We are excited to announce that young people can now communicate with our counselors through our new Text Line! 

Young people in crisis can reach out by text and chat with a counselor at any time, day or night. Whether it's bullying at school, conflict at home, or depression, teens often feel uncomfortable discussing their problems, even over the phone.  Texting a trained counselor can be an easier introduction to communication, particularly for young people who decide to stay at our Emergency Shelter for Teenagers. 

We hope that you will spread the word - "TEENHELP" to 855-11-- and let young people know that Alternative House is here to help.

--Meghan Huebner
Director of Residential Services
What You Can Do

Help us get the word out! 

Text
TEENHELP to 855-1
1 
to speak to counselor any time.

 

A national report released in 2014 by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that almost 74% of high school students have dated, and among them, about 
10.5% have unwillingly engaged in sexual behavior
 
one or more times over the course of the previous year.  
Escaping Teen Dating Violence
"Jennifer" came to our Teen Center last spring when she was a sophomore in high school. Conflicts with her boyfriend had escalated to a point where she felt unsafe. When she ended their relationship, Jennifer's ex-boyfriend harassed her through text messages and phone calls and became increasingly violent.

It was during a group discussion about Teen Dating Violence at the Teen Center that she realized the gravity of her situation and opened up to our staff, who immediately contacted police and helped Jennifer get a restraining order. Our staff also referred her to a licensed therapist so that she could receive counseling and work towards rebuilding her self-esteem. 

Jennifer attends our Teen Center to this day.

"I feel safe at the Teen Center," she says. "I know the staff cares about me, and I love seeing my friends here."


Jennifer's struggle with teen dating violence is sadly not uncommon.  
According to the National Resource Center for Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, 1.5 million teens say they experienced teen dating violence. But unlike Jennifer, only 33% actually report the abuse.

To learn more about teen dating violence and how to spot the symptoms, please visit these sites:
A Look Back At Our Programs 
at Culmore, Springfield & Annandale
The 4th-6th graders went on a field trip and had a blast hanging out, talking and playing games with students at Potomac School. The children had lunch together and our kids especially enjoyed playing soccer with the students at Potomac.
at Culmore
Teens learned about dating violence and had group discussions on how to avoid it, how to spot the signs and how to reach out for help.
at Springfield & Culmore
Legal team comes to our Family Resource Center and provides free legal assistance to families twice a month. A free clinic also comes to our Family Resource Center monthly to treat families and young people at no charge.
near Tysons
Our teens enjoyed an outing at the National Zoo.
at Fairfax County
Board Member Karen Wirz came in to teach a beginner's yoga class. Also, Arlington Teen Clinic hosted a lesson plan about women's health.
at Fairfax County
Along with our young mothers at AYM, the young people at HYI are
partnering with Hilton for an 8 week workshop beginning next week entitled "Street Law" which will educate our young people about law and their legal rights. 

 
Join us for one hour at our Open Door Information Session, held on the second
Tuesday of every month at 10am, 3pm and 6pm.

  • Meet our Executive Director
  • Tour our Emergency Shelter for Teenagers
  • Learn about issues faced by at-risk and homeless youth
  • Find out more about our programs
*Event is strictly informational; we will not ask for donations.

for dates and details as space is limited

For questions please contact admin_associate@TheAlternativeHouse.org or 703-506-9191 ext. 106.
Our Wish List
We gladly accept new and gently used items.
There are many ways to support Alternative House.
          Volunteer
We are always looking for a variety of volunteers.
Click on logo to review 4 star (highest) rating
Catalog for Philanthropy
GuideStar
Visit our website.










                                                           

                                                                   

PO Box 694, Dunn Loring, VA 22027    703.506.9191  1.800.SAY.TEEN








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Alternative House | P.O. Box 694 | Dunn Loring | VA | 22027