Our Second Stories

Here we share the 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 a better second story. Theirs are stories of resilience and hope, but also tributes to the people, experiences and organizations that made it possible for them to start again.

Stephanie’s Second Story

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

Marc’s Second Story

"Marc" enjoyed Second Story in the Community field trips and homework help. Once he trusted his program coordinator, he shared that his family was experiencing homelessness. Read how the support allowed Marc’s family to thrive.

Wesley’s Second Story

"Wesley" was living on his own and working many hours to pay expenses and stay in high school. Read how Second Story for Homeless Youth's rent support allowed him to save and begin college.

Lisa’s Second Story

When her parents found out she was pregnant, Lisa was kicked out and left without a home. Since finding Second Story for Young Mothers, she is working, taking parenting classes, and attending therapy.

Jessie’s Second Story

"Jessie" was adopted from foster care with two younger siblings after suffering abuse from her biological mother. Read how Second Story for Teens in Crisis helped her thrive in her new adoptive family.

Wuilmer’s Second Story

"Wuilmer" thought he would have to drop out of school to support himself after he began experiencing homelessness. With Second Story for Homeless Youth's help he grew his savings, graduated, and got promoted.

Bethany’s Second Story

"Bethany" had an unstable home life that threatened to jeopardize her future. With Second Story for Homeless Youth's counseling and support finding housing, she's now on track to graduate with a degree in engineering!

Cam’s Second Story

"Cam" learned resume writing, interview skills, and public speaking at Second Story in the Community to help find a job. Now he has a job and is saving for college and helping with family expenses.

Celene’s Second Story

A pregnancy after moving to a new home, language, social norms, and an assault led "Celene" and her father to Second Story for Teens in Crisis. Counselors helped with her anxiety, parenting, and even knitting!

Natazja’s Second Story

"Natazja" was struggling with her new role as a parent. She wanted to be a good mother for her baby. Learn how Second Story for Young Mothers helped Natazja with motherhood and moving toward self-sufficiency.

Shannon’s Second Story

Hurtful language about the LGBTQ+ community made home a hard place for "Shannon." Struggling with her sexual identity, Shannon came to Second Story for Teens in Crisis to find a way forward with her family.

Mateo’s Second Story

"Mateo" struggled with remote learning of the COVID-19 pandemic and personal and family challenges. With rent due, cut hours, and funding gaps, his family received assistance making ends meet through Second Story in the Community.

Our Second Stories

Listen to the Second Stories Podcast

Stephanie’s Second Story

Marc’s Second Story

Wesley’s Second Story

Lisa’s Second Story

Jessie’s Second Story

Wuilmer’s Second Story

Bethany’s Second Story

Cam’s Second Story

Celene’s Second Story

Natazja’s Second Story

Shannon’s Second Story

Mateo’s Second Story

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