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.

Directions

Main Office

1 Alexander Place Glen Cove, NY 11542
516.671.1253

Lawrence Street Office

154 Lawrence Street Brooklyn, NY 11201
718.797.3068

Other Locations

Brentwood Office

164 3rd Avenue & 8th Street Brentwood, NY 11717
631.273.2773

Center for Family Life

443 39th Street Brooklyn, NY 11232
718.438.9500

Family Dynamics

1360 Fulton Street Brooklyn, NY 11216
917.966.4630

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
631.643.8800

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

Shana’s Story

Family First

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

Center for Family Life Helps Areliz Build a Brighter Future

"I'm doing this to provide for my kids...for everything that they deserve." Learn More

Last year,

188

youth and adults with special needs participated in volunteer projects in their community

82%

of students at our residential school for youth with high-functioning autism are actively involved in weekly internships in the community