Jasmine’s Story

I entered foster care at 16 years old and was placed in the home of “Aunt” Nessa, as I liked to call her. Few people knew of my situation; it was our little secret. I was embarrassed by the family dysfunction that led me to this strange place in my life, and with the support of my SCO caseworkers, I realized that education was my way out.

My goal was to attend Spelman College. I faced some naysayers; guidance counselors who said it was too expensive, others who felt I would never get in. But my SCO caseworkers and staff supported my decision. They stayed on top of me, making sure I filled out every document and scholarship. It was the staff’s unwavering support and positive reinforcement that sustained me.

I was accepted to Spelman with scholarships from several organizations as well as financial support from SCO’s education and permanency program, which helped me afford my housing.

But that was just the start of my journey. During summer break, I earned an internship volunteering with foster youth and their families through AmeriCorps that changed my life. I didn’t want any special treatment, so no one at my job was aware of my status as a foster youth. But as I worked in the family visiting room, much like a fly on the wall, I watched young people about my age visiting with the children they had lost custody of, some pregnant again. I saw a vicious cycle happening before my eyes.

It was that summer I realized that as a woman of color, as a foster youth, and as a human being who just cares, it would be a disservice if I didn’t take advantage of my unique pairing of lived experiences and desire to affect change.

Today, I am at Teachers College Columbia University earning my Masters in Clinical Psychology on a full scholarship, so that I, too, can be a source of support for youth in need.

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Directions

Main Office

1415 Kellum Place, NY 11530
516.671.1253

Lawrence Street Office

154 Lawrence Street Brooklyn, NY 11201
718.797.3068

Other Locations

Nevins Street Office

2-4 Nevins Street Brooklyn, NY 11217
718.935.9466

Genovese Family Life Center

89-30 161st Street Jamaica, NY 11432
718.526.7533

Madonna Heights

151 Burrs Lane Dix Hills, NY 11746
631.213.0300

Ottilie Campus

85-70 148th Street Briarwood, NY 11435
718.658.4101

Robert J. McMahon Children’s Center/Tyree Learning Center

101 Downing Avenue Sea Cliff, NY 11579
516.671.1111

Westbrook Preparatory School

231 St. Brigids Lane Westbury, NY 11590
516.338.5280

East Brooklyn Community High School Students Reflect on Graduation Day

"They're your backbone, they help you and support you no matter what you do in life." Learn More

Jasmine’s Story

From Foster Care to Advocate

Today, I am at Teachers College Columbia University earning my Masters in Clinical Psychology on a full scholarship, so that I, too, can be a source of support for youth in need. Learn More

100%

of eligible students at Westbrook Preparatory School passed the Regents exam on the first try

85%

of residents in our group homes for adults with developmental disabilities attended Day Habilitation and receive vocational services

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