Ending Youth Homelessness with Solutions that Work
A frontline perspective on proven models for schools, communities, and policymakers.
Vicki Sokolik is an award-winning advocate, author, and founder of Starting Right, Now, a pioneering model supporting unaccompanied homeless youth.
Speaking Programs and Learning Outcomes
The Hidden Youth Crisis in America
A frontline look at unaccompanied youth navigating homelessness, school systems, and survival — and the policy gaps keeping them there.
Audiences: Legislators • Policy Makers • Child Welfare Leaders
Key Takeaways:
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What current laws overlook
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Evidence-informed solutions that can be implemented locally
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Policy changes that drive real outcomes
From Intervention to Independence
Why safe housing matters, but wraparound support is what actually changes life trajectories.
Audiences: Nonprofits • Community Leaders • Youth Programs
Key Takeaways:
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What makes wraparound support effective
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How relationships, stability, and accountability drive outcomes
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SRN’s 18-year model and implementation lessons
Policy That Matters: What Legislators Get Wrong
Current laws overlook unaccompanied youth. This session highlights what policymakers miss and the reforms that actually work.
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Audiences: Legislators • Policy Advisors • Advocacy Groups • State Associations • Research & Public Affairs Leaders
Key Takeaways:
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Why current law doesn’t match the reality of unaccompanied youth
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State-level reforms that dramatically improve outcomes
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How evidence-informed models like SRN can be implemented locally
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Opportunities for bipartisan solutions using existing budgets
Grassroots Philanthropy That Actually Works
How small communities create sustainable youth programs with real accountability, measurable outcomes, and lasting change.
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Audience: Philanthropists • Foundations • Corporate CSR • Civic & Faith Leaders
Key Takeaways:
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Why grassroots systems outperform big institutions
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How donors and volunteers become catalysts, not charity
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Funding models that build independence, not dependency
CNN Hero • Author of If You See Them • National Advocacy Leader