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.

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Professional Development

At SCO, we invest our time and energy into helping our clients build a stronger foundation for the future. Equally important is the investment in our dedicated staff. SCO’s Center for Professional Development offers seminars, monthly educational workshops, and continuing education courses for staff and professionals from other agencies.

SCO Family of Services is an equal opportunity employer.  Our agency emphasizes and promotes diversity as we believe that having a diverse staff/workforce is essential to fostering a more innovative, creative, and productive environment.  We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, socio-economic status, life experiences or military/veteran status.  All qualified candidates will have a strong sensitivity to and appreciation of differences among staff and clients within our organization.

 

SCO Training Calendar


SCO Employees: Check out all of the professional development opportunities and training courses available. Go to calendar»

 

WARNING! Beware of Fake SCO Family of Services Job Posts!

SCO has no job postings on Craigslist and will only communicate through its SCO.org web and email domains. SCO does not conduct interviews by email or Google HangOuts, and is not expanding its service area.  Please DO NOT disclose your personal information, including social security and bank account information. You may report a suspicious SCO job posting, by emailing us at RecruitmentRequests@sco.org with “Craigslist” or “Suspicious Job Posting” in the subject line.

Carlos’ Story

Carlos (pronoun they, their, them) is an amazing youth who was placed in SCO’s Family Foster Care program over 10 years ago. Carlos has undergone several hardships in their young life, however, they are a resilient youth who has remained focused on their schoolwork. Carlos graduated high school with high… Learn More

Jasmine’s Story

From Foster Care to Advocate

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. Learn More

96%

of students at our Dix Hills campus participated in weekly wellness activities

98%

of the young adults in our Scattered Site Supportive Housing program were gainfully employed, engaged in school, or both

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