Stephanie’s Second Story

In a world where we hear so much about increased connectivity, most of the youth we support suffer from disconnection. Disconnection from positive adult role models and supportive peers. Disconnection from loving families. Disconnection from jobs, resources, and opportunities. And yes, disconnection from the technologies so essential for navigating this increasingly connected world.

“Stephanie,” like so many of the individuals we work with, reached out because she was experiencing disconnection and hopelessness. After living in a shelter for almost three months with her two daughters, she worried they’d never have the chance to move on and live in a place of their own.

Once connected with Second Story for Homeless Youth, Stephanie worked with staff members to find housing. After she secured a safe place to live, our staff worked with Stephanie to hone employment skills, edit her resume, and help her apply to jobs. She landed a well-paying position and over time continued to improve her skills, and ultimately she found an even better paying job in the same field. After a little over a year in our program, Stephanie was able to maintain her finances, pay the rent, and achieve her goal of providing a safe and stable home for her children. We are so proud of Stephanie.

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!