Fatu’s Story

At 19, Fatu’s future looks bright. She plans to go to Monroe College in the fall to follow her dream of becoming a lawyer. She’s currently going to school and working full-time as a paralegal at Queens Defenders, which provides free services to low-income people. Not long ago, she was a recipient of those services.

You see, the future did not always look so bright for Fatu. When she came to live in one of SCO’s residences for youth in foster care in 2018, she had had a difficult childhood, and she’d been in trouble with the law.

When Fatu was 12, her mother returned to their native Liberia with her younger brother, leaving Fatu with an abusive family friend in Queens. She eventually ran away, joined a gang and got into trouble.

When she first came to SCO, Fatu was confrontational with staff and other residents. But despite her rocky start at her new home, SCO staff has been behind her since day one. They encouraged her to further her education and pursue her GED. They showed her the right way to do things, and most of all, they showed her they cared.

Fatu’s former Queens Defenders lawyer, Anthony Martone, played a pivotal role in her turnaround. He saw her potential and went the extra mile to help her by initiating an internship program at the firm for past clients who’ve been through the juvenile justice system. Fatu was the first intern and became the first full-time hire from the program.

Fatu is positive, respectful, and focused. She loves her job and it has inspired her to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.

Her turnaround has been nothing short of miraculous, and it serves as an inspiration to other youth. Fatu is living proof of what is possible with a positive attitude, hard work, perseverance, and the help of caring adults who never stop believing in you.

See Fatu’s story in THE CITY.

(Photo: Ben Fractenberg-THE CITY)

Mission

Mother and Daughter

SCO Family of Services delivers vital human services to children, families, adults, and the community to provide them with the necessary tools to achieve success.

Vision

We are the leading human services agency, providing the highest standard of care, both in our region and in the nation. We innovate community-based practices and set evidence-based standards that shape the policy and direction of human services and interrupt the cycles that prevent every child, individual and family from having what they need to survive and thrive.

Values

  • Compassion: We provide deep empathy and a safe, caring environment that enriches and supports each life we touch.
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging: We are a diverse workplace that is intentional about advancing equitable and inclusive practices that foster a feeling of belonging among our clients and staff.
  • Empowerment: We enhance the strengths of individuals, families, communities, and staff, providing opportunities to succeed.
  • Excellence: We provide the highest level of care to those we serve.  We do this in a culture that elevates learning and appreciates our dedicated, hardworking staff.
  • Integrity: We pride ourselves on honesty, commitment, and accountability.

Fatu’s Story

Changing Her Trajectory

At 19, Fatu’s future looks bright. She plans to go to Monroe College in the fall to follow her dream of becoming a lawyer. Learn More

Cathy Armstrong

"I love working with the children and helping make their holidays and graduations special." Learn More

100%

of eligible residents at our Dix Hills Residential Treatment Facility participated in work, internship, or volunteer activities

85%

of residents in our group homes for adults with developmental disabilities attended Day Habilitation and receive vocational services

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