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.

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.

Ashley’s Second Story

The hurdles of the COVID-19 pandemic added to "Ashley's" struggles with abuse. Second Story for Young Mothers helped Ashley and her young son find independence and confidence to achieve some of her biggest goals!

Baxter’s Second Story

Virtual learning during the pandemic made "Baxter" even more concerned about graduating on time. Second Story for Homeless Youth staff provided emotional support, advocated for him, and helped him reach his own goals.

Calla’s Second Story

Amidst the challenges and interruptions of COVID-19, many youth like “Calla” were still reaching milestones and achieving self-sufficiency. Calla graduated from Second Story for Youth Mothers with a job and her own apartment and came back stronger.

Kelly’s Second Story

After being kicked out of home and fleeing a friend's house because of domestic violence, "Kelly" ended up in a homeless shelter. Second Story for Young Mothers provided safety, support, and progress towards self-sufficiency.

Asha’s Second Story

"Asha" was making strides in our program when her hours were cut during the COVID-19 pandemic. Second Story increased her rent, food, and supply support and committed to helping her get through the pandemic.

Cyrus’s Second Story

“Cyrus” has been receiving support through our Rapid Re-Housing Initiative, part of Second Story for Homeless Youth. Much of his progress was interrupted by the pandemic. Read how we're helping recover documents and hope.

Miriam’s Second Story

When "Miriam" turned 18, she anticipated going to college. Read how Second Story for Homeless Youth helped her out of an adult shelter, away from her abusive partner, and back in school and working full time.

Melody’s Second Story

Pregnant and living with an abusive boyfriend, "Melody" fled to a domestic violence shelter. Second Story for Homeless Youth helped Melody into an apartment, earn a medical certificate, and find independence for her young family.

Danica’s Second Story

After repeated rejection by her parents and later abused while seeking other housing, "Danica" and her grandmother turned to Second Story for Teens in Crisis for counseling to peel back years of abandonment and trauma.

Abel’s and Tiffany’s Second Stories (Video)

Abel and Tiffany share how Second Story in the Community and Second Story for Homeless Youth changed their lives. Have a listen to learn more about these programs and two second stories.

Santiago’s Second Story

Was “Santiago” simply a rebellious kid? After Second Story for Teens in Crisis counselors worked on getting to know him and learning why he was acting out, they helped him rewrite his future.

Our Second Stories

Listen to the Second Stories Podcast

Mateo’s Second Story

Ashley’s Second Story

Baxter’s Second Story

Calla’s Second Story

Kelly’s Second Story

Asha’s Second Story

Cyrus’s Second Story

Miriam’s Second Story

Melody’s Second Story

Danica’s Second Story

Abel’s and Tiffany’s Second Stories (Video)

Santiago’s Second Story

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