Foreword by Valerie Milano
Below interview by Cynthia Hudson
(Aspiring Magazine & The Hollywood Times) 8/1/25 – In a world that often overlooks the invisible crisis of youth homelessness, one organization is refusing to look away—and changing thousands of lives in the process.
Doors of Change, a nonprofit based in San Diego, has spent more than two decades quietly, persistently doing the work that matters most: helping homeless youth find stability, safety, and self-worth. Now, with the crisis reaching new heights and 70% of unsheltered youth in California going without critical services, the need for awareness—and action—is more urgent than ever.
In this exclusive interview, we bring together three passionate changemakers whose paths have converged for this mission: Jeffrey Sitcov, founder and president of Doors of Change; Lucie Arnaz, acclaimed actress and advocate; and Anson Williams, director, entrepreneur, and beloved for his role as Potsie on Happy Days.
More than just celebrity endorsements, their support comes from a place of deep commitment and personal resonance. In heartfelt conversation, they open up about the transformative power of music, the healing found through mentorship, and the importance of showing up for the most vulnerable—especially when the rest of the world turns away.
From a keyboard signed by Billy Joel that kickstarted a movement, to personal stories of youth who have gone from life on the streets to law school, this discussion reveals not only the immense challenges faced by unhoused youth—but also the hope that can be sparked when someone believes in them.
As Doors of Change prepares for its upcoming Concert of Hope on September 6th, featuring the Rolling Stones tribute band Jumping Jack Flash, this interview is a timely reminder: real change starts with a single open door.
Read on to hear the voices behind the mission—Jeffrey, Lucie, and Anson—and discover how you can be part of the movement to restore dignity, trust, and future to those who need it most.
An exclusive interview with Jeffrey Sitcov, Lucie Arnaz, and Anson Williams
By Cynthia Hudson | Aspiring Magazine & The Hollywood Times
In a rare joint interview, three powerful voices—Jeffrey Sitcov, founder and president of the nonprofit Doors of Change, along with beloved entertainers and advocates Lucie Arnaz and Anson Williams—gather to speak candidly about a cause that has reshaped their lives: helping homeless youth find trust, dignity, and a future.
For over two decades, Doors of Change has quietly worked miracles. What started with a signed keyboard from Billy Joel has since blossomed into a national movement that’s placed over 3,000 youth into safe housing and helped more than 23,000 access life-saving resources. But as the need grows, so does the urgency to raise awareness—and funding.
“It Started With Billy Joel and Elton John”
Cynthia Hudson: Jeffrey, how did this movement begin?
Jeffrey Sitcov: It started back in 2001. I’d befriended Billy Joel—he loved my photography and agreed to sign a keyboard for our cause. Within a few months, he was touring with Elton John, told him about our mission, and Elton said, “I love that vision. I want to help too.” Those two became our first angels.
Since then, icons like The Rolling Stones, Carlos Santana, Aretha Franklin, Joe Cocker, Ringo Starr and many others have supported us. We’ve raised over $875,000 through signed memorabilia. But more than that, they gave us credibility. When Billy Joel and Elton John stand behind something, people listen.
“We All Get Asked—But This One Was Different”
CH: Lucie, what was it about Doors of Change that touched your heart?
Lucie Arnaz: It was Harlan Boll, our mutual friend, who introduced me. Like Anson and I said—we get asked a lot. But Harlan vouched for the organization. That mattered.
And then I did my own digging. I found out this wasn’t just another charity. It was local, hands-on, and real. It reminded me of something I used to say: Think globally, act locally.
I’ve had loved ones make difficult decisions and live without a place to go. So yeah, it hit home. These kids aren’t bums. They’re often kicked out by their own families. LGBTQ+ youth, kids from abuse… It’s heartbreaking.
“I Saw the Results—and I Couldn’t Walk Away”
CH: Anson, same question. What brought you in?
Anson Williams: For me, it started with trust. Harlan said, “This is the real deal.” I checked it out and saw the results. One homeless youth became a security expert. Another became a lawyer. I thought, This isn’t just a shelter. They’re changing lives.
They gain the kids’ trust slowly—through music, art, conversation. They meet them where they are. And they don’t just get them off the street—they help them find themselves. That builds self-worth. That’s life-changing.
“From the Streets to Graduating Law School”
CH: Jeffrey, tell us about some of these success stories.
JS: One of our youth, she was homeless from 12 to 16 years of age. She has now graduated law school. Another, Tyler Delos Reyes, was on the streets from 12 to 16—his mom was a meth addict. We helped him get a security guard license. Today, he’s a supervisor at Petco Park (where the Padres play), Snapdragon Stadium and works for AMR ambulance services.
In the past three years alone, we’ve housed 873 youth. And we didn’t stop during COVID—we pivoted. We actually tripled our impact by focusing on housing and advocacy.
“We’re Like Surrogate Parents”
CH: What sets your model apart?
JS: We work with transitional-age youth, ages 17 to 24—the most underserved group. These kids never had anyone teach them how to succeed. We give them that. We act like surrogate parents. We drive them to get IDs. We get them medical insurance. We take their calls at 2 a.m. We’re not just a nonprofit—we’re family.
AW: And don’t forget—they even repair kids’ cars. 10% of San Diego State students live in their vehicles. If their car battery dies, they can’t get to work or school. Doors of Change fixes that too.
“Give Them a Guitar, Watch Them Heal”
LA: The arts are the doorway in. When you give a kid a paintbrush or a guitar, the trauma starts to come out—safely. These programs are about so much more than music. They’re about healing.
AW: That creative spark is the first sign of hope. And hope is contagious. One kid’s success inspires another.
“This Is the Work We Were Meant to Do”
CH: You’re both icons. Do you feel a sense of responsibility to use your platform for causes like this?
AW: Gary Marshall told us when Happy Days started: “You’re going to be famous. You don’t deserve it. But you’ll have a light. Shine it on someone who does.” I never forgot that.
LA: My daughter once said she wanted to be famous just so she could fix the world’s problems. That’s what we’re doing here. If someone listens because they know my name, and they end up helping a kid, I’ll take it.
Join the Mission: September 6th Benefit Concert
Doors of Change is hosting its annual “Concert of Hope” on Saturday, September 6th at UCSD’s Epstein Family Amphitheater. The headliner? National Rolling Stones tribute band Jumping Jack Flash.
Lawn tickets are just $24 (including fees), and 100% of proceeds go to housing homeless youth.
Plus: Silent and live auctions featuring signed guitars from Eric Clapton, James Taylor, and Jerry Seinfeld, and lunch with celebrities like Henry Winkler and JoAnne Worley.
Visit doorsofchange.org to donate, buy tickets, or join the Angel Team for just $11/month.
Final Words
JS: We need the public’s help. Donations, sponsorships, auction items—whatever people can give. These kids deserve more than survival. They deserve a future.
LA: You can’t save everyone, but you can save someone. And maybe that someone goes on to save more.
AW: And that’s how we change the world. One door at a time.
