Dear Friends,
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about how you can help our neighbors, including youth who are struggling as we approach the giving season. We appreciate individuals like you who want to make a difference.
What a year it has been—for our community, the youth and families we serve, and our organization. It’s safe to say that everyone has or knows someone who has been affected in some way by economic uncertainty or job loss. The neighborhoods we serve, where many live at or below the poverty line, have been hit hard. Economic hardship impacts us all, but especially young people who lack support systems or families who are barely getting by. These stressors often lead to increased violence, mental health challenges, food insecurity, and heightened vulnerability among youth. In our programs, we’ve seen widespread fear and rising safety threats faced by mothers fleeing abuse. We also dealt with organizational challenges, including a temporary funding freeze, unexpected facility emergencies, and uncertainty with federal grant funding.
Yet, just as we have done during the past 53 years, we adapted quickly and creatively and so have the inspirational youth we serve. Teens balanced school with jobs to help support their families. Staff and volunteers pivoted to ensure all could access our food distributions. Community partners and donors stepped up in many ways, including filled backpacks, legal support, renovations, and financial gifts that kept our programs running at traditional levels. These moments remind us that Second Story is not just a service provider, it is a safe haven, a lifeline, and a beacon of hope. At the heart of every obstacle we’ve overcome is a young person or family finding safety and stability.
“Joan” was 17 when she arrived at Second Story for Teens in Crisis (SSTC). Both of her parents had passed away, and she was living with her abusive and alcoholic grandmother. Joan worked with our staff to develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with past trauma and manage ongoing mental health struggles while staying determined to graduate and pursue college. Because returning home was not safe, we partnered with Child Protective Services to help Joan transition into a foster family. Joan still faces challenges, but now has coping tools, a safe place to live, and renewed hope for her future. Last year, SSTC hosted 64 youth for a total of 851 safe nights.
In middle school “Johnny” attended our after-school programs through Second Story in the Community because he was often unsupervised without access to regular meals. He was accused of being a bully and classroom disrupter. Through one-on-one mentoring, counseling, and meetings with school staff, his program coordinator learned his anger and emotional issues were due to the domestic violence and instability he regularly witnessed at home. After a few months, Johnny started to show better emotional management techniques. Our staff ensured he had snacks and access to food distribution. Gradually, his mother, teachers, and friends noticed he seemed happier and calmer. Johnny is now prepared to take on the challenges of high school. Almost 400 students participated in our after-school programs last year.
“Bethany” was living at home until she turned 18 and her parents abruptly told her to move out. Even though she had been working, she didn’t have the money, practical skills, nor maturity to live on her own and continue attending school. A friend told her about Second Story for Homeless Youth and Bethany was relieved to learn she was eligible for support. First, she worked with her case manager to find a place to rent and develop a budget. She accessed therapy, built life skills, and learned about financial aid. Eventually Bethany saved enough so she could graduate from the program, move on campus, and stay on track with her education—including graduating with an engineering degree. Last year we served 150 young people, including their children, with housing or rental assistance through our residential services.
“Kelly’s” parents kicked her out when she became pregnant in high school. The baby’s father initially helped her pay rent but later cut ties. When she couldn’t cover her expenses, Kelly’s landlord made threats and inappropriate suggestions. Then she learned about Second Story for Young Mothers and found a way out. Kelly worked with her case manager to get her finances on track so she could afford rent and begin to save. They worked together to access food distribution and improve her resume. She learned how to apply for benefits like health care and childcare. She attended our life-skills and parenting classes—all while attending school. Kelly never gave up. She graduated from high school and holds a job that allows her to afford her bills while building a better life for her daughter. Second Story housed eight mothers and their 10 children for up to 18 months each and helped 291 additional youth with counseling, baby equipment, and other supplies last year.
Every one of these stories represents a life changed. We cannot do this important work alone. The uncertainty in public funding means that more than ever, we rely on generous individuals like you to ensure that when a young person or family reaches out, Second Story will be there.
To give, visit www.second-story.org/give. Consider joining our Beacon of Hope Society by pledging at least $1,000 for five years or more. By making a multi-year pledge, you enable us to plan ahead with confidence, ensuring stable, sustainable programs for those we serve. Your donation will sustain our safe shelters, community-based programs, and vital support services. With your gift, we can continue to transform hardship into healing, fear into safety, and uncertainty into opportunity. When you give to Second Story, you can give with confidence. We earned a 4-star rating—100%—from Charity Navigator. If you recently donated, thank you for making an impact.
We have stood strong for 53 years because of friends like you. Please make your year-end gift today because together, we can ensure every young person and family in our community has a second story.
Sincerely,
Kevin Davis
Second Story Board President
