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.

COVID-19 Information

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

COVID-19 Test

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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

Westbrook Preparatory School
Madonna Heights School • Spanish
The Christopher School • Spanish • Mandarin • French Creole
Theresa Paplin School • Spanish
Tyree Learning Center • Spanish • Mandarin • Cantonese

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.