Sometimes, something as simple as a birthday celebration, a backpack, or a new shirt for school can mean a lot to a young person.
“Jayden” recently moved to the United States with his family to escape hardship from their previous life. While Jayden worked to learn the new language and make friends, his family faced challenges accessing medical assistance, education, food, and clothing. They turned to Second Story’s community-based programs for a little bit of help.
Our Culmore Family Resource Center helped Jayden’s family enroll him in the local middle school and a health insurance program. They also provided weekly bags of food, warmer clothes, toiletries, and a backpack with school supplies. Jayden worked one-on-one with a Second Story volunteer on his language skills. He also attended our after-school programs for help with math. Gradually, Jayden started to join the field trips, daily group sessions, and community service projects, and started to make friends. Those around him began to see his full potential as he grew more comfortable in his new surroundings.
When Jayden’s birthday approached, he didn’t expect anything because his family hadn’t been able to provide celebrations over the past few years. Much to his surprise, the teens in our program made him cupcakes, sang “Happy Birthday,” and celebrated his special day. Those simple gestures meant a great deal to him. Transitioning to a new community is never easy, but Jayden is well on his way to feeling like he belongs and can succeed.
“Jayden’s” name and other details have been changed to protect his privacy.