Jasmine’s Story

I entered foster care at 16 years old and was placed in the home of “Aunt” Nessa, as I liked to call her. Few people knew of my situation; it was our little secret. I was embarrassed by the family dysfunction that led me to this strange place in my life, and with the support of my SCO caseworkers, I realized that education was my way out.

My goal was to attend Spelman College. I faced some naysayers; guidance counselors who said it was too expensive, others who felt I would never get in. But my SCO caseworkers and staff supported my decision. They stayed on top of me, making sure I filled out every document and scholarship. It was the staff’s unwavering support and positive reinforcement that sustained me.

I was accepted to Spelman with scholarships from several organizations as well as financial support from SCO’s education and permanency program, which helped me afford my housing.

But that was just the start of my journey. During summer break, I earned an internship volunteering with foster youth and their families through AmeriCorps that changed my life. I didn’t want any special treatment, so no one at my job was aware of my status as a foster youth. But as I worked in the family visiting room, much like a fly on the wall, I watched young people about my age visiting with the children they had lost custody of, some pregnant again. I saw a vicious cycle happening before my eyes.

It was that summer I realized that as a woman of color, as a foster youth, and as a human being who just cares, it would be a disservice if I didn’t take advantage of my unique pairing of lived experiences and desire to affect change.

Today, I am at Teachers College Columbia University earning my Masters in Clinical Psychology on a full scholarship, so that I, too, can be a source of support for youth in need.

Brooklyn Early Childhood Programs – Register Today!

SCO helps get children off to a healthy start with center-based programs for young families. Our Early Childhood Education Centers in Brooklyn have immediate openings! We offer high quality, full day instruction. Our programs support English and dual-language learners, and children with IEPs. Our warm and welcoming programs encourage families to become active partners in their child’s academic growth and language development.

Program Highlights

  • Year-round, full day 3K, Pre-K, and extended day options
  • Free or low-cost child care for eligible families
  • Enhanced safety measures including daily health screenings and temperature checks
  • Literacy and math activities prepare children for success in kindergarten
  • Outdoor play space, plus art, music, and drama
  • Healthy breakfast, lunch, and snacks
  • NYS Certified Teachers

Want to learn more? Complete the form below

 

Programs in Brooklyn 

FirstStepNYC: 225 Newport Street, Brooklyn, NY 11212

FirstStepNYC is a state of the art early education center providing high-quality education services and parenting support to pregnant women and families with children six weeks to five years old. The center is co-located with PS/IS 41, a K-8 elementary and middle school in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Learn more»

 

Morris Koppelman Early Childhood Center: 774 Saratoga Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11212

The Center in Brownsville, Brooklyn offers a full-day academic program for children 2.9 to 5 years of age. The program fosters children’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional development, giving all children the tools they need to succeed in school and meet their full potential. Learn more»

 

Carlos’ Story

A world of opportunity through resilience, focus, and assistance from SCO College Specialists

Read Carlos’ Story

Jasmine’s Story

Foster Care staff helps Jasmine turn lived experience to advocacy for others

Read Jasmine’s Story

Children in our NYC shelters had a

96%

attendance rate at NYC DOE schools

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