• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Need Help?Give NowLearn More
""

Second Story

  • About
    • Celebrating 50 Years
    • Board of Directors
    • Leadership Staff
    • History
    • Reporting and Financials
    • Contact Us
  • 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
  • Stories
  • News
  • Podcast
  • Get Involved
    • Open Door
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Internships
    • Invite Us to Your Group
    • Careers
    • Community Service Hours
    • Youth Advisory Council
    • Contact Us
  • Give
    • Give Now
    • Giving Stories
    • Your Impact
    • Beacon of Hope Society
    • Workplace Giving
    • In-Kind Giving
    • Planned Giving
    • Fundraise Your Way
    • Other Ways to Give
    • Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP)
  • Contact Us
More Stories

Jim’s Story

August 16, 2022

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Email

A teen sitting cross legged, looking down while writing on a notebook with a pen“Jim” found himself at a critical turning point in his young life.

In some ways he felt proud. So far, he had managed to hide the fact that he was living on his own from his high school classmates.

On the other hand, he was overwhelmed. He worked full time to afford the necessities. Avoiding homelessness and supporting himself seemed more important than school, so Jim considered dropping out. He confided in a friend, who told him about Second Story.

When Jim entered Second Story for Homeless Youth, he quickly realized he didn’t have to choose between work and school. With a little help, he found and moved into stable housing and started receiving support that allowed him to focus more on his school work. He learned it was okay to ask for help and he didn’t have to hide his struggles. The academic successes followed quickly after.

First, Jim aced a project in his math class. His teacher was so impressed, she shared his work with the entire grade. Teachers and other students noticed his new academic focus and provided lots of positive feedback. One of his art projects was selected to be framed and showcased in his school’s main office. When his case worker from Second Story visited him at school, Jim couldn’t help but show her his featured artwork. She saw in Jim a new sense of pride and confidence. Not only did Jim stay in school, but he thrived.

Second Story for Homeless Youth provides housing, counseling, and life skills support so that young people are equipped to fulfill their potential and become self-sufficient adults. In Jim’s situation, the support allowed him to stay in school and experience achievements that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. Jim is now able to focus on reaching his full potential, paving the way for a successful adulthood.

“Jim’s” name, image, and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy.

« Previous Story
Next Story »

Connect with Us!

Sign up to get Second Story's newsletter and updates, just one or two e-mails per month. You can opt out at any time. We'll never sell or share your information. See our Privacy Policy.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Footer

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

Donation Drop-Off Information

Financial Information

CFC #41814 | CVC #200397

United Way #8893

Federal EIN: 54-0899463

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

GuideStar BadgeCatalog for Philanthropy Badge

Quick Links

Careers
Learn about Volunteering
Learn about Giving
Second Story's Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Donation Refund Policy
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Copyright © 2023 Second Story. All rights reserved.

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.

Our Programs
Contact Us

Contact Us

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact Jade Leedham

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.