News

November is National Runaway Prevention Month. According to National Network for Youth, between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away every year. A life on the streets introduces a young person to an array of dangers: drugs, truancy, depression, sexual exploitation, even suicide. In Northern Virginia, though, there is another option: Second Story for Teens in Crisis.

At Second Story we believe that when families flourish, individuals flourish, and by responding to the needs of the family we are completing the circle -- strengthening communities and supporting young people even more effectively. Everyday Second Story is empowering men and women through the Culmore and Springfield Family Resource Centers. Just last year over 13,000 people were served through these centers.

As I approach my 20th year as CEO of Second Story, I reflect on all the ways we have grown and developed since I started. Amidst the change something rings true for me: dedication. Dedication of our staff, dedication to support young people, and your dedication as a community.

At Second Story, we are committed to addressing mental health and mental illness in a way that heals the whole person, strips away stigma, and works toward health and hope.

Technology is woven into the fabric of young people’s lives, their relationships, and their consciousness. To care about a young person is to care about their online presence and take proactive measures to ensure their safety.

Traffickers and abusers prey on the vulnerable, the ones with no place to go and no one looking out for them. “Pedophiles and criminals know to go to low-income places because the kids are more vulnerable,” says Nandred Navarro, Vice President of Community-Based Services at Second Story. The statistics are clear: a young person without a safe place to stay is more at risk to be sexually abused or trafficked.

"Summer’s surge of freedom can be sweet for a lot of kids, but it also opens them up to more risks--especially if there is a lack of accountability and care at home," says Judith Dittman CEO of Second Story.

"If we can’t remedy the situation over the phone, then they can come in and stay in our program, and really look at what the issues are at home," said Meghan.

Second Story is on the steering committee of Culmore Clean-Up, a project which is focused each year on beautifying and enlivening the Culmore community.

At Second Story, we ensure that the young people in our programs get access to mental health services and counseling when they need it. We are glad to be a participant in Mental Health Month, and to help everyone learn that mental health is everyone's business.

Our new name and look was featured in the Vienna Connection newspaper. Our CEO Judith Dittman was featured, as well as our Vice President for Development, Jade Leedham. Reporter Colin Stoecker joined us for our announcement of "Second Story."

"Last week, I announced for the first time that I was CEO of Second Story. Alternative House is writing our next story... Through this name change, our services to young people, their families, and their communities have continued without interruption," says Judith Dittman CEO of Second Story.

We have been helping families understand the paperwork they need to ensure that, should the need arise, children can live with other trusted adults if Mom or Dad do not come home.

We currently have nine council members, ages 14-18, who help us understand the issues facing young people, and how to talk to them about the things they care about.

“This is a wonderful initiative, and we hope that it brings more access and opportunities for success for the young people in our programs,” said Judith Dittman, CEO of Second Story.