The Prevention Platform

Welcome back to The Prevention Platform! This April, in recognition of Stress Awareness Month, we're taking a look at stress in young people: what does it look like, where does it come from, and how the adults in their lives can make a real difference. We're joined by Justine McAllister, who is a School-Based Therapist with Valley Youth House. She has over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, including as a Family Therapist. About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House does more than just provide homes for youth in Pennsylvania who are experiencing abuse and homelessness. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn

Welcome back to the Prevention Platform Podcast!March is National Nutrition Month, and today we are talking about the powerful role that nutrition plays in prevention, from supporting physical growth to strengthening focus, mood, and overall resilience. In this episode, we are joined by Alexandra Evans and Kelsey Henry, registered dietitians on the Health Promotion and Wellness team at Capital Blue Cross. They spend their time helping families make realistic, sustainable choices when it comes to food and health, and will share practical strategies on how to help young people in your life develop positive and healthy relationships with food.About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House does more than just provide homes for youth in Pennsylvania who are experiencing abuse and homelessness. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

In honor of Healthy Relationship Month, we are talking about how adults can guide young people toward safe, respectful and healthy relationships, especially when it comes to teen dating and navigating social media. We are joined by Geraldine Infante, Children's Advocacy Director at Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley. Geraldine works with youth and families to provide trauma-informed prevention programs focused on healthy relationships and violence prevention. In this episode, Geraldine shares practical strategies for parents and caregivers to start important conversations, spot early warning signs and support teens in building healthy connections. About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House does more than just provide homes for youth in Pennsylvania who are experiencing abuse and homelessness. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

In honor of January being Wellness Month, we are joined by Britani Harrison, MSW, a Wellness Educator at Valley Youth House's Achieving Independence Center in Philadelphia. In this episode, with talk with Britani about practical ways families, caregivers and schools can support the wellbeing of children and teens. We cover what areas of wellness to focus on, how to spot early warning signs of struggle, simple habits for managing stress and emotions, ways that caregivers can model healthy practices (even when they're busy), and community resources that can help.About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House does more than just provide homes for youth in Pennsylvania who are experiencing abuse and homelessness. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

Welcome back to The Prevention Platform! As we close out another year, many of us are feeling that pull to slow down, reflect and think about what we want the next year to look like, for ourselves and for our families. Instead of jumping straight into resolutions that fade by February, what if we approached the New Year with purpose and intention? In this episode, we are joined by Kellyn L., a Life Coach based in Los Angeles, who grew up right here in the Lehigh Valley. Kellyn specializes in helping people live with clarity and direction, and she's passionate about guiding them toward more intentional, value-driven lives. We talk about how to start the New Year with focus and meaning, and how choosing a simple "Word of the Year" can serve as a powerful compass for your family's journey ahead. About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House does more than just provide homes for youth in Pennsylvania who are experiencing abuse and homelessness. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

Welcome back to The Prevention Platform! This November, and in honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we sat down with Jennifer Folkenroth, BA, CTTS, NCTTP, NCNTT, CPAHA-TT who is the Senior Director of Nationwide Tobacco Programs for the American Lung Association to talk about the risks of youth vaping and smoking, as well as strategies parents and caregivers can use to help connect with young people in their lives about this important topic.⁠Click here⁠ to learn more about ways you can talk to teens and young people in your life about vaping and smoking.About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House does more than just provide homes for youth in Pennsylvania who are experiencing abuse and homelessness. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

Welcome back to The Prevention Platform! This October, and in honor of Red Ribbon Week, which promotes a drug free lifestyle in young people, we are highlighting the CDC's Free Mind Campaign which was launched on August 5th of 2025. Click here to learn more about the campaign, and discover ways you can support the teens and young adults in your life. About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House does more than just provide homes for youth in Pennsylvania who are experiencing abuse and homelessness. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn

Welcome back to The Prevention Platform! As the school year kicks off, September is the perfect time to talk about the importance of attendance. In today's episode, we are helping parents and caregivers spot early signs of truancy to build strong habits that will keep kids in school and on track from day one.In this episode, we are joined by Kyle Borowski, who is the Associate Director of Clinical Services, Behavioral Health and Child Welfare here at Valley Youth House. For the past four years, Kyle has supervised VYH's Truancy Intervention Program which works with families in the Lehigh Valley to address attendance related barriers. About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House does more than just provide homes for youth in Pennsylvania who are experiencing abuse and homelessness. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn

