Ryan’s Story

At 7 years old, Ryan was removed from his mother’s home and placed in SCO’s Foster Care program. Options for exploring his interests and creativity were limited. But that all changed for Ryan when his mentor at SCO encouraged and empowered him to pursue his dreams.

This mentorship broadened Ryan’s world and opened doors to opportunities. He discovered his abilities and strengths, nurtured a love for science, and developed his networking skills. Today, Ryan is proud to pay his experience forward by mentoring, encouraging, and guiding younger children at SCO.

Ryan is now a sophomore majoring in Biology at Jamestown Community College. SCO assisted him with transportation, college applications, and opportunities for financial aid to help him fulfill his potential and continue his education.

“Thank you for investing in my future,” said Ryan. “There is so much I would not have been able to do without the care and support that I received from SCO Family of Services.”

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 more than 100 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

John Brown

"SCO has a direct impact on your neighbors." Learn More

Ryan’s Story

Launching Youth into Successful Careers

At 7 years old, Ryan was removed from his mother’s home and placed in SCO’s Foster Care program. Learn More

We shelter

5,500

youth, adults and children

93%

of graduates at SCO's high school for over-age, under-credited students received a NYS Regent's diploma.