News
Read more about what's new with our programs, issues our work addresses like trafficking, homelessness, and poverty, and updates on our work and your support.
We are thankful for anyone able and willing to help us communicate our work. If you have creative ideas to help us spread the word through social media, print, television, an online publication, or another medium, or if you are a member of the press, we would love to talk to you. Please contact our Communications Manager.

Celebrating 50 Years
It all started in the early 1970s when community members began noticing increasing numbers of young people running away from their homes. The teens were looking for help. At that moment in 1972, we stepped in to help. 50 Years later, we're still here, offering safe havens and opportunities to youth and their families experiencing crisis.
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Second Story Celebrates National Volunteer Month
Last year alone, 486 volunteers donated 8,486 hours of time to Second Story! To all of our volunteers, including those who are new and those who’ve stood with us for the past 50 years, we say THANK YOU!
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Easter Basket Donations for Young Mothers
Help provide Easter baskets to young mothers in need. Provide a bundle of joy to children and parents this Easter season.
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Our Ongoing COVID-19 Response & Needs
We are updating this page with our immediate needs as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our programs.
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Second Story Learning Series–Reconnecting Generation Covid
We hope you'll join us virtually on March 29, 2022 at 11 AM EST to hear more about Reconnecting Generation Covid! Learn more about how to attend.
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Pantry Pack Donations for Families
Help donate essential pantry items to families in need across Northern Virginia.
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Holiday Gifts for Youth
Every year Second Story gives a few holidays gifts to the youth in our programs to help make their holidays brighter, and we need your help to make it happen.
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Second Story’s Holiday Letter
Read Second Story's holiday letter from our Board President to review the past year and let you know how you can support us.
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In-Kind Update – No Used Items, Please!
Due to your immense generosity in donating in-kind goods during the holiday season, space is limited and we will not be accepting any used goods until early 2022.
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Our Beacon of Hope Virtual Fundraiser
Thank you to everyone who joined our 2021 Beacon of Hope Virtual Fundraiser! You can watch the event replay here.
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It Started with Cory Scott
Drawn to help youth in the area, Cory's simple action of sharing Second Story has helped reached others, transforming Second Story to what is is today. Learn how it started with him and how you can join in too.
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It Started With Melissa Busby Fernlund
After learning about Second Story from her friend, Melissa's simple action of getting involved helped transformed Second Story to what is is today. Learn how it started with her and how you can join in too.
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It Started with Burt Heacock
From supporting our programs to fundraising for change, Burt's simple action helped transformed Second Story to what is is today. Learn how it started with him and how you can join in too.
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Our Fall Festival and Vaccine Distribution
As our community continues to struggle with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Second Story in the Community is bringing arts, crafts, music, food, resources, and vaccines to Springfield and Culmore!
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100% of our Eligible Seniors Graduated in 2021
After a challenging year of remote and hybrid learning, the youth in our programs have defied the odds again this year. The national graduation rate for youth experiencing homelessness is around 64%. But this year, 100% of eligible seniors in our programs graduated from high school!
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