We're only a few days away from the official start of summer, so in this month's episode, we are sitting down with Mike Brady, Director of Valley Youth House's Camp Fowler, to talk about how to make the most of this time of year with your students, and prevent what is known as "The Summer Slide."Join Ashley and Mike to discuss The Summer Slide, and explore both fun and educational activities that parents and caregivers can organize for the young people in their lives to keep them engaged and learning - all year long!Click Here to learn more about Camp Fowler!About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House does more than just provide homes for youth in Pennsylvania who are experiencing abuse and homelessness. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast.Follow Us on Social Media!FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, in 2023, more than 5.3 million adolescents ages 12-17 years had a current diagnosed mental or behavioral condition, with anxiety and depression being the most common. Young people with a current diagnosis were found to be 3 times more likely to be disengaged from school, and 5 times more likely to miss 11 or more days of school for health reasons. What’s even more shocking, is that these youth are also 10 times as likely to experience difficulty making or keeping friends. So in honor of Mental Health awareness month, we are sitting down with Thespina Godshalk, who is an Administrator for School Based Behavioral Health at Lehigh Valley Health Network, to learn more about the importance of mental health and the resources parents and caregivers can utilize and connect to the young people they care about.About Valley Youth House: Valley Youth House does more than just provide homes for youth in Pennsylvania who are experiencing abuse and homelessness. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast.Follow Us on Social Media!FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

In this episode of The Prevention Platform, host Ashley Dallas sits down with Vanessa Rivera, Business Development Vice President at Univest Bank, to discuss the power of financial literacy and why it’s essential for young people and their families. With over 20 years of banking experience and leadership roles in the East Penn Chamber and Bank On Coalition, Vanessa brings expert insights on how early financial education can set the stage for long-term stability and success.From budgeting basics to building credit, we explore practical tips for caregivers and youth, common financial pitfalls to avoid, and how financial empowerment is deeply tied to prevention and well-being. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that will leave you feeling inspired—and financially smarter.About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House (⁠⁠valleyyouthhouse.org⁠⁠) does more than just provide homes for Pennsylvania’s vulnerable, abused, and homeless youth. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports gambling, opening the door for states to begin legalizing it. Since then, 38 states and the District of Columbia have embraced sports betting in some form, making single game wagers accessible at retail locations and online. We've all seen the upbeat star studded commercials for sports betting and casino apps. Funny, fast paced and impossible to ignore. But behind the bright lights and big names lies a growing concern, one that more parents and caregivers are starting to recognize. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 10 to 15% of young people surveyed already struggle with significant gambling problems, and that number is only rising. So today we're sitting down with Josh Urkel, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania during Problem Gambling Awareness Month. And together we'll explore the impact of youth gambling warning signs to watch for and practical ways to help prevent gambling related harm.Pennsylvania's Gambling Helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365. Help is available by phone call, text message, or online chat. Call 1-800-GAMBLER Call the 24-hour helpline at 1-800-426-2537.About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House (⁠⁠valleyyouthhouse.org⁠⁠) does more than just provide homes for Pennsylvania’s vulnerable, abused, and homeless youth. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

Welcome back to another episode of The Prevention Platform! In this month's episode, Ashley sits down with Tina George from Carin Treatment Centers to explore the critical intersection of student athletes, substance use and overall wellness. With the pressures of performance, stress, and the desire for recovery, many young athletes face unique challenges in maintaining their health and well-being. Join us as we discuss prevention strategies, the importance of mental and physical wellness, and how to support student athletes in making healthy choices on and off the field.About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House (⁠⁠valleyyouthhouse.org⁠⁠) does more than just provide homes for Pennsylvania’s vulnerable, abused, and homeless youth. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

In this episode of the Prevention Platform, Ashley sits down with Megan Sell and Alycha Boehm, two dedicated professionals from Valley Youth House, to discuss the critical issue of human trafficking. Megan and Alycha share their insights on how trafficking impacts vulnerable youth, signs to look out for, and how the community can work together to prevent and respond to these atrocities. Tune in to learn about the proactive steps Valley Youth House is taking to raise awareness, provide support, and create safer environments for those at risk. About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House (⁠⁠valleyyouthhouse.org⁠⁠) does more than just provide homes for Pennsylvania’s vulnerable, abused, and homeless youth. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

Welcome to another episode of The Prevention Platform! Today, Ashley is joined by Joa, an Early Intervention Specialist at Silk Lehigh Valley—Valley Youth House's safe haven for LGBTQ+ youth. Together, they explore the critical role of prevention and education in raising awareness about HIV and AIDS.About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House (⁠⁠valleyyouthhouse.org⁠⁠) does more than just provide homes for Pennsylvania’s vulnerable, abused, and homeless youth. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

Welcome to another episode of The Prevention Platform! In this episode, Ashley sits down with Shelby Krupka, who is the Associate Director of Training and Talent Development at Valley Youth House. Shelby is very involved in the Valley Youth House Wellness Committee, and personally embraces the idea and practice of gratitude. About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House (⁠⁠valleyyouthhouse.org⁠⁠) does more than just provide homes for Pennsylvania’s vulnerable, abused, and homeless youth. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

Welcome to another episode of The Prevention Platform! In honor of Bullying Prevention Month, today's episode is dedicated to understanding and combating bullying. Our expert guest today is Catherine Denzel who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience. She has worked in private practice and is a former school based counselor here at Valley Youth House.About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House (⁠⁠valleyyouthhouse.org⁠⁠) does more than just provide homes for Pennsylvania’s vulnerable, abused, and homeless youth. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

