Jasmine’s Story

I entered foster care at 16 years old and was placed in the home of “Aunt” Nessa, as I liked to call her. Few people knew of my situation; it was our little secret. I was embarrassed by the family dysfunction that led me to this strange place in my life, and with the support of my SCO caseworkers, I realized that education was my way out.

My goal was to attend Spelman College. I faced some naysayers; guidance counselors who said it was too expensive, others who felt I would never get in. But my SCO caseworkers and staff supported my decision. They stayed on top of me, making sure I filled out every document and scholarship. It was the staff’s unwavering support and positive reinforcement that sustained me.

I was accepted to Spelman with scholarships from several organizations as well as financial support from SCO’s education and permanency program, which helped me afford my housing.

But that was just the start of my journey. During summer break, I earned an internship volunteering with foster youth and their families through AmeriCorps that changed my life. I didn’t want any special treatment, so no one at my job was aware of my status as a foster youth. But as I worked in the family visiting room, much like a fly on the wall, I watched young people about my age visiting with the children they had lost custody of, some pregnant again. I saw a vicious cycle happening before my eyes.

It was that summer I realized that as a woman of color, as a foster youth, and as a human being who just cares, it would be a disservice if I didn’t take advantage of my unique pairing of lived experiences and desire to affect change.

Today, I am at Teachers College Columbia University earning my Masters in Clinical Psychology on a full scholarship, so that I, too, can be a source of support for youth in need.

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: Submit suggestions, concerns, or questions via our 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

Carlos’ Story

A world of opportunity through resilience, focus, and assistance from SCO College Specialists

Read Carlos’ Story

Jasmine’s Story

Foster Care staff helps Jasmine turn lived experience to advocacy for others

Read Jasmine’s Story

93%

of adults with developmental disabilities living in SCO’s IRAs (group homes) made meaningful connections by participating in community inclusion activities

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