Ryan’s Story

At 7 years old, Ryan was removed from his mother’s home and placed in SCO’s Foster Care program. Options for exploring his interests and creativity were limited. But that all changed for Ryan when his mentor at SCO encouraged and empowered him to pursue his dreams.

This mentorship broadened Ryan’s world and opened doors to opportunities. He discovered his abilities and strengths, nurtured a love for science, and developed his networking skills. Today, Ryan is proud to pay his experience forward by mentoring, encouraging, and guiding younger children at SCO.

Ryan is now a sophomore majoring in Biology at Jamestown Community College. SCO assisted him with transportation, college applications, and opportunities for financial aid to help him fulfill his potential and continue his education.

“Thank you for investing in my future,” said Ryan. “There is so much I would not have been able to do without the care and support that I received from SCO Family of Services.”

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.

Donor Advised Funds

New! You can now give to SCO Family of Services from your Donor Advised Fund account in just 3 clicks directly on our website. This includes Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, National Christian Foundation, and hundreds of other DAF providers powered by Chariot.

By clicking on the Donor Advised Fund button below, in just a few seconds, you have the power to help us improve the lives of children, families, and individuals.

Please click the “DAFpay | Give with Donor Advised Fund” button below to get started.

Why Give From Your Donor Advised Fund Directly On This Page?

Not only is initiating your grant on this page the fastest and easiest way for you to give, but it also:

  • Saves our staff time and money tracking your gift
  • Makes us immediately aware that your gift was initiated and allows us to thank you via email if desired
  • Helps avoid lost checks, mailing delays, or gifts accidentally being submitted to the wrong organization or campaign

What are the main advantages of a donor-advised fund?

  • Simplicity: the donor-advised fund sponsor handles all record-keeping, disbursements, and tax receipts.
  • Flexibility: timing of your tax deduction can be separate from your charitable decision-making.
  • Tax-efficiency: contributions are tax-deductible, and any investment growth in the DAF is tax-free. It is also easy to donate long-term appreciated securities, eliminating capital gains taxes.
  • Family legacy: a DAF is a powerful way to build or continue a tradition of family philanthropy.


For reference:

Our mailing address is: 1415 Kellum Place, Suite 140, Garden City, NY 11530

Our EIN is: 11-2777066.

If you have any questions or comments, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]

Ryan’s Story

Empowerment through mentorship

Read Ryan’s Story

Kelly’s Story

A life rebuilt, with the help of Morning Star

Read Kelly’s Story

100%

of eligible residents at our Dix Hills Residential Treatment Facility participated in work, internship, or volunteer activities

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