In this episode of The Prevention Platform, Ashley Dallas sits down with Molly Stanton, Assistant Administrator at Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol Services, to discuss the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania. The conversation dives into what opioids are, explores essential prevention and intervention resources, and highlights the work being done by community organizations to combat this crisis. This discussion offers valuable information for individuals and families impacted by the epidemic and those looking to make a difference in their communities.About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House (⁠⁠valleyyouthhouse.org⁠⁠) does more than just provide homes for Pennsylvania’s vulnerable, abused, and homeless youth. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

Welcome to another episode of the Prevention Platform podcast! In this special edition, we shine a spotlight on National Recovery Month and dive deep into the crucial topic of keeping our youth on a healthy path away from substance abuse. Host Ashley Dallas is joined by guests Martha Fenningham, Education Specialist at Valley Youth House, and James and Marie, Certified Recovery Specialists, at Treatment Trends. As we wrap up National Recovery Month, we believe it's the perfect time to address the importance of prevention strategies for young people facing the challenges of substance misuse and addiction. Martha, with her extensive experience working with youth, shares valuable insights into the early warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors that can make a significant difference in a young person's life. James and Marie, both Certified Recovery Specialists, bring their personal journeys of recovery to the table. They offer a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals in recovery, emphasizing the vital role parents and caregivers play in supporting and empowering young people on their recovery journey. In this episode, our guests explore a range of critical topics, including: Recognizing Warning Signs: Learn how to identify signs of substance misuse or addiction in young people, from behavioral changes to physical symptoms. Effective Communication: Discover practical strategies for open and honest conversations with your children about substance use, fostering trust and understanding. Prevention Strategies: Explore proactive measures that parents and caregivers can implement to create a supportive and safe environment, reducing the risk of substance abuse. The Role of Peer Pressure: Understand the impact of peer pressure on young individuals and how to empower them to make informed choices. Community Resources: Learn about the various resources and organizations available to assist young people in their recovery journey, as shared by our experts. Through Martha, James, and Marie's collective wisdom, personal stories, and professional expertise, this episode offers listeners actionable advice and hope. We believe that by raising awareness about National Recovery Month and discussing strategies for prevention and support, we can make a significant impact in keeping our youth on the path to health and well-being. Tune in to this special episode of the Prevention Platform podcast and join us in celebrating National Recovery Month while gaining valuable insights into empowering our young generation for a brighter, substance-free future.About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House (⁠⁠valleyyouthhouse.org⁠⁠) does more than just provide homes for Pennsylvania’s vulnerable, abused, and homeless youth. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

The Prevention Platform podcast is very excited to bring you our first episode, Art & Mental Health! Join host Ashley Dallas, Director of Prevention Services at Valley Youth House, as she sits down with two passionate experts in the field – James Wells, Education Manager at Crayola, and Kaitlin Snyder, a school-based counselor at Valley Youth House.Together, they delve into the transformative world of art and its profound impact on mental health. Kaitlin Snyder brings her wealth of experience as a school-based counselor to the conversation, shedding light on the therapeutic power of art for young minds. Drawing from her interactions with students, she unveils how artistic expression provides an avenue for self-discovery, emotional release, and a sense of accomplishment. Listeners gain insight into the ways in which art can bridge communication gaps, enabling children and adolescents to communicate their thoughts and feelings when words may fall short. James Wells, representing Crayola's commitment to fostering creativity, dives into the innovative initiatives that combine art and education. He explores how art-related activities not only nurture cognitive skills but also foster resilience, self-esteem, and emotional well-being among students. James shares heartwarming anecdotes about Crayola's involvement in promoting art as a tool for self-expression, including partnerships with schools and organizations. Throughout the episode, Kaitlin and James highlight the symbiotic relationship between artistic engagement and mental wellness. They discuss practical strategies for parents, educators, and individuals to incorporate art into their lives, whether through traditional mediums like drawing and painting or more contemporary avenues like digital art. Tune in to this enlightening episode as James and Kaitlin paint a vivid picture of how art serves as a transformative tool, promoting healing, empowerment, and resilience within the realm of mental health. RAFFLE INFORMATION:To enter the raffle to win a basket of Crayola art supplies, make sure you follow Valley Youth House on social media, and "Like" the raffle social media post. Deadline to enter the raffle is 11:59PM on 9/14/2023. A winner will be randomly selected on 9/15/2023. About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House (⁠valleyyouthhouse.org⁠) does more than just provide homes for Pennsylvania’s vulnerable, abused, and homeless youth. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast.Follow Us on Social Media!FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

Welcome to The Prevention Platform where our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to prevent problems before they occur. Here at Valley Youth House, we believe that prevention is key to living a healthy and successful life. And we are excited to share our expertise with you. We hope that you find our discussions informative, engaging and relevant to your own parenting journey.So sit back, relax and let's dive into the world of prevention!About Valley Youth House:Valley Youth House (⁠⁠valleyyouthhouse.org⁠⁠) does more than just provide homes for Pennsylvania’s vulnerable, abused, and homeless youth. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast.Follow Us on Social Media!⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