We’ve Earned the Highest Transparency Ratings

Candid Platinum Transparency 2025 badge. Spur Local Critical Nonprofit 2025 badge. Charity Navigator Four-Star badge.

Year after year, Second Story earns the highest ratings possible from the major charity-vetting organizations. 2025 has been no different. We’ve received top ratings, including a 100% from Charity Navigator!

We also earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid once again! This recognition highlights our dedication to transparency and accountability at the highest level, placing Second Story among the top 0.1% of charities nationally.

And finally, after receiving the honor of being named a “Critical Nonprofit” as part of Spur Local’s 2023-2024 Class, Second Story has maintained our designation for 2025!

What does all of this mean? It means that when you support Second Story, you can do so with confidence, knowing that we prioritize transparency and impact.

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!