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Second Story

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Our Second Stories

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 their own second story. Their stories of resilience and hope, but also tributes to the people and experiences and organizations that made it possible for them to start again.

Listen
Sandy's Story

Sandy’s Story

For many years, "Sandy" experienced abuse right alongside her mother. The violence took a toll on them mentally and physically. Sandy turned to Second Story for help. Learn more about how she received the support needed to start a new chapter and leave the violence behind.

Read
A teen sitting cross legged, looking down while writing on a notebook with a pen

Jim’s Story

When “Jim” found himself at a critical turning point in his young life, he entered Second Story for Homeless Youth. Learn how the support from our program allowed him to grow and thrive while in school.

Read
Alex's Story

Alex’s Story

At the age of 17, “Alex” had already learned to survive on the streets. Then he found Second Story for Teens in Crisis. Learn more about how Alex was able to achieve the goals he set for himself.

Read
A young mother crouching down to hold her baby girl toodler

Jada’s Second story

"Jada" was a young mother, pregnant with her second child when she experienced domestic abuse. Learn more how our staff stepped in to help with short-term needs.

Read

Yvonne’s Second Story

Often, we meet a young person like Yvonne after a setback causes a ripple event and ultimately leads to a different and more dangerous path. By stepping in at these critical turning points, we can provide much-needed support so all the young people in our community have the chance to overcome setbacks and grow and thrive.

Read

Stephanie’s Story

Learn how Second Story connected Stephanie with resources so she could provide a safe and stable home for her children--and re-write her second story.

Read

Marc’s Second Story

Marc began coming to one of Second Story’s Safe Youth Projects because he liked the field trips and receiving help with his schoolwork. Once he trusted his program coordinator, he revealed to her that his family was experiencing homeless. Our staff sprung into action to come around his family and help them find housing and other support.

Read

Wesley’s Second Story

We have seen a profound increase in youth applying to be part of Second Story for Homeless Youth like "Wesley" this season. Your support helps us ensure they have the support they seek.

Read

Lisa’s Second Story

When her parents found out she was pregnant Lisa was kicked out of her house and became homeless. Since finding Second Story she is working, taking parenting classes, and attending therapy! Our staff are so proud of how far she has come!

Read

Jessie’s Second Story

Jessie was adopted from foster care with her two younger siblings when she was in elementary school after suffering abuse from her biological mother. She came to Second Story for Teens in Crisis to help her thrive in her new adoptive family.

Read

Wuilmer’s Second Story

Wuilmer thought he would have to drop out of school to support himself after he became homeless. With Second Story's help he grew his savings, graduated high school, and became the manager at his job.

Read

Bethany’s Second Story

Bethany had an unstable home life that threatened to jeopardize her future. With our help, she's now on track to graduate with her Bachelor's degree in engineering!

Read

Cam’s Second Story

Cam learned resume writing, interview skills, and public speaking at the Teen Center to prepare for one of his major goals: to find a job. After all their hard work, the program manager was thrilled when she got some exciting news from him one day.

Read

Celene’s Second Story

Celene's life changed forever when she moved away from home to live with her father who she didn't know very well. After Celene's anxieties became all-consuming she came to stay with Second Story for Teens in Crisis.

Read

Natazja’s Second Story

Natazja was struggling with her new role as a parent but she wanted to be a good mother for her baby. Learn how Second Story for Young Mothers helped Natazja with motherhood.

Read
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Programs

  • Where We Work
  • Second Story for Teens in Crisis
  • Second Story for Young Mothers
  • Second Story for Homeless Youth
  • Second Story in the Community

24/7 Crisis Hotline:
Call 1-800-SAY-TEEN, or
Text “TEENHELP” to 855-11

TTY 711

Contact Our Programs

Administrative Office

For administrative matters only:

Mailing Address:

Second Story
PO Box 694
Dunn Loring, VA 22027

Phone: 703.506.9191
Fax: 703.992.0727
Send Us an Email

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Financial Information

CFC #41814 | CVC #200397

United Way #8893

Federal EIN: 54-0899463

Second Story is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

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Need Help?

If you need help right away, our 24/7 hotline provides support and referrals to services in the DMV area.

Call 1-800-SAY-TEEN or text “TEENHELP” to 855-11

You can also learn more about our support for teens in crisis, youth experiencing homelessness, young mothers experiencing homelessness, or our community after-school programs and drop in centers and if you are eligible for our programs. You are also welcome to contact us directly.

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Contact Jade Leedham

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