Description:In this episode of The Gift of Need Podcast, Jude DiMeglio Trang speaks with Robynne Jeisman, founder of Turntable in the San Francisco Bay Area, about the complex crises facing young people today—including homelessness, juvenile justice involvement, exploitation, and trafficking. Drawing from nearly three decades of global experience, Robynne shares how safe housing, wraparound care, authentic relationships, and purpose-driven support can transform lives. Together, they explore how unmet needs can become powerful entry points for healing, dignity, and long-term change.
We talk about:• The age group Turntable serves and why early intervention matters• How young people arrive at homelessness through layered “push and pull” factors• The role of trauma, brain development, and survival behaviors• Why housing must include wraparound services—not just a lease• Juvenile justice involvement and its intersection with exploitation and trafficking• Why there is no such thing as a “child prostitute” and how power imbalance defines exploitation• The importance of prevention, identification, and early response• The scattered-site housing model and why dignity and privacy matter• Creative partnerships with landlords and housing authorities in high-cost cities• Community involvement through time, talent, and financial support• Mentorship, therapy, and storytelling as tools for healing• Addressing spiritual needs through invitation, authenticity, and belonging• The role of purpose, identity, and the “Circle of Courage” in recovery• How relationships—not programs alone—change lives
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Contact Robynne: TurntableHousing.com
Music Credit:Gabe Kubanda / Damn Plans (Instrumental) © 2021 Kubanda Music
Engineer:Ray Ingegneri, Third Street Productions, Tucson, AZ
