RaShaan’s Story

RaShaan was a resilient young adult when he came into SCO’s Foster Care program over a year ago, unsure of the future and longing for stability. Though he initially stepped into our residential group home with apprehension, it soon became a haven where he formed bonds and found constant support. RaShaan was relieved he finally had a place to call home.

Rashaan was assigned a Forward Journey coach, Arzu, who works with him on his education, career, and life skill goals. As Rashaan puts it, “She’s the person I call for anything and everything.”

When he first came into care, he wasn’t enrolled in school, didn’t have a job, and was unsure of the paths he wanted to follow. Arzu encouraged him to go back to get his GED and connected him to SCO’s Mentored Internship Program (MIP).

In MIP, Rashaan was able to work on his resume, cover letter, interview skills, and network. After completing MIP, he continues to receive support through SCO’s Passages to Adulthood program, where he learns independent living skills and interns – gaining real world job experience.

Under a steadfast mentorship, RaShaan reignited his educational drive, pursuing his GED with an aspiration to excel in the performing arts. With skills sharpened through SCO’s programs to support youth in care, he stands at the threshold of a bright future, enriched by invaluable experiences and friendships.

Kelly’s Story

Kelly lives on a quiet tree-lined street with her husband, two sons, and an energetic puppy named Molly. Life is pretty good these days. In her own words, she has a decent job, a home, a car, and a supportive family – all things she never thought possible before entering SCO’s Morning Star residential program for women recovering from substance use.

Since the age of 13, Kelly had been hooked on alcohol. For the next 10 years, she struggled with severe alcoholism, heroin addiction, and all the terrible symptoms that go along with that. She tried every which way to control her use but failed over and over again. Institutions, hospitals, and psychiatric facilities became a normal part of life. At the age of 23, Kelly realized she was running out of options. She had no place to live, was unemployable, and had no way to provide for herself or her 4-year-old son, Joseph. That’s when she found SCO.

Kelly was 35 days sober for the first time in her adult life when she entered SCO’s residential program. This would be the first of many pivotal firsts. While in program, she learned about accountability and structure. She was introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous and attended off site treatment programs. She felt supported and heard by the women and staff at Morning Star and thrived in this environment.

Little by little, Kelly rebuilt her life. With the help of vocational counselors, she returned to school, received her high school diploma, and took clerical courses. She was thrilled when Joseph came to live with her on campus, working with SCO’s coaches and childcare team to hone her parenting skills. And she addressed her past traumas head on with mental health counseling at SCO’s Family Services Clinic.

Kelly credits her time in Morning Star as life-changing. She has been gainfully employed since leaving the program in 2012 and now works for a successful law firm. She found her soulmate in Rob and was married in 2015, and expanded her family with another son, Aidan, a few years later. She likes to say she is a work in progress – and we know there are plenty of firsts still ahead for Kelly.

Our Impact

SCO is focused on providing the best care and services to help our clients succeed. We are with them every step of the way, helping to open doors to opportunities, gain access to resources, and improve the quality of their lives.

How do we measure success? Through their success in achieving their goals in three overarching areas: Learning, Work and Well-being.

Learning

  • 100% of the students in our Queens-based Early Childhood Education Centers met or exceeded age level goals in literacy and math.
  • 100% of 12th graders in Family Foster Care graduated high school; 44% are enrolled in post-secondary education
  • 89 youth who were at risk of dropping out graduated from our three transfer high schools in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx
  • 37% of the participants of our Young Adult Workforce Program on Rikers Island received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate upon transitioning into the community, 28% were enrolled in an education program

Work

  • 85% of young adults in foster care (ages 18+) are currently working or enrolled in school
  • 82% of residents in our group homes for adults with developmental disabilities attended Day Hab and received vocational services

Well-being

  • 100% of the residents discharged from our Scattered Site Supportive Housing were successfully discharged to a stable housing situation
  • 99% of at-risk families throughout Brooklyn & Queens remained together and stable with family support services
  • 94% of babies in our Nurse-Family Partnership were current with immunizations at 12 months
  • 94% of the residents from our Independence Inns for runaway and homeless youth had health insurance when discharged
  • 87% of adults with developmental disabilities attending our Day Habilitation program participated in volunteering opportunities

In FY 2024, SCO:

  • Sheltered 1,900 youth, adults and children experiencing homelessness
  • Helped 2,700 individuals with special needs develop skills to reach their full potential
  • Guided 11,200 children and teens on the path to academic success through after school, summer and work-readiness programs
  • Prepared 1,600 young children for kindergarten in our early childhood programs
  • Served 900 children and young adults in foster care and their families
  • Strengthened families and communities across the metro area, providing 16,500 New Yorkers with counseling, support and community-based services

RaShaan’s Story

Reigniting educational drive through mentorship opportunities

Read RaShaan’s Story

Kelly’s Story

A life rebuilt, with the help of Morning Star

Read Kelly’s Story

We help

1,500

children get ready for kindergarten

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With your gift, you can help strengthen New York families and unlock potential for children and adults with special needs.

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