Jack’s Second Story

After an anonymous phone call was made to Child Protective Services, “Jack” was discovered living in the house of an older man claiming to be a relative. The truth was that Jack was a victim of exploitive child labor and other abuse, and he wasn’t the first teen who had been abused by the same individual.

Jack was taken into the custody of Child Protective Services and was brought to our teen shelter while a home was found for him with a foster family.

During his time at the shelter, Jack found safety and time to focus on his education. Every day, staff sat down with Jack to read with him and help him open up. Jack came to the shelter withdrawn and shy but as he grew to trust the staff, he  gradually came out of his shell. He participated in counseling and contributed to group discussions led by staff.

After three weeks, Jack was able to re-enroll at school and move in with his new foster family. Second Story staff check in with Jack periodically to ask how he is doing and to remind him that our door is always open.

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!