Volunteer
Second Story is made up of a team of staff, volunteers, donors, and ambassadors. Every person is an important part of our work, and we are so thankful. There are a myriad of ways you can help fulfill our mission either on your own or as part of a group.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities for Adults 18+
Second Story for Teens in Crisis
Hotline/Staff Support
- Commitment: Minimum 4 hours/week for at least 1 year
- Duties: Answer hotline calls, engage with youth, assist staff, and help with tasks like donation sorting
- Requirements: 2 Background checks ($58), TB screening, and attendance at an Open Door Info Session
Meal Delivery Support
- Commitment: One-time or recurring
- Duties: Provide home-cooked or store-bought meals (breakfast, lunch, or dinner)
- Note: Must call ahead to schedule and confirm dietary needs
Additional Support
- Commitment: As needed
- Duties: Includes deep cleaning, room turnovers, handyman support, and seasonal yard work
Second Story for Young Mothers
Childcare Support
- Commitment: As needed, especially Mondays & Tuesdays, 6–8 PM
- Duties: Provide safe, engaging childcare during group sessions to support young moms
- Requirements: 2 Background checks ($58), TB screening, and attendance at an Open Door Info Session
Baby Shower Support
- Commitment: As needed (events scheduled in advance)
- Duties: Provide baked cakes, cupcakes, or other sweet treats. Assist with decorating the space to make the celebration special for the moms.
Additional Support
- Commitment: As needed, Monday–Friday
- Duties: Includes deep cleaning, room turnovers, handyman support, and seasonal yard work
Second Story for Homeless Youth
As Needed Support
- Commitment: As needed
- Duties: Includes deep cleaning, room turnovers, and community partners
Second Story in the Community
After School Program Support
- Commitment: Monday to Thursday – During the school year: 4 PM- 6 PM, During the summer: 2 PM- 6PM
- Duties: Assist staff with tasks such as tutoring, supervision of recreation, student engagement, mentorship and more.
- Requirements: 2 Background checks ($58), TB screening, and attendance at an Open Door Info Session
Donation Pick-Up Support
- Commitment: As needed
- Duties: Assist with picking up and delivering donations between the shelter and program locations.
Food Distribution Support
- Commitment: 2nd Wednesday and Thursday of every month, and the Last Thursday of the month
- Duties: Support our weekly food distribution events by helping us set up, clean up, distribute food, and more.
Resource Workshops
- Commitment: As needed
- Duties: Individuals and groups interested in offering various resources to community members (financial literacy, etc.)
Volunteer Opportunities for Teens
Do you need hours for Student Service Learning (SSL) Requirements? Are you eager to support an organization that is helping your peers?
We’re so glad you’re interested in volunteering at Second Story! Whether you’re looking to fulfill required hours or simply want to give back, we’re here to help.
While youth volunteers can’t work directly with the young people in our programs, there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved! You can assist with tasks such as transporting donations, setting up food distribution events, or helping promote our work on social media. We have various options for volunteers.
To learn more, reach out to our Volunteer and Outreach Manager, Alex Villegas. There may be a short waiting period (up to one week) before tasks can be assigned, so please plan accordingly. We appreciate your patience!
Volunteer Opportunities for Groups
Are you part of a motivated group looking to give back locally?
We’re so glad you’re interested in volunteering with Second Story!
Community groups, from workplaces and churches to civic organizations, can make a big impact when they come together. Groups of all sizes have supported us in a variety of ways, including: yard maintenance, donation sorting, assisting with drives, purchasing and assembling care packs, and more!
While on-site opportunities may be limited for larger groups, we still want to hear from you. Together, we can find a meaningful way for your group to contribute.
To learn more, reach out to Volunteer and Outreach Manager, Alex Villegas. There may be a short waiting period (up to one week) before we respond. We appreciate your patience!
Court-Mandated Community Service Hours
Do you need to complete hours for court-related community service?
We’re glad you’re interested in volunteering with us! If you’re looking to complete court-related community service hours, these must be fulfilled by purchasing items for and assembling care packs. These care packs include: hygiene kits, snack packs, and more.
Important: All court-related service must be pre-approved by our Volunteer and Outreach Manager, Alex Villegas. Please contact Alex before getting started.
To learn more, reach out to our Volunteer and Outreach Manager. There may be a short waiting period (up to one week) before tasks can be assigned, so please plan accordingly. We appreciate your patience!
Donation Drives
Join us by supporting one of our annual donation drives or helping to provide care packs. We have plenty of options to choose from! There are many ways to contribute. Check out the flyers below for more information. To learn more, reach out to our Volunteer and Outreach Manager, Alex Villegas.
Meal Delivery
Interested in volunteering by providing a meal?
We’re always looking for generous individuals or groups to support our programs by delivering a meal! It’s a simple yet impactful way to show care to the youth in our short-term residential program.
How it works:
Just reach out using the form below to let us know when you’d like to deliver a meal. A day or two before you’re scheduled to deliver, give us a call at 703-356-6360. We’ll share any dietary restrictions and the current number of teens and staff staying with us. Meals can be homemade or store-bought, whatever works best for you.
We also occasionally have opportunities to provide meals for our long-term residential programs: Second Story for Young Mothers and Second Story for Homeless Youth.
To learn more, reach out to our Volunteer and Outreach Manager, Alex Villegas.There may be a short waiting period (up to one week) before we respond. We appreciate your patience!
“After attending an Open Door session, I worked with staff to find a role that fits my schedule, uses and develops skills I have, and makes a difference.”
- Laurie Plishker, Second Story Volunteer