“Mia’s” high school social worker referred her to Second Story for Homeless Youth during her senior year because her mother suffered from serious mental health issues and was unable to care for her daughter. Second Story stepped in to help Mia find a safe place to live and learn important life skills so she could stay in school while learning how
to live independently.
First Mia worked with her case worker to find a room to rent. She met regularly with her case manager and attended group sessions to learn skills, including budgeting, goal setting, personal hygiene, self-care, and emergency preparedness. While Mia balanced school and work, her case worker would deliver volunteer-donated snack packs, toiletries, cleaning supplies, towels, linens, and special meals and gifts during the holidays. She also referred Mia to local food resources. Mia graduated from Second Story’s program, as well as high school, and entered community college to study pediatric nursing.
During her third year in college, Mia’s case manager reached out to suggest she apply for a new scholarship. Established by Irene Pierce who named Second Story as a beneficiary of her estate, the scholarship provides assistance with rent, tuition, and books as long as recipients maintain decent grades. In July of 2022, Mia was accepted into the inaugural class of the Irene Pierce Scholarship program. Mia immediately contacted her case manager to share her excitement through happy tears. She said she felt great relief because the scholarship took some financial stress off of her shoulders. Mia continues to work hard as she moves closer to achieving her goals.
Mia’s name and photograph have been changed to protect her privacy.
