Join host Desiree Hagen for the Coffee Table. The topic is “Finding Home in Homer”, an art, outreach and mentorship project hosted by the Pratt Museum for young people who have experienced homelessness and housing insecurities. Our guests are Jennifer Gibbons, executive director of the Pratt Museum, Jane Dunn, liaison for the KPB school district students in transition program, Jay Bechtol with South Peninsula Behavioral Health Services and Foot, with Youth Alaska Action Board on Housing and Homelessness and the Youth liaison for the project. We discuss how the Pratt is partnering with several organizations to bring attention and advocate for homeless youth.
Panelist Bios:
Jennifer Gibbins, Executive Director, Pratt Museum & Park
Jay Bechtol, CEO, South Peninsula Behavioral Health Services, "The Center". Jay has over thirty years of social service experience working with children, adults and families. He has a Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Los Angeles and a Master’s in Business Administration from California State University, San Bernardino. He firmly believes that everyone has capacity to transform their lives.
Jane Dunn: Homeless Liaison, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. Jane's career as an educator spans over 20 years. Since 2014 she has served as the Homeless Liaison for the KPB School District assisting homeless students stay in school, get basic needs met and find community resources. She also works to raise funds for the Students in Transition Program.
Foot: Foot is a self-employed musician and artist. Foot has worked extensively with the houseless population. They serve as the youth liaison to participants in the Finding Home in Homer program. They are also statewide Lead/president of Youth Alaska Action Board on Housing and Homelessness, Founder of Houseless Records, and member of the Continuum of Care Board for the Balance of State.
Artist Credit: "Home", oil painting by Courtney Griechen, Bristol Bay Lead for youth Alaska Action Board on Housing and Homelessness. Courtney was mentored by Chris Judd.
Original Air Date: 07/14/21
