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.

Madi’s Second Story

After years of fighting at home, “Madi's” parents kicked her out. When living at an adult homeless center, Madi found out she was pregnant, and she reached out to Second Story for Young Mothers.

Andrea’s Second Story

“Andrea's” second story began with the hotline. She was on the run, exhausted, and hungry. Once she confided in counselors at Second Story for Teens in Crisis, everything started getting better.

Jake’s Second Story

After the death of his mom, "Jake's" supportive family life fell apart. When school social workers realized what was going on and called Second Story for Homeless Youth, Jake found stable housing and hope.

Nyomi’s Second Story

Every time “Nyomi” and her mom talked, it turned into an argument. Nyomi’s mom heard about Second Story for Teens in Crisis and reached out in an effort to improve her relationship with her daughter.

Moesha’s Second Story

When “Moesha” found out she was pregnant, her mom kicked her out, and Moesha became homeless. Through Second Story for Young Mothers, Moesha is attending life skills and parenting classes while continuing at her job.

Sofia’s Second Story

Little by little "Sofia" became comfortable at Second Story in the Community and finally found her home away from home. After some bad news, she refused to come back. Read how staff helped her return.

Delilah’s Second Story

“Delilah” had been staying with an older man when her parents found her. At Second Story for Teens in Crisis she learned she deserved love and respect and returned home with a fresh perspective.

Izzy’s Second Story

“Izzy” shivered in the dark, cradling her growing belly. She imagined caring for her baby in her tent in the woods. She couldn’t stay there, so she reached out to Second Story for Young Mothers.

Eliza’s Second Story

After “Eliza” lost everything, she moved to the United States to live with extended family. In the midst of her tension, Eliza came to Second Story for Teens in Crisis to begin her next chapter.

Maria’s Second Story

Rising fifth grader “Maria” always asked for help with language arts. But Maria wasn’t simply frustrated, she was even having trouble reading the instructions. Then she met a Second Story in the Community volunteer.

Debbi’s Second Story

"Debbi" was kicked out of her home by her father after years of demeaning comments and emotional abuse. With Second Story for Homeless Youth she found a safe place to stay, warm meals, and support.

Bella’s Second Story

The lice went away. But the stigma did not. "Bella" was embarrassed that she had experienced a lice episode and began avoiding Second Story in the Community after school. But everyone wanted her back.