When teens arrive at shelter, they bring more than backpacks and homework. They bring experiences that have often asked them to grow up far too fast. Reggie Stevens, Safe Alliance's Shelter MSW Social Worker, is helping change that narrative by creating a space where teens can slow down, feel supported, and begin to reconnect with who they are. 

Before joining Safe Alliance, Reggie worked in a school setting. He consistently saw a gap: students needed both academic support and social-emotional care. Rather than choosing one, he committed to building something that intentionally blends both. 

"A lot of help is needed in mental health and in education, and I can't help but combine the two," Reggie shared. That belief led him back to school to earn his master's degree and now drives his work launching and leading a new after-school program at the shelter. 

This program isn't just about grades or assignments. It's about stability, connection, and giving teens the tools they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. 

What a Typical Afternoon Looks Like 

Reggie's day begins around 3 p.m., when the after-school program opens. He checks in with families, wanting to understand what's going on in the lives of the kids and teens he'll soon see. From 3 to 5 p.m., he's fully available, though that window often stretches longer. 

"Some students get here right before 5 because of transportation or sports," he explained. "They rush to get here, and I don't want them to miss out." 

Sometimes that means sitting down together for dinner. "Go get your food and let's eat together," he'll say turning a rushed moment into meaningful connection. 

The Unique Challenges Teens Face 

One of the biggest challenges Reggie sees is that many teens haven't been allowed to simply be kids. 

"In my experience, teenagers are often looked at as a second parent," he said. "They don't always get a chance to disassociate from the responsibilities life has thrown at them." 

There's also the complexity of navigating friendships and identity while living in shelter. Reggie recalls teens getting creative when friends ask where they are.   

Even small details matter. Appearance, for example, can play a big role in confidence. When some teens asked if Reggie could cut their hair, it sparked a new idea. He and a colleague are now working to bring a barber to the shelter once a month, another way to help teens feel confident and set up for success. 

Creating Safety, Trust, and Belonging 

At the heart of Reggie's work is one guiding principle: meet teens where they are. 

"I try to assess the need and build rapport," he shared. "These kids are often looking for a safe outlet. When they identify someone they trust, it can open the floodgates." 

That trust doesn't happen overnight, especially for teens who have experienced trauma. Reggie is intentional about being a positive, consistent presence. "I don't want to be another negative association," he said. 

He also works closely with parents, supporting them in addressing concerns and reinforcing expectations around school, respect, and accountability. For Reggie, academic success can't happen without emotional stability. "This isn't only about academics," he emphasized. "They'll continue to struggle until they're able to mentally stabilize." 

Through this work, Reggie has learned not to underestimate what teens carry. 

"We sometimes think, 'You've only been on this earth 14 years, you can't be dealing with that much,'" he said. "But more often than not, there's a lot beneath the surface." 

What keeps him going are the moments of growth. The subtle shifts that signal something is taking root. 

"Being able to see positive change reminds me every day why this matters," he shared. "You plant a seed, and then you start to see it in how they interact with others. They get it." 

One message he returns to often with teens says it all: "I care about this grade right now, but I care more about who you're going to be and how you'll contribute to society." 

Holding Onto Hope 

If there's one thing Reggie wishes more people understood about teens impacted by violence, it's this: 

"There is still hope for them. This isn't the end of their story. There's still an opportunity for them to become the best version of themselves." 

To sustain himself in such emotionally demanding work, Reggie practices intentional self-care, compartmentalizing when he can, spending time outdoors, watching basketball, hiking, kayaking, and playing pickleball. These moments of grounding help him return and be present. 

A Message to the Community 

Reggie's message to the community is rooted in empathy: 

"Consider their experience. Be mindful of how it may impact them emotionally, socially, or mentally, especially at such a crucial stage of development. That impact can either be supported and cared for or overlooked in ways that can be harmful." 

The teens themselves say it best: 

"It helps me get out and actually do things instead of being on technology all day. It helps me realize some things about relationships. And it's fun to play games and talk too. I'm very grateful for this group."  

"I like it because it makes me comfortable and I feel sure of myself when I come." 

At Safe Alliance, creating space for teens to feel safe, supported, and hopeful isn't just a program; it's a promise. And thanks to people like Reggie, that promise is being lived out every day.