Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatiana Turner
Tatiana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I founded Urban Social Services & Advocacy (USSA) out of a deep commitment to helping marginalized communities, particularly those impacted by the justice system, homelessness, and economic hardship. As someone with lived experience, I understand the struggles of navigating complex systems to access vital resources, which is why my organization is designed to provide hands-on, boots-on-the-ground support.
Our work started small—advocating for formerly incarcerated individuals, distributing mutual aid, and connecting people with housing and employment resources. Over time, we expanded into Enhanced Case Management (ECM), housing navigation, harm reduction education, and community health worker (CHW) services. We’ve built partnerships with major healthcare plans, strengthened our infrastructure, and continue to advocate for policy changes such as fair wages for incarcerated workers and reentry support.
Beyond USSA, I also founded General AVL Training, an initiative that provides career pathways in the audio, video, and lighting industry for disadvantaged individuals, especially those returning from incarceration. With my background in audio engineering and professional technology, I saw an opportunity to create economic mobility for people facing barriers to employment.
Today, I continue to lead and expand these efforts while advocating for policies that address systemic barriers. I’m also preparing to speak at the National Alliance to End Homelessness conference to highlight the importance of small community-based organizations in solving the housing crisis.
My journey has been shaped by resilience, a deep sense of purpose, and the unwavering belief that those who have been through the struggle are best equipped to lead the change.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but nothing worth fighting for ever is.
One of the biggest challenges has been securing consistent funding to sustain and expand our work. Small community-based organizations (CBOs) like mine often struggle to compete with larger nonprofits for grants and contracts, even though we’re the ones doing the direct, boots-on-the-ground work. We’ve had to be creative, leveraging partnerships, fundraising, and personal investments to keep things moving.
Another major struggle has been navigating bureaucracy. Whether it’s obtaining the right certifications, negotiating lease agreements for housing, or dealing with shifting regulations, there are always hurdles when working with government agencies and healthcare plans. The process is often slow and frustrating, delaying the ability to provide urgent support to those in need.
On a personal level, being formerly incarcerated means constantly having to prove myself in spaces that aren’t always welcoming to people with my background. Even though I have the lived experience and expertise, there’s still bias and skepticism. But I’ve learned to turn that into fuel, showing people that we deserve a seat at the table—or better yet, we can build our own table.
Despite these challenges, I remain committed because I know the work we do changes lives. Every time we help someone get housed, find a job, access healthcare, or break free from systemic barriers, it reminds me why I started this journey in the first place. The road isn’t smooth, but the mission is worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
About My Work
I am the founder of Urban Social Services & Advocacy (USSA), a boots-on-the-ground community-based organization that provides wraparound services for justice-impacted individuals, the unhoused, and low-income families. We specialize in Enhanced Case Management (ECM), reentry services, housing navigation, harm reduction, and peer support, ensuring that those who have been marginalized get the help they need to rebuild their lives.
I also run General AVL Training, an initiative that helps formerly incarcerated individuals and disadvantaged minorities break into the audio, video, and lighting industry. We provide hands-on training, industry connections, and job opportunities to help people gain financial independence and stability.
What I Specialize In & What I’m Known For
I specialize in reentry services, housing advocacy, harm reduction, and workforce development for marginalized communities. I’m known for:
Fighting for policy changes (like fair wages for incarcerated workers & reentry support)
Providing direct aid and case management to those who need it most
Creating opportunities for employment & self-sufficiency for justice-impacted individuals
Helping people navigate complex systems (housing, healthcare, DMV services, etc.)
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the real impact we make every day—getting someone housed, helping a person find a job after years of incarceration, providing life-saving harm reduction education, and giving people hope where they once felt hopeless. I’m also proud of the fact that USSA is built by people who have lived through these experiences—we don’t just offer services; we truly understand the struggles our clients face.
What Sets Me Apart
Lived Experience – I’m not just an advocate; I’ve been through these challenges myself. My team is made up of people who have personally navigated the same systems we now help others with.
