Dr. Lee Anne Xippolitos’ Story

SCO Family of Services was proud to honor Dr. Lee Anne Xippolitos, RN, PhD, CNS, PMH-BC, NEA-BC, with the 2025 Humanitarian Award at the Madonna Heights Golf Classic. A distinguished nurse, educator, and leader, Dr. Xippolitos is Dean Emeritus of the Stony Brook School of Nursing, where she spent decades shaping the future of nursing through compassion, integrity, and excellence.

Throughout her remarkable career, Dr. Xippolitos has been a passionate advocate for mental health services, trauma-informed care, and programs that uplift and empower women—values that closely reflect the mission of SCO Family of Services. She has long been inspired by the transformative work taking place at Madonna Heights, where SCO helps women and girls heal, grow, and rebuild their lives with dignity and strength.

“Walking through the halls, I was struck not just by the courage and resilience of the women and girls here, but by the unmistakable spirit of hope that fills every corner of this community,” said Dr. Xippolitos. “From the affirmations on the walls to the quiet moments of kindness shared between staff and residents, it’s clear that Madonna Heights is far more than a place, it’s a sanctuary of healing.”

“As a nurse and educator, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to support individuals not only medically, but emotionally and socially,” she added. “SCO’s multifaceted approach to support, especially at Madonna Heights, is truly life-changing. I’m honored to be recognized by an organization doing such vital work.”

Dr. Xippolitos’s commitment to service extends far beyond the classroom and the clinic. She has been a tireless advocate for expanding healthcare access and strengthening support systems for vulnerable populations. Her leadership has touched countless lives, and her deep-rooted belief in the power of community care continues to inspire all who know her.

We are deeply grateful for Dr. Xippolitos’s unwavering support and proud to celebrate her extraordinary contributions to healthcare and humanity.

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.