Kayla’s Second Story

Going back to school is no tiny feat when you are in a new country.

“Kayla” had been in the United States for less than six months when she joined our Springfield Safe Youth Project, a program of Second Story in the Community. When she first arrived, her mother told our staff that 12-year-old Kayla was having difficulty making friends and adjusting to the US school system. Our counselors also noticed that Kayla was struggling in school, particularly with math and English.

At the Springfield Safe Youth Project, Kayla worked closely with bilingual volunteer tutors. She put a great deal of effort into her homework and projects. She made new friends during the many group workshops, activities, and field trips at the Springfield Safe Youth Project. She gained confidence and opened up.

Within the first few months, Kayla’s school work showed a lot of improvement. She even brought in a math test to show staff her first “A.”

Kayla came into the Safe Youth Project as a shy and confused young girl experiencing culture shock and struggling to keep up in school. In less than six months, Kayla transformed into a sociable, enthusiastic student.

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!