Michael’s Story

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.

Working at SCO

Extraordinary reach. Unconditional care.

Life-changing results. And great benefits, too!

SCO’s dedicated professionals help improve the health and well-being of over 45,000 New Yorkers each year. We apply the same principle to ensuring our staff is well cared for through a robust benefits package, professional development opportunities, health and wellness initiatives, education assistance awards, and more.

Employee Benefits

Flexible Work Schedule
Paid Holidays Off
Vacation & Sick Time
403B Retirement Plan
Medical, Dental & Vision
Prescription Savings Plans
Flex Spending Account
Commuter Benefits
Employee Discounts
And more...

All benefits are available to staff based on eligibility and enrollment. Plan documents govern all plans. SCO Family of Services has the right to change policies or available benefits at any time.

Search Open Jobs

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.

Staff Workshops
Continuing Education
And More...

Testimonials

“ I get the satisfaction of coming to work every day and having a shared experience with our students. ”
Elizabeth Rosenthal
Music Teacher
Madonna Heights School

“ At SCO, we focus on giving our youth the best opportunity to have the brightest future for themselves. ”
Lennox Jeffrey
Financial Coach Brooklyn
Youth Center

“ I work with a team that is very supportive and knowledgeable. ”
Lynette Robinson
Senior Financial Analyst

SCO Family of Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

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.