Learning Series: Substance Abuse Among Local Youth

Substance Abuse Among Local Youth Graphic

Youth opioid overdoses in Fairfax County continue to rise. The headlines confirm we’re losing local students and unsuspecting youth to this epidemic. It’s affecting all communities across the county and the country. Addiction and counterfeit prescription pills play big roles in the growing problem. When a substance is deadly in small doses, yet nearly undetectable, how can we can keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities safe? It’s time to get informed.

In the video linked above, you’ll hear from Second Story’s staff about the current situation, warning signs, what to look for, and how to equip yourself and your loved ones with tools and resources. Speakers include:

    • Genevieve Dunn, Compliance & Risk Management Officer, Second Story
      • Genevieve is Second Story’s Compliance & Risk Management Officer and is responsible for developing effective compliance programs and managing organizational risk. She received a B.S. in Psychological Science from the University of Mary Washington in 2016, with concentrations in Child & Adolescent Developmental Psychology as well as Quantitative Psychology. Genevieve creates training programs to educate all levels of staff on issues relevant to our mission of serving youth and families. Genevieve has worked for Second Story since 2017.
    • Kimberlyn Pena, Senior Program Manager, Second Story in the Community
      • Kimberlyn is Second Story’s Program Manager for Community Based Services (CBS). CBS serves often marginalized communities in Northern Virginia via our Family Resource Centers, after school youth programs, and health literacy initiatives. Kimberlyn ensures all programs are meeting their respective established objectives, conducts and oversees program outreach efforts, communicates with community stakeholders, and assists with County grant reporting requirements. She has a B.S in Community Health with a minor in Nutrition from George Mason University and is an MPH candidate at John Hopkins University with a Concentration in Child and Adolescent Health.

Need Help?

If you need help right away, our 24/7 hotline provides support and referrals to services in the Washington DC metro area.
Call 1-800-SAY-TEEN or text “TEENHELP” to 855-11

Your Impact

We make every dollar count. The direct support of young people, their families and their communities, is our first priority. Here are examples of how your donation may be used.

$20,000

  • Three high school students experiencing homelessness receive a full year of rental assistance and support services so they can remain in school and graduate with their class.

$1,000

  • One teenager receives a safe haven, warm bed, food, and round-the-clock support for five nights at Second Story for Teens in Crisis, or
  • Eight months of therapy for a young woman in the Second Story for Young Mothers program.

$500

  • One teen receives daily counseling during a three-week stay at Second Story for Teens in Crisis, or
  • Twenty counseling sessions for the children and teens who are at-risk and participating in our after-school programs.

$100

  • Three teens receive a therapy session at Second Story for Teens in Crisis, or
  • Two weeks of food for a young mother and her child at Second Story for Young Mothers.

Thank you for your support!