RaShaan’s Story

RaShaan was a resilient young adult when he came into SCO’s Foster Care program over a year ago, unsure of the future and longing for stability. Though he initially stepped into our residential group home with apprehension, it soon became a haven where he formed bonds and found constant support. RaShaan was relieved he finally had a place to call home.

Rashaan was assigned a Forward Journey coach, Arzu, who works with him on his education, career, and life skill goals. As Rashaan puts it, “She’s the person I call for anything and everything.”

When he first came into care, he wasn’t enrolled in school, didn’t have a job, and was unsure of the paths he wanted to follow. Arzu encouraged him to go back to get his GED and connected him to SCO’s Mentored Internship Program (MIP).

In MIP, Rashaan was able to work on his resume, cover letter, interview skills, and network. After completing MIP, he continues to receive support through SCO’s Passages to Adulthood program, where he learns independent living skills and interns – gaining real world job experience.

Under a steadfast mentorship, RaShaan reignited his educational drive, pursuing his GED with an aspiration to excel in the performing arts. With skills sharpened through SCO’s programs to support youth in care, he stands at the threshold of a bright future, enriched by invaluable experiences and friendships.

Alayah’s Story

Alayah was always curious. When she saw something, she wouldn’t just take it at face value. She wanted to learn more. “How does that work?” “Why did that happen?” “What makes it do that?”

Her inquisitive nature was one of the traits that made her such a good student. She loves to learn and always has.

Growing up in Philadelphia, Alayah was at the top of her class. When she moved to New York, however, she risked having to repeat her junior year because some of her credits did not transfer.

Determined to graduate on time with her class, Alayah transferred to SCO’s East Brooklyn Community High School (EBCHS.) East Brooklyn is a transfer high school in partnership with SCO Family of Services and the New York City Department of Education. Students there can earn credits at an accelerated rate, so Alayah was able to earn her remaining junior credits and all of her senior credits in the same academic year.

Upon her arrival at EBCHS, Alayah had one goal: Go to college. She wanted to be the first in her family to go to college and she was determined to make it happen.

In the Spring of her senior year, Alayah’s EBCHS Advocate Counselor told her about a college scholarship available through Garden of Dreams, the Inspire Scholarship, and it’s substantial – $40,000 ($10,000 per year for four years) and a brand-new MacBook.

The Garden of Dreams Foundation is a non-profit organization that works with MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports to bring life-changing opportunities to young people in need. SCO Family of Services is one of their partner organizations.

When Alayah learned about the Garden of Dreams Inspire Scholarship, she jumped at the opportunity to apply. With a little help from her English teacher and a letter of recommendation from the EBCHS School Director, Alayah submitted her application.

Immersed in finishing out her senior year and applying to a myriad of colleges, Alayah received an email that she received a Garden of Dreams Inspire Scholarship! It was, in her words, an “Oh, my God! What a relief!” moment.

It really should come as no surprise. Her insatiable desire for knowledge made her the perfect candidate.

Alayah’s drive to go to college paid off. She was accepted into 16 colleges. Sixteen! In the end, Alayah chose North Carolina A&T University. It’s an excellent school and the people she talked to had great things to say about it.

Alayah plans to Major in Biology on the Pre-Med track, with a Minor in Psychology. She’d love to get into a top medical school and become a surgeon one day. She grew up helping to take care of people. It’s in her blood.

Alayah has set her goals high, but with her talent, drive and determination, she’s destined to achieve them all.

Congratulations, Alayah!

Brooklyn Early Childhood Job Openings at SCO

We’re hiring for our Morris Koppelman Early Childhood Education Center in Brownsville, Brooklyn!  SCO’s Early Childhood Education Centers offer a year-round, full-day academic program in a safe and engaging environment for children from 2.9 months to 5 years of age, including UPK and 3K for All. Literacy and math activities help children gain the skills for future school success. A wide array of physical activities and outdoor play help children develop strength, balance and motor skills. Art, music and drama round out the day.

Our programs support English, dual-language learners, and children with IEPs. Families are engaged to become active partners in supporting their child’s language development.

We have exciting openings at our Center in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Join our team and help children develop the building blocks for success! Complete the form below to learn more!

 

Available Positions

Teacher Assistant/Floater

Responsibilities include: Assisting Head Teacher with classroom management and activities while attending to the needs of children in a caring and kind manner. Strive to build positive relationships and effectively communicate with the families of children in their care.

Qualifications: High School diploma and CDA

Assistant Director of Early Head Start

Responsibilities: Provide Early Head start education staff with instructional leadership through design, delivery, and coordination of intensive professional development; facilitation of interdisciplinary collaboration; and administrative support.

Qualifications:

  • Masters Degree or higher in early childhood education and NYS certification in early Childhood Education
  • NYS teaching certification required
  • Teachers Certification for Birth-2 years of age

COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW AND UPLOAD YOUR RESUME TO LEARN MORE! 

 

Why SCO?

SCO’s dedicated professionals help improve the health and well-being of over 50,000 New Yorkers each year. We apply the same principle to ensuring our staff is well cared for through a robust benefits package, professional development opportunities, health and wellness initiatives, tuition reimbursement and more.

Our benefits include:

  • Flexible Work Schedule
  • Paid Holidays Off
  • Vacation & Sick Time
  • 403B Retirement Plan
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance & more!
  • Provide children from your community with cognitive and social experiences that will enhance their curiosity and develop a positive attitude towards learning

What we are looking for:

  • Experience working successfully in multicultural environments serving vulnerable or underserved populations preferred.
  • Commitment to the mission and programs of SCO Family of Services
  • Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change; forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families.
  • Work closely with all members of the Center staff to provide comprehensive services to all families enrolled in the center.

 

 

Apply Now!

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RaShaan’s Story

Reigniting educational drive through mentorship opportunities

Read RaShaan’s Story

Alayah’s Story

Next Stop, College! Alayah O’Sullivan - East Brooklyn Community High School Class of 2022

Read Alayah’s Story

82%

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

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