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)

Kaitlyn’s Story

If you asked Kaitlyn years ago about how her experience at SCO’s Madonna Heights would help her grow, she wouldn’t have had an answer. Kaitlyn’s painful childhood meant being in and out of hospitals, group homes, and residential programs starting at just 8 years old. After her 16th birthday, she arrived at SCO’s Madonna Heights campus feeling angry, defiant, untrusting, and alone. Her struggle persisted – until everything changed for the better.

According to Kaitlyn, every single person she encountered at Madonna Heights made her feel human, loved, important, safe, and secure. She thrived for two years living on the Madonna Heights campus with a new support system focused on helping her achieve her personal, emotional, and academic goals. Today, Kaitlyn is overjoyed to use her life experiences to help guide the next generation of young women as a Youth Advocate at Madonna Heights.

Kaitlyn’s journey gave her the knowledge and insight to show people that no one is alone, to encourage them to advocate for themselves and to guide them on the path to finding their self-worth.

“Knowing my story can influence the story of another young girl which inspires me to give back,” said Kaitlyn.

 

 

 

 

Become a Foster Parent

Foster Care

It’s all about Caring

Open your heart and home to a child in need. The effects will last a lifetime!
Our foster parents reside in New York City and Long Island. Foster parents are dedicated to the child, their family and the SCO mission. If you are 21 or older, have a stable income and have enough room in your heart and home.

Learn More

Foster parents are:

  • Single, married, widowed, same-sex couples, LGBTQ affirming, all races and ethnicities
  • Age – over 21, no age limit
  • Geographic areas: NYC and Long Island. SCO hubs in Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island

Our Foster Care team is here
to help every step of the way:

  • Orientation, ongoing support and training
  • Medical care and mental health services
  • Education support
  • 24-hour access to SCO staff

Open your heart and your
home to a child in need.

Inviting a child into your family is one of the most fulfilling commitments you can make. Its effects can last a lifetime. SCO Family of Services is looking for people who are committed to children, their families, and to our mission of providing unconditional care to those who need it most. Caring families are needed to provide traditional Family Foster Care and Therapeutic Family Foster Care for children with emotional and behavioral challenges.

Learn More

 

Inquiry Form for Prospective Foster Parents

Name
Address
Living Status
Interested in


If you have additional questions please contact [email protected]

Fatu’s Story

Changing her trajectory - anything is possible when others believe in you

Read Fatu’s Story

Kaitlyn’s Story

From struggling to thriving, Kaitlyn shares personal growth experience at Madonna Heights with others

Read Kaitlyn’s Story

88%

of young adults in foster care (18+) are enrolled in school or working

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