“I was struggling,” recalls Madelin.
A new mother of twins, she seldom left her home. She didn’t feel that little Omariano and Mariano would be safe at the park. So for the most part, they stayed home. Every day. For almost two years.
“It was hard,” she recalls. “I felt guilty. The boys were so little, and they weren’t speaking because we didn’t socialize enough.”
Everything changed last May, when Madelin and her twins joined the Baby & Me program, which offers developmental playgroups and parenting support for parents and their children ages 0-2.
“It’s like a little preschool!” she raves. “So safe and positive. It’s amazing.”
Now every Monday, Madelin and her boys enjoy guided activities like songs and circle time. And as the twins gain essential development and socialization, Madelin soaks up parenting skills and confidence from the community.
“The first time the family came, Madelin seemed overwhelmed,” says Group Facilitator Mimi Ogawa-Spigland, LMSW. “Omariano and Mariano clung to her, didn’t make much eye contact, but they made tremendous progress in a matter of months.”
Today the boys actively participate, developing skills that will prepare them for success in school. Madelin is thrilled to see them so engaged. And Madelin has grown, too, talking about parenting with other moms – including two others with twins.
“It’s like a support group,”says Madelin. “I get so much out of it. I don’t know what I’d do without Baby & Me.”
Craig Treiber says supporting SCO is in his DNA. That’s because the Treiber ties to the organization go back three generations.
Craig’s grandfather, John, was actively involved at Queens’ Ottilie Orphan Asylum, which would merge with the St. Christopher Home to become SCO. Craig’s father, Howard, was Board President. Craig’s mother, Hope, deepened the family’s tradition of philanthropy.
Craig joined the board in 1999. He’s not the type to talk about his generosity, but Craig’s quiet commitment is unshakeable. Each year, he and his wife Lora are among SCO’s top donors and volunteers.
“My family has been very blessed to have a successful business over a number of generations,” says Craig, “and giving back was essential in our upbringing. If you’re fortunate enough to have your health and acquire some financial means, it’s important to give back. There’s tremendous need, and my family is honored to support organizations that make a real difference.”
The Treibers’ support has long underwritten SCO’s efforts, but Craig commits his time too – overseeing Risk Management, serving as Vice Chair and Executive O_cer of the Board. “We have a family foundation, and our giving goes well beyond SCO, but there’s a difference. Writing a check is one thing. but to invest your energy, to have skin in the game is what is important. The diversity and impact of the services provided make me proud to support the organization.”
“I get so much out of it. I don’t know what I’d do without Baby & Me.” Learn More
"The diversity and impact of the services provided make me proud to support the organization.” Learn More
We shelter
4,900
youth, adults and children
Last year,
288
children were reunified with their parents who worked hard preparing for their return home