Dear Friends,
Thank you for staying connected with Second Story. We hope you are enjoying the start of a peaceful holiday season.
We have some news to share. After 30 years of service to Second Story, our CEO Judith Dittman will be retiring in 2025. She will leave a legacy of impact. Every program we offer, except our original program, started under Judith’s leadership. As a result, local youth experiencing homelessness or another crisis have a place to turn and families in need can receive help. Because of Judith, countless lives and policies have been changed for the better and this community is grateful for her service.
Thankfully, Judith will leave Second Story in great hands with Jade Leedham who will assume the role of CEO in January. Many of you already know Jade from her 15 years with Second Story, first as a volunteer and now as Executive Vice President, a role created specifically to ensure a smooth transition. With the full support of our Board, Jade is ready to bring her energy, enthusiasm, and personal understanding of what the youth we serve experience to her new role.
As Second Story prepares for this transition, we haven’t missed a beat. Last year, we answered nearly 500 calls to our teen crisis hotline and provided 176 young people with safe places to stay. We helped families during 24,000 meetings and by distributing 25,600 food items. We assisted students with 4,300 individual tutoring sessions and nearly 1,500 backpacks. Each individual we help deserves support no matter what circumstances they’re born into.
Even in communities like ours, unfair realities exist. There’s a 17-year life-expectancy gap between residents who live in underserved neighborhoods compared to their affluent neighbors. It’s these kinds of inequities that make our programs necessary for young people trying to defy the odds.
“Ronnie” came to Second Story for Teens in Crisis after a school counselor learned he had been physically and sexually assaulted by family members. He needed a safe place to stay and support so he could stay in school. Because his family refused to acknowledge his mental health struggles, his anxiety and depression worsened. Our staff provided trauma-informed therapy that led to acceptance, healthy coping techniques, and improvements in his wellbeing. Since he was 18 and had aged out of foster care eligibility, we helped him transfer to Second Story for Homeless Youth, where he continued therapy, received rental assistance and necessities, and learned skills to live independently.
“June” came to Second Story for Young Mothers confidentially because she was fleeing domestic abuse. She was pregnant, had a young daughter, and was overwhelmed. Our staff helped move her in and get settled with food, toiletries, baby supplies, and books for her daughter. She participated in counseling and weekly group sessions to learn new skills. Soon, June returned to school, found a job, and lined up childcare. She inspired other mothers in the program by creating and leading a vision board group so they could set goals together. June still faces challenges, but can envision a better, safer life ahead.
“Dennis” attended Second Story in the Community’s Springfield Safe Youth Project since fourth grade. He regularly witnessed drug abuse and domestic violence at home. Dennis was frustrated and lashing out. Our staff taught him how to deal with his emotions, other skills, and the importance of physical activity as an outlet. We helped with homework and sent him home with healthy snacks so he had enough to eat during the week. At our special gang prevention workshop, Dennis connected with a mentor in the police department who inspired him to work hard and choose a better path than his siblings. By the time he graduated from the program, he had become a leader, speaking out against drugs, shoplifting, and other influences. Dennis hopes one day, we’ll open a teen center in his neighborhood, similar to our teen center in the Culmore neighborhood.
Recently, Michael bravely shared his story at Second Story’s Beacon of Hope Breakfast. As soon as he turned 18, Michael moved out of his adopted family’s home. He found a room to sublet, but his landlord steadily raised the rent. Michael was struggling in high school while working 40 hours a week to afford living expenses. Then, his school counselor suggested Second Story for Homeless Youth. Our rental assistance allowed Michael to cut back on work, focus on his studies, and graduate on time. His teachers noticed an immediate difference and recommended Michael for two school awards after it was clear he was determined to graduate. Michael reconnected with his adopted family, graduated on time, and has a clear plan for his future.
The young people we work with continue to inspire us. No matter what unfair challenges they face, they choose to dream about their futures and write their second stories. They just need a little support. That’s where you come in. We hope you’ll consider donating to support these young people. Over the past few years, Second Story and similar nonprofit organizations have experienced funding gaps. Government funding isn’t keeping up with the rising costs of regulatory requirements, operational expenses, and inflation. But that doesn’t matter to the youth who need us. In fact, the need only grows. The only way to ensure our programs will remain open for them is to get help from the community.
In honor of Judith’s legacy of commitment to the vulnerable youth of our community, we hope you’ll consider making an even larger donation than in previous years to show the community’s gratitude for her 30 years of service. To give, visit www.second-story.org/givenow or join our Beacon of Hope Society by pledging at least $1,000 for five years or more.
When you give to Second Story, you can give with confidence. We earned a 4-star rating—100 percent—from Charity Navigator. If you recently donated, thank you for making an impact.
Thank you again for your support and happy holidays.
Sincerely,
Kevin Davis
Second Story Board President
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