When a young person walks through the doors at Port in the Storm, a community shelter for youth in St. Johns County, Megan Stanion asks a question many have never heard: “What do you want to do with your life?” Since the shelter opened in 2019, Megan has guided countless young adults navigating some of life’s toughest transitions. Serving youth ages 18 to 24, many aging out of foster care or facing homelessness, Port in the Storm is a refuge. At the center of that refuge stands Megan. “She’s basically like a second mom,” says Joy Case, Director of Development. “When a youth arrives and meets Megan, they know they’re in the right place.”
Starting with 16 beds, they were regularly over capacity and have since expanded to 24, but 28–32 youth still stay there nightly. “We won’t turn them away. Sleeping on a cot is better than sleeping on the street,” says Joy. Even though St. Johns County boasts a high average income, the need for youth homeless assistance programs is still very high. “It is so much bigger than people realize,” says Joy. “There is a whole group of homeless youth in Nocatee.” Megan’s dynamic role is part strategist, cheerleader, and mentor. She oversees case managers and leads daily life-skills and mental wellness sessions, always brainstorming new ways to support and motivate youth. One of her signature creations is the Get Stuff Done Club, which rewards goal-setting with things like a “nap card,” opening the beds during normally closed hours. During the holidays, Megan brings warmth to the shelter by planning meals and events that make the season feel familiar. “She just loves what she does,” says Joy. “You can see it in the way she listens, encourages, and creates opportunities out of everyday moments.”
Megan’s consistent love and care have helped 85% of the youth leave with employment. The team hopes the county sees the youth in need of someone who can empower them to answer: “What do you want to do with your life?”
