Our Second Stories
Here we share the stories of young people who connected with our programs, got the support they needed, and began writing their second stories.
(Unless otherwise specified, names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy.)
Listen to the Second Stories Podcast
The Second Stories Podcast is dedicated to telling stories of people who had first stories full of hardship and hopelessness, yet were able to change the narrative and write a better second story. Theirs are stories of resilience and hope, but also tributes to the people, experiences and organizations that made it possible for them to start again.
Desiree’s Second Story
"Desiree" became a mom when she was very young. She had big dreams for her daughter and for herself. She just wasn't sure how to get there until she found Second Story for Young Mothers.
Kerry’s Second Story
When “Kerry” and her mom got evicted and living in a motel became tight, Kerry's depression grew. She began sleeping on the streets. Second Story for Teens in Crisis provided support and a new start.
Marley’s Second Story
When "Marley" was kicked out, it was her escape from years of abuse. She quickly faced new challenges: anxiety and homelessness. Now, with Second Story for Homeless Youth's help Marley is a high school graduate.
Emmy’s Second Story
"Emmy's" dad wanted the best for his children but struggled to make ends meet with a job kept him away from home. Emmy spent many hours alone until she found Second Story in the Community.
Robert’s Second Story
When “Robert” graduated from Second Story for Homeless Youth, he felt grateful for the counseling and help finding a stable home. But more importantly, he was grateful that someone believed in him, something he hadn’t felt before.
Sam’s Second Story
"Sam" went from a bad living situation to a year of moving around. Then he found Second Story for Homeless Youth. Read his second story about progress towards his dream of being an electrical engineer.
Henry’s Second Story
“Henry” ran away several times from his foster family. When Henry turned 18, he would have nowhere to go. Instead, staff at Second Story for Teens in Crisis prepared Henry for a self-sufficient adulthood.
Mercedes’ Second Story
“Mercedes” arrived at the Second Story in the Community frustrated and discouraged with poor grades, bullying, and a stressful home life. Read how the center gave her stability, tutoring, stress management tools, and a confidante.
Kate’s Second Story
After running away from home at 16, “Kate” left stress at home, but found more danger. She found safety and counseling at Second Story for Teens in Crisis then found a home for sexually-exploited girls.
Marie’s Second Story
“Marie’s” parents kicked her out at 18, and she was unable to afford rent or get a job. Second Story for Homeless Youth staff helped her provide for herself and develop trust with a landlord.
Bianca’s Second Story
Homeless and pregnant, "Bianca" remembered her unstable childhood. She wanted more for her baby. Second Story for Young Mothers helped her enroll in classes and apply for food assistance and create a more empowered life.
Meghan’s and Jennifer’s Second Stories (Video)
"Meghan" got kicked out when she became pregnant. "Jennifer" lived with an abusive father. They found Second Story for Homeless Youth and now dream about their futures, careers, and hopes to create safe families.
