Shana’s Story

I have been challenged with addiction for 10 years, and have been in and out of outpatient treatment and detox several times – but I would always relapse.

When I arrived at Morning Star, I was at the lowest point in my life. Things were spiraling out of control. My four children had been taken from me and placed in foster care with a family member. And then I learned that I was 5 months pregnant.

I arrived with the worst attitude in the world. I was just so angry all the time. But at Morning Star, I started to reflect and gain clarity. I realized that I was hurt and angry with myself. And that’s when the healing began. Everything had been a fight up to that point. But I had nowhere to run – I had to face my problems.

Morning Star helped save my life. They never gave up on me.

Every interaction with my counselor and every staff member helped prepare me to re-enter the world clean and ready to thrive.

I attended treatment 5 days a week, attended a medical assistant program, and became certified in a workforce development program for nontraditional roles for women. And I learned that I am worth it! From now on, I show up, set up, and remain teachable.

When my baby, Liliana, was born, I can’t express how much the onsite child care at Morning Star II helped in my recovery. It made it possible for me to go to treatment, attend school, and focus on me. The structure kept me accountable for being a parent and prepared e for the real world.

I knew I was finally on a path to a better life when I left Morning Star. The court saw the improvements in me, too, and my children came back home to me. I never thought that would happen. Today, thanks to Morning Star, I have a home and my family lives under one roof.

I still visit the program to let them know of my progress. My goal is to be fully self-supported. I know there will be obstacles ahead of me. But I am prepared to take it one day at a time.

Contact Us

To Get Help

If you or a family member is in need of our assistance, please call our main office during business hours – 516.671.1253.

FOSTER CARE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE HOTLINE: after regular business hours, please call our 24-hour hotline – 718.674.7800.

Si se necesita asistencia para Foster Care Parents o si tiene una emergencia y necesita contactar a nuestro personal despues de las horas regulares de atencion al publico, por favor sirvase llamar a nuestra línea directa de 24 horas – 718.674.7800

SCO SOLUTIONS: Have a suggestion, concern, or question? Use the online form.

Media Inquiries

For media inquiries during business hours, please contact the Communications Office – 516.953.1801 or email [email protected].

If you are a reporter on deadline and it is after business hours, please call 516.269.0321.

For Information about:

Search employment opportunities or e-mail [email protected]
Learn about Foster Care or create an application account
Learn about Becoming a Family Child Care Provider or fill out a pre-qualification form
Directions to our locations: click here

Shana’s Story

"Morning Star helped save my life. They never gave up on me."

Read Shana’s Story

Tanisha’s Story

A little academic guidance goes a long way

Read Tanisha’s Story

88%

of young adults in foster care (18+) are enrolled in school or working

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