News

Read more about what’s new with our programs, issues our work addresses, and other updates.

We are thankful for anyone able and willing to help us communicate our work. If you have creative ideas to help us spread the word about our mission or if you are a member of the press, we would love to talk to you. Please contact our Director of Marketing and Communications.

Woman working on a laptop

Virtual Learning at Second Story

Meghan Huebner, Vice President of Residential Programs, speaks about how virtual schooling is going for youth in our programs.

Our CEO Judith Dittman’s 25th Anniversary

To celebrate her anniversary Judith Ditman, CEO, shared with us some reflections on the past 25 years.

A Day in the Life at our Food Distribution Sites

Edwin Alfaro, Community Organizer of Opportunity Neighborhoods, shares what a typical day looks like at a food distribution center.
Graduation

100% of Second Story’s Eligible Seniors Graduated

All nineteen eligible seniors from Second Story for Homeless Youth and the Culmore Teen Center graduated in 2020!
Picture of helping hands

Connecting with Second Story

Many of you have asked for ways to help--thank you! Here is another way to get involved: become an ambassador!
Image of black woman

Where We Stand on the Black Lives Matter Movement

Diversity and equality are values that have been at the heart of Second Story's mission since the beginning.
""

COVID-19 & Our Programs: Updates from the Frontlines

We working on the front lines with youth and families experiencing crises as COVID-19 brings more challenges.

Our COVID-19 Task Force

Learn about our special COVID-19 task force of community members like you who want to step up for those who need it most.

Update: COVID-19 and its Impact on Our Programs

Read how we are keeping everyone safe during the COVID-19 outbreak, most especially the vulnerable young people at Second Story.
Book Cover

Second Story Featured in “Abandoned: America’s Lost Youth and the Crisis of Disconnection” by Anne Kim

An entire chapter of this critical new book is dedicated to Second Story and how our work is helping address a crucial challenge.

Our Decade in Review

In 2020 we celebrate a new decade, and we're feeling extra thankful for all the ways we have grown over the past 10 years.
Interior of Teens in Crisis Shelter

A Virtual Tour of Our Programs

See the spaces that host young people everyday to provide safe havens and opportunities to thrive...

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!