Youth homelessness is hidden in plain sight | Elisabeth Jackson | TEDxBoston

NOTE FROM TED: TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/t...
Did you have it all together at 18, or did you still need help figuring life out?
In this talk, Elisabeth Jackson discusses the challenges of youth homelessness and how the system is not built to provide services for transition-aged youth. She shares the work she does at Boston nonprofit Bridge Over Troubled Waters and advocates for a system that thinks of young people as still in transition, still developing, and still in need of age-appropriate services.
Elisabeth Jackson is the President and CEO of Bridge Over Troubled Waters, a nonprofit in Boston that serves homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth. Elisabeth leads the organization in all facets of operations, program delivery, infrastructure, and expansion. Elisabeth has been with Bridge for 25 cumulative years, first joining Bridge as medical coordinator and counselor. She then served as Bridge intake coordinator for four years. In 2008, Elisabeth was recruited to re-join Bridge as part of the Board of Directors. In January 2013, Elisabeth stepped off the board to serve as Interim Executive Director, and was named Executive Director three months later. In 2021, Elisabeth was named Chief Executive Officer, and in 2022 she was named President. During her time at Bridge, Elisabeth has had a massive impact on both the depth and the breadth of programs. Under her leadership, Bridge launched a $50M campaign, opened an independent residence, Liberty House, and fundraised an additional $5M to expand housing for youth and single mothers. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@nashdaniel]

Thank you, Elisabeth and Bridge, for highlighting the challenges homeless and at risk youth face every day in Boston and throughout the US. With thoughtful, age-appropriate intervention now, we can have a profound impact on their lives and society at large.

[@kelkelly6448]

Thank you for being the light for these kids who’ve experienced so much darkness!

[@ColleenBoselli]

Elisabeth -- You touched my heart with your very inspirational message. Thank YOU for the important work you do!

[@doris6260]

I love this organization. Went on a tour there and was amazed at what Bridge does. I needed them when I was younger but I didn't know about them, so I definitely relate to these young people. Proud to be a supporter!

[@user-zs4uj9kp9m]

Insightful and informative session, especially bringing awareness about homeless youth “hidden in plain sight”. Thank you Elisabeth and Bridge for all the good work that you do!

[@markfcoble]

She's perpetual victim class....ALWAYS blames others. Guess who first? ZERO self accountability.

[@markfcoble]

Maybe two parents? Not get pregnant before marriage?