Our Second Stories
Stories of young people who connected with our programs, got the support they needed, and began writing their Second Stories. (Note that, unless otherwise specified, names, photos, 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.
Eliza’s Second Story
“Eliza” felt like she had plunged into a nightmare. In a moment, she lost everything she held close: her parents were killed, requiring her to leave everything she knew at home and move to the United States to live with extended family. In the midst of her tension, Eliza came to Second Story’s teen shelter. [Continue reading]
Maria’s Second Story
“Maria”, an upcoming 5th grader, always asked for help with language arts. But Maria wasn’t simply frustrated by the assignment--she was even having trouble reading the instructions. Then she met a Safe Youth Project volunteer named Lisa. [Continue reading]
Debbi’s Second Story
"Debbi" was kicked out of her home by her father. She'd been receiving demeaning comments and emotional abuse from her father for a long time. With us she found a safe place to stay, warm meals, and support. [Continue reading]
Bella’s Second Story
The lice went away. But the stigma did not. Bella became embarrassed that she had experienced a lice episode, and began avoiding the Safe Youth Project. [Continue reading]
Jonesha’s Second Story
"My father, he didn’t know I existed. Not until I was three, when my mother passed away. He was notified, and got joint custody with my adopted mom." [Continue reading]
Claire’s Second Story
Claire was apprehensive about sharing personal details. She was afraid that our counselors would return her to live with her father. [Continue reading]
Tommy’s Second Story
In a life-shattering event, Tommy’s mother left him, and he and his father were alone. Tommy felt abandoned. He lost the ability to trust others. [Continue reading]
Kayla’s Second Story
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. [Continue reading]
Ricky’s Second Story
Ricky could have become a runaway, and stepped onto the path to homelessness, or succumbed to the promises of gangs who prey upon high school students living marginal lives. [Continue reading]
Tim’s Second Story
From the time Tim was just a baby until he became too old and "aged out" of the system, he moved in and out of foster care homes and residential placements. [Continue reading]
Aaron’s Second Story
He woke up somewhere different each night, was skipping meals, and did not have space or privacy. Due to his tumultuous situation, Aaron dropped out of his classes. [Continue reading]
Cassie’s Second Story
Our staff believed that there was more to Cassie's situation than met the eye, and that what she was experiencing was a result of an undiagnosed medical condition. [Continue reading]
Martha’s Second Story
She was soon coerced into prostitution and eventually became pregnant with her son. [Continue reading]
Mary Ann’s Second Story
"Living with her young son in a rental unit was difficult, and her boyfriend was still involved, and still abusive. She was ready to make a change. She found out about our program for young mothers, and gave us a call." [Continue reading]
Ryan’s Second Story
“Ryan” was just 15 years old and home was not a safe place to be. His mother was struggling with substance abuse, and he was enduring physical abuse at home. [Continue reading]
