2025 Beacon of Hope Breakfast
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Vienna, VA
Thank you!
- Thank you to all of our community members who attended our annual Beacon of Hope Breakfast Fundraiser!
- Thanks to your enthusiasm, we packed the house with our largest audience ever!
- It’s not too late to show your support for our mission. We invite you to donate now.
- Follow us on social media @secondstoryorg to view more photos and videos from the big event.
- And again, thank you for showing up to support your community! We’re grateful.
Griffin's Story
Second Story for Teens in Crisis (SSTC) is the ONLY short-term emergency home for teens in the Northern Virginia region. Last year, we provided 851 nights of safe shelter, 24/7 care, and counseling to 64 young people in crisis.
Many of these teens come to us seeking refuge from emotional or physical abuse, violence, trafficking, substance use, or other difficult situations. Others are facing an acute mental health crisis and need a safe place to heal.
One of those young people was Griffin. Though he came from a loving and supportive home, he needed a break from cycling in and out of mental health institutions and putting his big educational dreams on hold. At Second Story, he found a safe haven where he could not only focus on his mental health, but also open new pathways and rediscover hope for his future.
Now he’s sharing his experience, talents, and passion for helping others by advancing mental health research and making resources more accessible to those in need.
Shaylah's Story
Second Story for Young Mothers is a Transitional Living Program that helps pregnant and parenting moms ages 16 to 24 attain safety, stability, and independence by assisting with housing, counseling, parenting supplies, and training. Many of these young mothers are fleeing dangerous situations in hopes of creating a brighter future for their children.
Shaylah is one of those courageous moms. She left home at just 15, determined to break cycles and create opportunities. She made difficult choices so she could stay in school and protect herself and her sister. At 19, she became pregnant and even more determined to achieve her goals. Despite the challenges, she always believed in herself and her family’s ability to rise above the challenges they faced.
With support from Second Story, Shaylah moved into a safe space with her daughter and began learning skills that would help her build the future she dreamed of. After graduating from the program, she earned a scholarship that allows her to continue her education while working and caring for her little girl.
Today, she’s a mom, student, provider, dreamer, fighter, and a believer. Her story reminds us that strength often grows from struggle, that it’s okay to make difficult choices in search of stability, and that we’re stronger than the unfair challenges we face.
This is our only fundraising event of the year.
Your time is valuable, so we host just one fundraising event each year. Our Beacon of Hope Breakfast is a great opportunity to join your fellow neighbors in ensuring our programs are available for those who need us. Funds raised go directly to our programs. Local youth and families have so few options to turn to for help. Let’s be sure our doors remain open. By donating locally, you make our community stronger and our future brighter. When you give to Second Story, you can give with confidence because we’ve proudly earned the highest ratings from the major charity-vetting organizations, including a 100% from Charity Navigator!
This is our only fundraising event of the year.
Your time is valuable, so we host just one fundraising event each year. Our Beacon of Hope Breakfast is a great opportunity to join your fellow neighbors in ensuring our programs are available for those who need us. Funds raised go directly to our programs. Local youth and families have so few options to turn to for help. Let’s be sure our doors remain open. By donating locally, you make our community stronger and our future brighter. When you give to Second Story, you can give with confidence because we’ve proudly earned the highest ratings from the major charity-vetting organizations, including a 100% from Charity Navigator!
How else can you support the event?
Share the Invitation
Become a Sponsor
Consider sponsoring our event to help set an example and inspire others. Sponsors help ensure the success of our event and receive special recognition.
Make a Gift
Unable to attend? Or would you like to make your donation early? We invite you to make a financial contribution today.
Register for Beacon of Hope
Registration is required and is now closed due to popular demand. If you need to make changes to your registration, contact our Volunteer and Outreach Manager, Alex Villegas.
We look forward to seeing you!
Give With Confidence:
