Heather Mercer

Mother, MSW, Consultant and Advocate for Down Syndrome. Attempting to juggle it all as I set out to change the world (in my chucks). Tweets shared are my own.

[Thenera Bailey @TheneraB]

Leaders should strive for Disruptive Leadership with meaningful purpose. Not just change for change sake but with intentional meaningful purpose! - Antonia Jimenez Acting Dir LA DPSS #NSWM29

[SISGI Group - APYD @ideas4youth]

📢Our #APYDCHAT ended, but our #youthhomelessness conversation doesn't stop here! Please join us, @EmmaYouthCare & @ErinYouthCare again on Aug. 7th for our #youthhomelessness #apydcon webinars. Sign up for free at https://t.co/fGbTm66ihH 🗓

[Heather Mercer @inherchucks]

What a great conversation! I learned so much and am excited to put info into action. Thanks for hosting @ideas4youth #APYDCHAT

[SISGI Group - APYD @ideas4youth]

That's a wrap on the #APYDCHAT. Thank you @EmmaYouthCare and @ErinYouthCare for a wonderful discussion! 🗣Remember to keep fighting to #endyouthhomelessness!💪

[SISGI Group - APYD @ideas4youth]

Yes, because the added non-discrimination provision on the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act matters! #FY2018 #APYDCHAT https://t.co/I1OlGndWoA

[SISGI Group - APYD @ideas4youth]

Last question for today...Q6: What are some national or local resources available for #youth experiencing #homelessness? #APYDCHAT

[Erin Chapman-Smith @ErinYouthCare]

We spoke about Students and LGBTQ youth here is a list of great resources: National LGBTQ Taskforce https://t.co/owfcuGItGz
GLSEN https://t.co/AycVm7t8JQ
SA Network https://t.co/f4cjKsjaKU (GSA Support)
Point Foundation https://t.co/1e9Pbc5jpi (Scholarships)
#apydchat

[Erin Chapman-Smith @ErinYouthCare]

The Trevor Project https://t.co/NmO9OqF8XG (Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ Youth and young adults,Digital safe space,Suicide Prevention support for educators)
#apydchat

[Emma York-Jones @EmmaYouthCare]

National Safe Place provides resources to preventing homelessness and supporting young people experiencing homelessness https://t.co/0c54fc6UIk. Look into starting Safe Place response in your community! #apydchat

[Emma York-Jones @EmmaYouthCare]

Youth who don't graduate high school are 346% more likely to be homeless! #apydchat

[Heather Mercer @inherchucks]

@ErinYouthCare @ideas4youth Awesome! Thank you @ErinYouthCare 👍 #apydchat

[Heather Mercer @inherchucks]

@ErinYouthCare @ideas4youth How can organizations get on board for opening up these specific programs? Are there funding sources you know of that could support the launch for this? #APYDCHAT

[Heather Mercer @inherchucks]

Connecting with your students and building a trusting relationship. Staying in touch families and assessing their needs beyond educational standards. Proactively offering services and resources through collaboration with community organizations #APYDCHAT https://t.co/htskGk3f5S

[SISGI Group - APYD @ideas4youth]

Let's talk about prevention. Q3: How can #educators and learning institutions help prevent #homelessness? #APYDCHAT

[Erin Chapman-Smith @ErinYouthCare]

Funding for LGBTQ Specific services, LGBTQ homeless youth are physically or sexually victimized than non-LGBTQ homeless youth.Frequently homeless LGBT persons have great difficulty finding shelters that accept and respect them.
#apydchat

[The SISGI Group @Sisgigroup]

@EmmaYouthCare Trust is so important for any program working with young people. It takes time to build but is essential to supporting our #youth in all circumstances. #apydchat

[Emma York-Jones @EmmaYouthCare]

At YouthCare we staff our programs with professionals who are trained to have open, nonjudgmental conversations with youth. These conversations happen over meals, doing chores, playing games. Youth learn to trust the staff and open up with their story and dreams #apydchat

[The SISGI Group @Sisgigroup]

@EmmaYouthCare @ideas4youth I agree. Organizations that work with youth should pay attention to their young people to notice changes and so youth feel comfortable sharing their challenges. #safespaces where youth know there are people that care #apydchat

[Erin Chapman-Smith @ErinYouthCare]

Some great guidelines are:
1. Work to reduce the stigma.
2. Know your population
3. Understand the various definitions of homelessnes
4. Create a welcoming climate and build trust with those you serve
5. look for warning signs and redflags
6. Have resources available. #apydchat

[Erin Chapman-Smith @ErinYouthCare]

As @EmmaYouthCare shared there is a large stigma around being homeless. Its important to know the population you are serving and how they can present as homeless. Different groups of people have different warning signs or "red flags".
#apydchat

[Heather Mercer @inherchucks]

Great tips! #apydchat https://t.co/IfOrlNGAvv

[Emma York-Jones @EmmaYouthCare]

Homelessness can have quite the stimga, youth are not going to openly say that they have nowhere to live. The best way to understand a youth's circumstance is through relationship and conversation. #apydchat