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.

COVID-19 Information

Find the latest updates regarding SCO Programs and a wealth of information and resources related to COVID-19.

COVID-19 Test

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 in New York City.

Find A New York State Test Site Near You: Enter your address and find locations that provide coronavirus testing.

COVID-19 Vaccination 

For updated information related to the COVID-19 vaccine, click here for New York State’s Vaccine Website or call the state’s Vaccine Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-497-4829). List of New York State-operated vaccination locations and availability. Visit the Health Resources to learn more.

SCOnward – our safe approach for clients and staff

SCO Safety Plan: SCO has developed a Safety Plan following New York State’s guidance on how to safely operate.  The health and safety of our staff, clients, and families is our top priority and guides all of our decisions. Individual programs that require specialized plans by their oversight agency are listed below.

Day Habilitation Safety Plans: 

Residential Schools Reopening Plan: The 853 Schools Reopening Plan developed by SCO Family of Services for Westbrook Preparatory School, Madonna Heights School, Tyree Learning Center, Christopher School, and Theresa Paplin School follows the reopening guidance issued by the New York State Department of Education.

Read the full plan» English  •  Spanish

Reopening Plan Letters to Families

Residential Programs: To help protect our residential clients, all visitors will be prescreened by phone prior to scheduled visits to SCO residences. Please do not visit an SCO residence unannounced. Thank you for doing your part to protect all SCO clients.

 

Help us honor our front-line heroes at SCO Family of Services. Say Thank You

 

Health Resources

Find information about COVID-19, its treatment, and prevention here.

 

Resources for Families

Click here for educational and online activities for the family as well as food, financial, and a variety of other helpful resources.

 

Ways to Help

COVID-19 is challenging the way we do things, but we won’t let it stop us from helping the 60,000 New Yorkers who are counting on us. SCO is actively working on addressing the immediate and long-term needs of our families during this crisis and we need your help. There are many ways you can partner with SCO to offer support.

 

 

 

Selena’s Story

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

Read Selena’s Story

Carlos’ Story

A world of opportunity through resilience, focus, and assistance from SCO College Specialists

Read Carlos’ Story

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