SCO Family of Services Celebrates 130th Birthday at Sea Cliff Campus Where It All Began

Event commemorates 130 years of strengthening New York’s families

Sea Cliff NY, September 14, 2026 – SCO Family of Services, a leading provider of essential human services in New York City and Long Island, held a birthday party at its Robert J. McMahon Children’s Center in Sea Cliff to celebrate 130 years of strengthening New York’s families.

The event brought together government officials, supporters, and friends of SCO as the agency shared its rich history, significant impact, and bold vision for the future, highlighted by its Robert J. McMahon Children’s Center Capital Campaign to transform and modernize the campus.

“For 130 years, SCO Family of Services has stood alongside New Yorkers at their most vulnerable moments, helping children, adults, and families build strong foundations for the future. While our name and services may have changed over time, one thing has remained constant – our mission to empower New York’s children and families and strengthen communities,” said Suzette Gordon, President & CEO of SCO Family of Services. “That spirit of community to create positive change is as important now as it was back when we started. We are grateful to the partners, supporters, and friends who help ensure children and families have the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive.”

The event celebrated the evolving breadth and reach of SCO’s programming to support New Yorkers’ changing needs over more than a century.

What began as The Country Home for Convalescent Babies, caring for “sick and suffering small children”, and supported by prominent New York families like the Carnegies, Morgans, and Whitneys, is now one of the largest human services agencies in New York.

SCO Family of Services operates eighty-four programs at 120 sites throughout NYC and Long Island, serving 45,000 individuals annually with the support of 3,000 dedicated staff. The services offered include:

• Education & Community Services
• Family Permanency & Support Services
• Community Health & Wellness Services
• Housing Services
• Residential & Youth Justice Services
• Services for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Local and state dignitaries joined SCO Family of Services and sent congratulatory messages to celebrate this momentous milestone, including Congressman Tom Suozzi, who commemorated the day with a special citation and flag flown over the Capitol; and NY State Assemblyman Chuck Lavine, who presented a $125,000 grant to support renovations on the Sea Cliff campus. Additional honored guests included Nassau County Comptroller and SCO Board Member Elaine Phillips, Oyster Bay Council Member Vicki Walsh, Sea Cliff Village Mayor Elena Villafane, Sea Cliff Village Trustee George Williams, and representatives from the offices of Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Governor Kathy Hochul, NY State Senator Monica Martinez, and OCFS Commissioner Dr DaMia Harris-Madden.

“For 130 years, SCO Family of Services has been there for New Yorkers when they need it most,” said Congressman Tom Suozzi. “Their services are strengthening families, supporting children, and helping people build better lives. I’m proud to celebrate this tremendous milestone and thank SCO’s staff, supporters, and the entire SCO family for the difference they make in our communities every day.”

“SCO has been a vital part of the community for 130 years, and I congratulate them on this incredible milestone,” said Senator Roxanne Persaud. “For generations, they have provided critical support to children and families. As the Chair of the New York Senate Committee on Social Services, I am proud to partner with them in their mission of empowering families and helping them thrive and succeed.”

“SCO has helped generations of vulnerable kids and families find stability — and I’ve been honored to call them a partner throughout my tenure as Children and Families Committee Chair,” said Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, Chair of the Committee on Children and Families. “I greatly look forward to our continued partnership, and sincerely commend everyone affiliated with SCO who contributed to reaching this milestone. It’s a remarkable legacy of service to New York’s children and families.”

“I am extremely pleased to be able to secure this grant which will enable SCO’s Robert J. McMahon Children’s Center in Sea Cliff to provide students with more resources for educational activities and staff with a greater sense of security,” said Assemblyman Chuck Lavine. “While I enjoy all my visits, today is especially meaningful as this wonderful organization celebrates 130 years of providing children and adolescents with developmental disabilities the necessary tools to achieve success.”

“For 130 years, SCO Family of Services has helped New Yorkers find stability, opportunity, and a path forward through some of life’s most difficult circumstances,” said New York City Council Member Amanda Farías. “Its growth from a home for convalescent children into an organization serving 45,000 people each year reflects an enduring willingness to evolve with the communities that depend on its services. In District 18, that commitment is present at Bronx Arena High School, where young people receive the academic, social, and career support to complete their education through a program structured around their individual needs. Congratulations to the entire SCO team on this milestone and 130 years of service to New York.”

About SCO Family of Services

SCO Family of Services helps New Yorkers build a strong foundation for the future. We get young children off to a good start, launch youth into adulthood, stabilize and strengthen families and unlock potential for children and adults with special needs. SCO has played a vital role delivering human services in communities throughout New York City and Long Island for 130 years. For more information, please visit www.sco.org.