Shana’s Story

I have been challenged with addiction for 10 years, and have been in and out of outpatient treatment and detox several times – but I would always relapse.

When I arrived at Morning Star, I was at the lowest point in my life. Things were spiraling out of control. My four children had been taken from me and placed in foster care with a family member. And then I learned that I was 5 months pregnant.

I arrived with the worst attitude in the world. I was just so angry all the time. But at Morning Star, I started to reflect and gain clarity. I realized that I was hurt and angry with myself. And that’s when the healing began. Everything had been a fight up to that point. But I had nowhere to run – I had to face my problems.

Morning Star helped save my life. They never gave up on me.

Every interaction with my counselor and every staff member helped prepare me to re-enter the world clean and ready to thrive.

I attended treatment 5 days a week, attended a medical assistant program, and became certified in a workforce development program for nontraditional roles for women. And I learned that I am worth it! From now on, I show up, set up, and remain teachable.

When my baby, Liliana, was born, I can’t express how much the onsite child care at Morning Star II helped in my recovery. It made it possible for me to go to treatment, attend school, and focus on me. The structure kept me accountable for being a parent and prepared e for the real world.

I knew I was finally on a path to a better life when I left Morning Star. The court saw the improvements in me, too, and my children came back home to me. I never thought that would happen. Today, thanks to Morning Star, I have a home and my family lives under one roof.

I still visit the program to let them know of my progress. My goal is to be fully self-supported. I know there will be obstacles ahead of me. But I am prepared to take it one day at a time.

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)

Health Resources

COVID-19 Testing

New York State continues to increase testing capacity for COVID-19 on a daily basis. Use this NYSDOH screening tool to share your symptoms and schedule a COVID-19 test at a New York State-run testing site.

  • If you go to a test site run by New York State, there is never any charge for your test.
  • If you go to a test site operated by local governments, private companies including pharmacies and medical practices, or not-for-profit organizations, you are advised to check with the testing site and your insurer in advance of being tested to confirm you will not be responsible for any fees associated with your test.

New York City

FREE COVID-19 tests are confidential and safe. Visit nyc.gov/covidtest, text “COVID Test” to 855-48, or call 212-COVID19 to find a testing site near you.

Assistance for New Yorkers who test positive for COIVD-19

NYC Health & Hospitals’ Test & Trace Corps is providing special services for New Yorkers who test positive and their close contacts:

    • A free hotel room for up to 14 days if quarantining at home is impossible. Call (212) 268-4319 to book a room.
    • Free dog walking and other pet drop-in services to ensure New Yorkers can remain safely separated in a hotel or at home. Learn more.

​​​​​​​COVID-19 Antibody Screening for New York City Residents

Please note that people under the age of 18 and people who are not NYC residents are not eligible to participate in this program.

New York City offers free antibody testing on a walk-in basis at the 11 acute care facilities of NYC Health + Hospitals and at the Gotham Community Health Center sites listed on the NYC antibody testing webpage.

For more information, call 1-844-NYC-4NYC or visit the NYC antibody testing webpage.

COVID-19 Vaccine

If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, call the New York State COVID-19 hotline at 833-NYS-4-VAX (833-697-4829).

  • Schedule an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Participating pharmacies are now offering a second COVID-19 vaccine to individuals who received the first vaccine elsewhere. Participating pharmacies are:

New York City

The Museum of Natural History is providing 1,000 vaccines daily. The site will operate Tuesday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Long Island

  • Northwell Health is administering the COVID-19 vaccine at certain locations in Nassau and Suffolk. Find a location. 
  • Nassau County has several vaccine sites. Check availability and schedule a vaccine appointment at a Nassau County Department of Health location at nassaucountyny.gov/vaccine.
  • Hempstead Town and Mount Sinai South Nassau introduced the “Vaxmobile” – coming to communities near you. Residents who are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine can call a special hotline at (516) 812-3678 (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or send an email to [email protected] to be placed on a list to be contacted by Mount Sinai South Nassau when appointments are available.

NYS Department of Health Novel Coronavirus Hotline: 888-364-3065

NYC COVID-19 Information – NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
A Physician’s Guide to COVID-19 – American Medical Association
Frequently Asked Questions about Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) – National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Coronavirus: What Patients Need to Know – Community Healthcare Network
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Information on Novel Coronavirus – NYS Department of Health
County Health Departments – NYS Department of Health
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) – NYC Department of Health
Coronavirus Updates for Schools – NYS Center for School Health
How Veterans With Mesothelioma Can Get the COVID-19 Vaccine – Mesothelioma Veterans Center
COVID-19 and Mesothelioma Updates – Mesothelioma.net

Undocumented immigrants should not avoid medical care if they require it. Hospital staff will NOT ask about immigration status and medical care is NOT a “public benefit” under the public charge test. If an undocumented immigrant does not have a doctor or insurance, they can visit a public hospital safely.

Mental Health/Safety Resources

Feeling stressed by the COVID-19 pandemic? You are not alone. Call the NY Project Hope Emotional Support Helpline 7 days a week, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. at 1-844-863-9314, or visit www.nyprojecthope.org.
COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide – National Alliance on Mental Illness
Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services
Crisis Counseling: Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH): Call 1-800-985-5990 and text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
Safety Planning for Domestic Violence Survivors
Tech Safety for Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence
COVID-19: Tips for Mindfulness & Coping with Anxiety – Watch videos 
National Domestic Violence Hotline has 24/7 confidential support for people experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.
RAINN has a 24/7 safe and confidential sexual assault hotline that connects individuals to a local provider who can provide a variety of free resources. Hotline number: 800-656-4673 and online chat
Grief Share hosts free, in-person grief recovery support groups across the country.
NYC Well is your connection to free, confidential mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services, in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365.
Drug & Alcohol Abuse Hotline– For 24/7 treatment, call 844-616-3400. This is 100% confidential and free.
National Drug Helpline – 24/7 hotline
Live Another Day – An extensive list of mental health and substance use resources specifically for the AAPI (American Asian and Pacific Islander) community.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – SAMHSA’s national hotline is federally funded and provides those with mental health or substance abuse disorders guidance and options for them to seek help. Call (800-662-4357).
New York State now has a text program and confidential online service for victims of domestic violence. Text 844-997-2121 for help or go to http://opdv.ny.gov to chat.

Health Benefits

Changes to Public Benefits Programs in NYC

Shana’s Story

"Morning Star helped save my life. They never gave up on me."

Read Shana’s Story

Fatu’s Story

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

Read Fatu’s Story

93%

of adults with developmental disabilities living in SCO’s IRAs (group homes) made meaningful connections by participating in community inclusion activities

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