ABOUT
ADVOCATES 4 CHANGE
We are Advocates for Change (A4C), a multi CoC (Continuum of Care) youth lead advocacy group.
We coordinate with the Western and Eastern PA CoC to end homelessness, and cover a cross region area that is largely rural. Click here to see our multi CoC region maps.
Our mission is to expand services for youth, creating and maintaining support systems that can meet youth where they are, reducing housing instability.
Advocates for Change and the Western and Eastern PA CoC are committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all members and staff feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, lived experience of homelessness, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or any other marginalized or oppressed identity category. We commit to recognizing, addressing, and reducing those systemic inequities that impact our work and leading with respect and inclusion.
Meet the Team
This is your Team section. Briefly introduce the team then add their bios below. Click here to edit.
Anthony Taylor (he/him) Community Support Partner
I am on the COC Board as well as the A4C Youth Action Board because I am very passionate in this field and dedicate a lot of time to helping reduce youth homelessness. In addition to being a part of A4C, I work as a full time Facility Attendant at the Union Mission's homeless shelter. Here we offer a safe and welcoming environment for guests to find stable housing, find jobs, affordable healthcare, etc. I also help organize and run their fundraising events. My work here allows me to share my perspectives in hopes that others can get the resources they need.
Morgan Dieming
Morgan Diesing has been an active member of Advocates for Change for three years. She is passionate about changing systems for youth who are experiencing homelessness/housing instability and/or struggling with mental health issues. This is evident through her work with the Crawford County Mental Health Awareness Program, where she creates therapeutic group activities for youth and young adults. Morgan loves reading and drawing in her spare time. Her goal is to provide services to those struggling with housing and mental illness.
Brendon Martin (he/him)
Brendon is a co-chair for the Eastern YAB and founding member of the YAB. He is 21 years old and lives in Northampton County, Easton, PA. He likes to explore new hobbies such as painting, baking, and cooking. He enjoys collecting things, playing video games, and singing karaoke. His hope is to help people who have lived experience to thrive, not give up, keep going, experience the beauty of life and cherish it to its fullest!
Idelia Johnson-Confer
Idelia is a dedicated advocate, speaker, and policy consultant. She graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a BS in Psychology and is currently pursuing an MPA in Poly Research and Analysis at the University of Pittsburgh. Idelia’s background includes leading many youth centric programs. Her current work centers around consultancy for youth policy and young adults. Idelia believes in centering the voices of young people and acknowledging they are the experts in solutions and decisions that shape their lives.
Abigail Baker (she/her)
Abigail is a Co-Chair for the Eastern CoC YAB, a YJAB, and Financial Committee member. She is 23 years old, and resides in Centre County. In her spare time she enjoys writing poetry and exploring the outdoors via bike riding and hiking. Abigail studies Psychological Science full-time, and aims to become a Neuroscientist. In her journey, she hopes to empower youth through advocating for education, and juvenile justice. “Everyone and Everything That is Planted into our Lives, is the Sacrifice for the Creation of Character.”
Emma Grimm (she/they)
Emma is a Co-Chair for the Western CoC YAB and a member of the Governing Board,and the DEIB committee. They are 22 years and currently reside in Allegheny county but have roots and is employed in Westmoreland. Emma works as a Regional Navigator for the Young Adult Services Dept. at Westmoreland Community Action where she coordinates services for youth experiencing housing instability in Western PA. She is a student majoring in Intercultural Studies Their passion lies in being an advocate for youth homelessness and child welfare.
Kiara Adams (she/her)
Kiara is a member of the YAB, as well as the Youth Justice Action Board. She is also the president of Westmoreland County’s Youth Advisory Board. She is 16 years old and a current high school agriculture student. She is fully encompassed in the work she does as the more she works the stronger her passion becomes and her devotion to change is limitless. In the free time she’s left with she loves to read, write, and spend time with those close to her!
Kieran Firkaly
Kieran is a member of the western CoC YAB and YJAB. They are 23 years old and calls Crawford county their home. Kieran is involved with the Journey Center Clubhouse, a site based psych rehab program where folks keep active, lead healthy lives, and learn employment skills. Good food, good company, and good vibes are what Kieran enjoys.
Daphne Hulings (she/her)
Daphne uses she/her pronouns and is from Crawford county and is a member of the Western CoC YAB and has been since the start in 2018. She is an artist who excels in the Drag community with makeup. She has 6 cats and 2 rats. Daphne is looking forward to making a difference within the community.
Ma’Kiyah Beauford
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Nikki Mitchell
Nikki is a new and active member of Advocates for Change as well as the Youth Justice Action Board Subcommittee. She is 21 years old and is from Washington County. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and soaking up the sun, while at the same time striving to be a better mother and individual every day. Her hope is to see communities provide adequate services for folx facing housing instability or homelessness.
