When “Sam” was very young, he moved in with his older sister, “Sarah,” so he had never had a close relationship with his parents. It was difficult for Sam to live with Sarah. She expected him to care for her young children and do much of her housework. Sam was forced to grow up quickly; while he watched his peers go to sports practice or hang out with friends, he hardly even had time for homework. One day Sam and his sister got into a big argument, and she kicked him out of her house. Filled with fear, Sam realized he had nowhere to go.
For the next year Sam moved from different friends’ and family member’s homes, sleeping on couches and in his car. Meanwhile, his grades got worse and worse. Sam eventually confided in his mentor, one of the only stable relationships in his life, about the things he was experiencing. His mentor immediately came to his side and helped him find Second Story for Homeless Youth.
Sam moved into his own apartment and quickly brought up his grades. He graduated on time and has since gotten a full-time position in the electrical engineering field! He hopes to get certified in the position soon. Because of Second Story’s support, Sam saved enough money to buy his own car and learned more about planning for the future so he can achieve his dreams of being an electrical engineer. Sam recently told Second Story staff that he could not have accomplished all he has in the past year without our support.
