Calla’s Second Story

Amidst the challenges and interruptions of COVID-19, many youth like “Calla” were still reaching milestones and achieving self-sufficiency. “Calla” recently graduated from Second Story for Young Mothers and moved into her own apartment with her son. Calla experienced verbal and physical abuse from her family before coming to Second Story, and she had very few people who supported her.

She thrived, though, upon entering the program. She got a healthcare certificate and soon began working at a doctor’s office. She worked closely with staff to save money and pay off her debts, and now has thousands of dollars in savings. Staff have seen Calla turn into a thoughtful and caring young mother who nurtures her son with positive discipline techniques, implements a schedule to make him feel safe, and maintains a loving environment for him to learn and grow.

Calla lost her job for a short time this year, but with emergency funding we were able to help her meet her urgent needs so that her progress was not greatly impacted. We are so proud of Calla and thankful to see how the program gave her the tools she needed to achieve her dreams of safety and self-sufficiency for herself her son.

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!