Starting Right Now: Making A Difference In Tampa Bay Area Youths’ Lives

Vicki Sokolik wants you to notice and have compassion for a certain segment of Tampa Bay area youth, the unaccompanied homeless youth. She is the author of If You See Them: Young, Unhoused, and Alone in America.

This unseen population is comprised of homeless kids, most of whom are still attending school, yet they are dealing with the immense stress of not having a bed to sleep in at night. Imagine the anxiety and strife these children are feeling. They are attempting to go to school and learn with the other students in class, but they have the weight of the world on their shoulders.

Vicki became aware of this group that makes up a part of Tampa Bay area youth, these unaccompanied homeless youth. These are kids who are not living with a parent or guardian and who are not in the foster-care system. Vicki wanted to do something about it and founded her nonprofit organization, Starting Right Now. It is truly incredible how this nonprofit has grown over the years, the impact that its made on Tampa Bay area youth's lives, and the legislative changes that have been made because of Vicki's determination. Starting Right has a long-term housing facility. Those who live at the facility are provided shelter, as well as food, water, hygiene, rest, and safety. They also receive education that helps expand their life skills.

If you'd like to find out more about this amazing non-profit organization, click here.

Vicki's book is available at all of the typical online bookstores.

Also if you'd like to meet Vicki and learn more about her book, she is doing two special events locally. She'll be at Oxford Exchange on Thursday, February 15 at 7:00 P.M. Another book signing event will take place at Tombolo Books on February 20.

I really enjoyed my conversation with Vicki. You can hear it below and also on The Current on a Beasley Media Group station.