Letter from the Editor (Updated 7/30/25)
Picture this. You’re driving down the street, and life is good. You’re heading home to do whatever it is you do, and on your left you see some kids in a yard behind a chain-link fence. There’s a dilapidated swing set, and to exaggerate a little, a couple of old tires in the grass. Sitting there is a beautiful teenager languishing among a couple of scantily clad tots swinging. The teen looks downtrodden, bored for sure, and especially despairing. You wonder where any guardians might be. Good question. This might seem like an isolated scene, but I see it often, and it’s gut-wrenching.
Headliners has been in the making for years, shaped by different ideas, visions, and hopes. Like many nonprofit startups, we’re still finding our way. Resources are limited, and the space is crowded with others doing meaningful work. But we’re not giving up — we’re strategizing and shifting gears to carve out the niche that’s right for us.
What hasn’t changed is our commitment; we want to help teens learn how to “adult,” to give them tools, confidence, and a creative outlet. That mission still fuels us. Right now, we’re focused on growing Headliners Magazine and finding young voices to help shape it. We believe this publication can be their space — to be heard, to explore their identity, to develop real-world skills, and to shine.
We dream of one day offering more — a physical space where teens can come for support, whether it’s a hot meal, clean clothes for an interview, tutoring, or simply a safe place to breathe. We’re not there yet. But we hope the magazine can serve as a starting point, a bridge between isolation and community.
If you’re a teen with something to say — a poem, a story, a piece of art, or just a feeling you need to express — we want to hear from you. If you’re an adult reading this, encourage a young person in your life to reach out. You can find us at headlinersmg.org, where you can read the magazine and learn more about our vision.
We’re growing slowly, thoughtfully. Check back for updates. And thank you — truly — for your continued support.
Warmly,
Jackie Dee