Selena’s Story

Selena first came to SCO’s Scattered Site Supportive Housing Program, in August 2017. This program provides housing and transitional services for young adults who have been in foster care and are at-risk of homelessness. Selena, who had been in foster care since age 9, was dealing with a lot of family and personal issues. She was feeling frustrated and depressed. The tipping point came when her biological father passed away.

As a way to help cope with her loss, Selena decided to write a book about her experience. She hoped sharing her experience might inspire others…turning her personal tragedy into something positive. Ever resourceful, Selena wrote her entire book on her cell phone and uploaded it onto Amazon where it is currently sold as a Kindle format e-book.

Selena’s entrepreneurial spirit had been unleashed. Following her book, Selena developed her own podcast where she talks about life issues and how she has dealt with them in the hopes of motivating others. Since establishing her podcast last year, she has attracted over 20,000 followers worldwide.

She didn’t stop there. Selena then decided that she wanted to sell merchandise with inspirational messages. She started her own online t-shirt company – printing, packaging and shipping orders out of her apartment.

Selena has found her calling. She has found healing through sharing her story and inspiring others and she has experienced personal growth in the process.

SCO staff are encouraging her to utilize her abilities and resilience to pursue her education. In doing so, Selena will be able to use her knowledge to promote and expand her budding enterprises and find other employment opportunities to help her as she transitions to independent living.

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.

 

 

 

 

Ways to Help

COVID-19 is challenging the way we do things, but we won’t let it stop us from helping the 50,000 New Yorkers who are counting on us. Our staff are on the front lines, working around the clock and behind the scenes with one focus – unwavering support for those who need us more than ever.

There’s lots of good to go around. Here are some ways you can partner with SCO to offer support:

MAKE AN ONLINE GIFT – Now more than ever, we invite you to support our programs by making an online gift.

 

 

ONLINE SHOPPING – You can help us get diapers, clothes, housewares, toys, school supplies, board games and more directly to our program sites. You can even send in gift cards. Shop online at: Target Registry Amazon Registry Walmart Registry

 

TECHNOLOGY – While the world has adapted to virtual meetings and remote work, we still have children and families in our care who may not have the needed items. To ensure we can reach as many as possible, mobile devices are needed such as iPads and laptops.

 

CORPORATE SUPPORT – Is your employer or business looking for ways to get involved? Contact us to discuss ways your staff can volunteer and offer hope to our clients.

 

There is so much you can do from wherever you may be. Connect with our team today to find out how you can support our SCO Family during COVID-19. To reach us, please call (516) 666-0469 or email us at [email protected].

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Selena’s Story

Harnessing entrepreneurial spirit to pursue long-term goals with help from SCO

Read Selena’s Story

Kaitlyn’s Story

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

Read Kaitlyn’s Story

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