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.

Roberto’s Story

Roberto has been a resident of one of SCO’s Independence Inns for the past two years. Located in Brooklyn and Queens, Independence Inns provide shelter and support for young people who are experiencing homelessness or have run away. SCO staff helps residents finish school and acquire skills that will prepare them to be self-sufficient.

Since coming to the Inn, Roberto has used his time to focus on his education and passion for baseball. In January 2024, Roberto graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School and began his pursuit of a college education. During this time, Roberto also obtained his Home Health Aide Certificate and became employed as a salesperson at Portobella Suits in Brooklyn.

With support and guidance from the Inn staff, Roberto researched colleges, taking his time to determine the right choice for him. Roberto ultimately decided to accept admission to Tompkins Courtland Community College where he plans to study Finance and play baseball.

Roberto is scheduled to transition from Inn I to college in late August 2024. Roberto can pursue his dreams of becoming a Major League Baseball player and getting a good education.

Roberto is extremely excited for the next chapter in his life. He has expressed gratitude and is thankful for all the support he has received from SCO Family of Services and the staff at the Inn as he strives toward a brighter future.

Current Foster Parent

Training

Online Training for Foster Parents is available for certain courses. Click here for more information. Or visit the online training website.

In Person Training –  download a printable calendar of training by SCO. Therapeutic Family Foster Care training sessions are now open to ALL foster parents.

(Please note: No one will be admitted for In-Person training 15 minutes after the scheduled start time.)

Click here to register for in-person training.

 

Foster Home Emergency Evacuation Procedures

For Family Foster Care emergency and evacuation procedures for foster homes click here.

Family Foster Care Grievance Procedure

If you feel you have been treated unfairly, in some way denied your rights, or have seen something that may be against the rules, please let us know.

Grievance Procedure

Grievance Form

 

 

Kelly’s Story

A life rebuilt, with the help of Morning Star

Read Kelly’s Story

Roberto’s Story

Chasing his dreams

Read Roberto’s Story

100%

of 12th graders in Family Foster Care graduated high school; 44% are enrolled in post-secondary education

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