hanula, Principal, Lower Dauphin High School
• Denise Haas, Social Worker, Lower Dauphin High School

Read the transcript.

Resources:

• Sign up for email updates
• The Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (PA ECYEH) Program.
• The Pennsylvania Education Stability for Children and Youth in Foster Care Program
• The Pennsylvania Education Leading to Employment and Career Training (PA ELECT) Program
• The Pennsylvania Migrant Education (PA MEP) Program
• The Pennsylvania Refugee Education (PA REP) Program
• The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant
• Center for Schools and Communities

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.

The I Will Be Your Voice podcast is back! After a break, our team reconnects to share fresh insights, critical updates, and resources designed to support children, youth, and families.

We highlight new and updated tools including a Human Trafficking Toolkit for Educators, supports for unaccompanied homeless youth, and tools to help school teams implement Act 1 of 2022 across Pennsylvania. Join us as we reflect on where we’ve been, share what’s new, and look ahead to the work that continues to move student support forward.

Review the transcript (PDF)

Meet Our Host and Guests

• Matt Butensky (Host), Youth Development Program Manager, Center for Schools and Communities
• Meghan Dale, Special Projects Managing Coordinator, Center for Schools and Communities
• Taylor Teichman, Youth Development Coordinator, Center for Schools and Communities
• Ben Simmons, Youth Development Specialist, Center for Schools and Communities

Resources:

• Sign up for email updates
• The Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (PA ECYEH) Program.
• The Pennsylvania Education Stability for Children and Youth in Foster Care Program
• The Pennsylvania Education Leading to Employment and Career Training (PA ELECT) Program
• The Pennsylvania Migrant Education (PA MEP) Program
• The Pennsylvania Refugee Education (PA REP) Program
• The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant
• Center for Schools and Communities