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.

Kelly’s Story

Kelly lives on a quiet tree-lined street with her husband, two sons, and an energetic puppy named Molly. Life is pretty good these days. In her own words, she has a decent job, a home, a car, and a supportive family – all things she never thought possible before entering SCO’s Morning Star residential program for women recovering from substance use.

Since the age of 13, Kelly had been hooked on alcohol. For the next 10 years, she struggled with severe alcoholism, heroin addiction, and all the terrible symptoms that go along with that. She tried every which way to control her use but failed over and over again. Institutions, hospitals, and psychiatric facilities became a normal part of life. At the age of 23, Kelly realized she was running out of options. She had no place to live, was unemployable, and had no way to provide for herself or her 4-year-old son, Joseph. That’s when she found SCO.

Kelly was 35 days sober for the first time in her adult life when she entered SCO’s residential program. This would be the first of many pivotal firsts. While in program, she learned about accountability and structure. She was introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous and attended off site treatment programs. She felt supported and heard by the women and staff at Morning Star and thrived in this environment.

Little by little, Kelly rebuilt her life. With the help of vocational counselors, she returned to school, received her high school diploma, and took clerical courses. She was thrilled when Joseph came to live with her on campus, working with SCO’s coaches and childcare team to hone her parenting skills. And she addressed her past traumas head on with mental health counseling at SCO’s Family Services Clinic.

Kelly credits her time in Morning Star as life-changing. She has been gainfully employed since leaving the program in 2012 and now works for a successful law firm. She found her soulmate in Rob and was married in 2015, and expanded her family with another son, Aidan, a few years later. She likes to say she is a work in progress – and we know there are plenty of firsts still ahead for Kelly.

COVID-19 Information

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

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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.

 

 

 

Shana’s Story

Family First

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

Kelly’s Story

Kelly lives on a quiet tree-lined street with her husband, two sons, and an energetic puppy named Molly. Life is pretty good these days. In her own words, she has a decent job, a home, a car, and a supportive family – all things she never thought possible before entering… Learn More

We inspire

5,400

children and teens through academic, after-school, summer and work readiness programs

88%

of young adults in foster care (18+) are enrolled in school or working

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