When The Night Ministry launched Youth 4 Truth (Y4T) in 2016, the goal was both transformative and straightforward: to create a space where young people in its housing programs could speak for themselves and shape the services they rely on. Nearly a decade later, the program is thriving, now under the leadership of Michelle Thomas, Client Development Specialist, who manages Y4T along
with two other advisory boards.
Michelle began her journey with The Night Ministry in 2017 as part of the Youth Outreach Team. Her natural passion and drive have carried her into a leadership role where she now oversees three advisory groups designed to elevate the voices of those with lived experience of homelessness. Alongside Y4T, she leads a statewide Youth Advisory Group, funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, and a Client Advisory Board for adults who access services through The Night Ministry's outreach and health programs.
For Michelle, these boards are platforms of empowerment. Participants are compensated for their time and expertise, an intentional recognition of the value of their lived experiences. "Being able to offer cash stipends demonstrates to participants that their voice is powerful, their expertise is valuable, and that they are worth investing in," she explains.
The results have been profound. Michelle recalls one young mother who arrived in Chicago with her two-year-old daughter after being turned away from her family home. Through Y4T, she found her voice, setting goals in public speaking and advocacy. Months later, she stood before policymakers in Washington, DC, sharing her story with confidence and conviction. "She didn't hold back," Michelle says. "It was awe-inspiring." The work is about building a movement. Whether speaking at national conferences or connecting youth across Illinois, she believes incorporating client voice is no longer optional—it's essential.
"Giving clients a platform and a sense of agency has been a game-changer," Michelle says.
As she looks ahead, Michelle's vision is to maintain momentum, break down barriers, and provide opportunities that enable participants to grow both personally and professionally. For her, the voices of those who have lived the struggle hold the key to lasting solutions.
with two other advisory boards.
Michelle began her journey with The Night Ministry in 2017 as part of the Youth Outreach Team. Her natural passion and drive have carried her into a leadership role where she now oversees three advisory groups designed to elevate the voices of those with lived experience of homelessness. Alongside Y4T, she leads a statewide Youth Advisory Group, funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, and a Client Advisory Board for adults who access services through The Night Ministry's outreach and health programs.
For Michelle, these boards are platforms of empowerment. Participants are compensated for their time and expertise, an intentional recognition of the value of their lived experiences. "Being able to offer cash stipends demonstrates to participants that their voice is powerful, their expertise is valuable, and that they are worth investing in," she explains.
The results have been profound. Michelle recalls one young mother who arrived in Chicago with her two-year-old daughter after being turned away from her family home. Through Y4T, she found her voice, setting goals in public speaking and advocacy. Months later, she stood before policymakers in Washington, DC, sharing her story with confidence and conviction. "She didn't hold back," Michelle says. "It was awe-inspiring." The work is about building a movement. Whether speaking at national conferences or connecting youth across Illinois, she believes incorporating client voice is no longer optional—it's essential.
"Giving clients a platform and a sense of agency has been a game-changer," Michelle says.
As she looks ahead, Michelle's vision is to maintain momentum, break down barriers, and provide opportunities that enable participants to grow both personally and professionally. For her, the voices of those who have lived the struggle hold the key to lasting solutions.