Manuel’s Story

Manuel is a man with a plan. He loves to cook and aspires to be a chef at a 5-star restaurant one day. Until then, he hones his skills at home preparing his children’s favorite meals each week. A hard-working, single father of three teenagers, ‘family first’ is his mantra and guiding force through good times and bad.

When a series of unfortunate events caused Manuel to lose his job, fall behind in rent, and eventually lose his apartment, he worried about his kids, he worried for himself; he needed to find a way to keep his family together.

Manuel and his children moved into SCO’s Flushing Family Residence in Brooklyn to help him get back on his feet. Manuel recalls, “They gave us a second chance at life. SCO provided me with a roof over my head, access to food pantries, and even provided us with fun and recreation that lifted our spirits.”

While at the shelter, the family received counseling, housing services, and family support services to ease the transition. Manuel laid out a clear path for his family. His goal was to “find us a home, build a foundation, and get the kids in school.” He wasted no time in setting that plan in action. Manuel found steady employment working at a men’s shelter, which he recalls “opened my eyes and pushed me to want to be better and do better for my family.” Staff helped Manuel find an apartment suitable for his large family and their cat Patrick, who had been living with a friend. And all three children settled into their new schools and new life.

“SCO is heaven sent,” exclaimed Manuel. “I am able to do more for my family now and live a productive life.”

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Mission

Mother and Daughter

SCO Family of Services envisions communities throughout New York City and Long Island that support family life and personal well-being, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

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 provided vital human services throughout New York City and Long Island for 125 years.

Values

  • Compassion – we provide deep empathy and a safe, caring environment that enriches each life we touch
  • Empowerment – we enhance the strengths of individuals, families and communities, providing opportunities to succeed and participate fully in community life
  • Dedication – we do whatever it takes to help people thrive, standing by them no matter the obstacles they face or the challenges they must overcome
  • Acceptance – we embrace each individual’s unique identity
  • Responsiveness – we anticipate and strive to meet the needs of every person and every community we serve, responding to moments of crisis and preventing crises before they occur
  • Family – we embrace families as our partners believing  that families are essential for individuals and communities to flourish
  • Excellence – we dedicate ourselves to the highest standards of practice and performance and strive to achieve excellence and professionalism in all we do
  • Integrity – we pride ourselves on prudence, commitment and accountability
  • Effective – we produce results by motivating and supporting each person and family we serve so they can meet and exceed their personal goals

Manuel’s Story

Homeless Services & Family Support

“SCO is heaven sent. I am able to do more for my family now and live a productive life.” - Manuel Learn More

Tatiania

Bronx Arena High School

"When somebody comes to you and they just really want to learn it's like you know what? I know it. I'm going to teach you." Learn More

We provide

24,000

families and individuals with support services and community activities

Almost

90%

of clients at our Brooklyn Youth Center achieved their employment goals

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