Hands-On, Direct Support – We don’t just refer people to resources; we walk them through the process, ensuring they actually get the help they need.
Policy & System Change Work – Beyond providing services, I fight for systemic change, ensuring that policies shift in ways that benefit the people we serve.
Creating Career Pathways – Through General AVL Training, I provide real, sustainable employment opportunities for those who’ve been locked out of traditional jobs.
Everything I do is driven by a simple belief:
Those who have been through the struggle are best equipped to lead the change.
Before I became a nonprofit founder and social advocate, I built a long and successful career in the Audio, Video, and Lighting (AVL) industry. With degrees in Audio Engineering, Music Business, and Professional Technology, I’ve worked in live event production, concert touring, corporate AV, and large-scale entertainment projects. My technical background has taken me behind the scenes of some of the biggest events and productions, where I specialized in lighting design, sound engineering, video production, and stagehand work.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with world-class teams, operate cutting-edge equipment, and contribute to unforgettable experiences in music, theater, and corporate productions. From setting up massive stage rigs to fine-tuning sound for live performances, my work in AVL has always been about creating seamless, immersive experiences for audiences.
Bringing My AVL Expertise to the Community
My passion for AVL isn’t just about technology—it’s about opportunity. I saw how barriers to employment kept formerly incarcerated individuals and disadvantaged minorities from entering this high-paying, rewarding industry. That’s why I started General AVL Training, a program that teaches stagehand, audio, video, and lighting skills to those who want to build a career in entertainment production.
Through this program, I train people in:
Stagehand & Rigging Work – The backbone of live production
Audio Engineering – Mixing, recording, and live sound setup
Lighting Design & Programming – Creating stunning visuals for concerts & events
Video & Projection – Operating camera systems, LED walls, and video effects
This career path changed my life, and now I’m using my expertise to create career pathways for others who wouldn’t otherwise have access to this field. My AVL experience, combined with my advocacy work, has allowed me to bridge the gap between technical training and economic empowerment for justice-impacted individuals.
What Sets Me Apart in AVL
Deep Technical Knowledge – Years of hands-on experience in the field.
Industry Connections – Built relationships with top professionals in entertainment production.
Commitment to Training the Next Generation – Making AVL accessible to underrepresented communities.
Blending AVL with Social Impact – Using my career to change lives, not just run productions.
I’m proud of my decades in AVL and even prouder that I’ve turned that expertise into a platform for empowerment. It’s not just about running shows—it’s about creating opportunities and breaking barriers.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are many ways to get involved with the work I do, whether through Urban Social Services & Advocacy (USSA), General AVL Training, or our latest tech initiative.
1. Work With Me & My Organizations
Urban Social Services & Advocacy (USSA) – If you’re in social services, reentry work, harm reduction, housing advocacy, or healthcare, we’re always open to partnerships, referrals, and collaborative projects to support marginalized communities.
General AVL Training – If you’re in the entertainment production industry, I’m looking for mentors, trainers, and employers willing to hire and train formerly incarcerated and disadvantaged individuals in audio, video, and lighting work.
Speaking & Advocacy – I’m available for panels, conferences, and consulting on topics like reentry services, housing solutions, community-based advocacy, and workforce development.
2. Collaborate With Our Tech Solution
We’ve developed an app that streamlines case management, referrals, and support services for those navigating reentry, homelessness, and social service systems. This app connects clients, service providers, and resources, making it easier for organizations to coordinate care and for individuals to access the help they need seamlessly.
📲 We’re looking for:
Service providers to integrate into the app’s network
Tech partners & funders to help scale the platform
Beta testers & community feedback to improve functionality
3. Support the Mission
🔹 Donate or Invest – We need funding and resources to continue providing free and low-cost services to our clients. Every contribution helps people access housing, jobs, and critical support services.
🔹 Volunteer Your Skills – We welcome mentors, trainers, and case managers to assist with our programs.
🔹 Spread the Word – If you believe in our mission, help us raise awareness by sharing our work on social media or introducing us to potential partners.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.socialserviceadvocacy.com
- Instagram: @urban_socialservices
