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.
For over 30 years, Michael Chambers, President and Co-Owner of Central Business Systems, has been a dedicated supporter of SCO Family of Services. His connection began when SCO sought his help in modernizing outdated office equipment, but what started as a professional partnership quickly became a personal commitment to SCO’s mission.
As Michael engaged with SCO’s programs, he saw firsthand the profound impact on individuals and families. A tour of Madonna Heights—a campus for young women on their path to healing—left a lasting impression. Witnessing the safe, nurturing environment and unique programs like art therapy and trauma-informed care deepened his appreciation for SCO’s work. A particularly moving moment came at a ribbon-cutting event, where a mother shared how SCO helped her overcome addiction while keeping her children—an experience that reinforced Michael’s belief in the organization’s mission.
Michael and Central Business Systems have remained steadfast partners in SCO’s work. In 2019, he was honored to receive the Shepherd’s Award for Corporate Leadership at the SCO Annual Benefit Gala. The recognition was especially meaningful to him as he proudly accepted the award in front of his family, including his two daughters, and close friends, making the moment even more special. To mark Central Business Systems’ 75th anniversary, the company selected SCO as the recipient of a significant donation, which was presented at Citi Field during a Mets game.
His commitment extends beyond financial support—he actively participates in events, volunteers his time, and advocates for SCO’s programs.
SCO Family of Services is deeply grateful for Michael Chambers’ generosity and leadership, which exemplify the power of community partnerships in transforming lives.
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