About

Mission

Second Story transforms the lives of children, youth and their families by providing safe havens and opportunities for them to grow and thrive. Our programs provide support at critical turning points in their lives.

Vision

The vision of Second Story is of a community in which all young people are safe, live in a nurturing environment, and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Our History

It all started in 1972 when community members noticed increasing numbers of young people running away from their homes. The teens were looking for help at local churches who were unable to accommodate them.

At that moment, we stepped in to help and more than 50 Years later, we’re still here offering safe havens and opportunities to youth and their families experiencing crisis or at risk of a crisis. We originally formed as the “Juvenile Assistance of McLean” and later became known as “Alternative House,” because we offered youth an alternative to living on the streets. Over the years, we’ve added programs and services.

Today, we are “Second Story.” Your first story includes the life you’re born into. Your “second story” is the new chapter you write and includes your goals, dreams, career, family, and the life you build.

Second Story offers four programs designed to transform the lives of local children, youth and their families by providing safe havens and opportunities for them to grow and thrive. Our programs provide support at critical turning points in their lives.

Meet our Leadership Team comprised of staff and a board of directors who have contributed to the organization for more than 200 years of service collectively.

Reporting and Financials

Second Story is committed to maintaining your trust through transparency. We invite you to review our Annual Report, Strategic Plan Summary, Financial Statement, and IRS Form 990 to learn more.

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!