We are proud to spotlight TechFIN (Technology for Families in Need), a Brooklyn-based nonprofit that recently donated 100 refurbished desktop computers to our MS 35 and Firststep programs. This generous contribution is helping bridge the digital divide for families in our community.
Founded by Nigel Frankson and Shadan Deleveaux, TechFIN addresses the challenge of computer hardware ownership by collecting used PC-based laptops and desktops from corporations, refurbishing them, and distributing them to low-income households at no cost. Their mission is to narrow the digital divide by providing access to technology, which is essential for education, job opportunities, and healthcare services.
Since its inception, TechFIN has provided more than 4,000 computers to families in need, diverting over 27,000 pounds of e-waste from landfills. Their work has been recognized with the 2025 Brooklyn Org Spark Prize for advancing racial justice and alleviating critical challenges across the borough.
The computers donated to our MS 35 and Firststep programs are now empowering students and families to access online learning, job applications, and essential services. We extend our heartfelt thanks to TechFIN for their commitment to digital equity and for making a tangible difference in the lives of our community members.
When Michael was incarcerated, he felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. Trying to rebuild his life afterward felt nearly impossible—the uncertainty, the fear of what the future holds, and the pressure to somehow figure it all out. He felt like society had already given up on him, and the road ahead seemed dark.
But then Michael discovered SCO’s Young Adult Workforce Program (YAWP). The Young Adult Workforce Program helps young adults on Rikers Island prepare for the future by providing training and support, both before and after release, to help create a smooth transition back to the community.
Michael took full advantage of the opportunity. Through YAWP, Michael gained valuable skills and opportunities that have helped him meet life’s challenges head-on. Through hard work and dedication, Michael earned his OSHA 30 certification, a barista license, and even a barbering license. He obtained his driver’s license and his state ID.
To some people, they might seem like small things, but to Michael, they were life-changing. Those documents weren’t just pieces of paper—they were a lifeline. They represented hope, a future, and the possibility of standing on his own two feet upon his release. The staff of the Young Adult Workforce Program didn’t see Michael’s past, they saw his potential. And they helped him see it, too.
When Michael came home, he was ready…with a renewed sense of purpose.
Just five days after his release, Michael was hired by the REFORM Alliance, a highly respected criminal justice reform organization, to be their Gen Z Organizer. He loves the work and the opportunity it gives him to help others, just like he was. He’s a big believer in paying it forward.
“SCO gave me back something I thought I had lost—my sense of self. They gave me the belief that I could make it, that I had worth, and that my future wasn’t defined by my past. They allowed me to see that there is a community out there that cares, that’s ready to help lift you up when you need it most.”
Michael has demonstrated exceptional resilience and determination in overcoming challenges and is on a path to a successful future. He is a shining example of the transformative impact that support, guidance, and opportunity can have on a young person’s life.
With your gift, you can help strengthen New York families and unlock potential for children and adults with special needs.
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