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.

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.

Holiday Giving 2020

 

Below are ways to provide support:

1. Make a financial contribution to enable us to purchase gifts to bring holiday cheer to the individuals and families we serve. Be sure to indicate that your donation is to be used to purchase gifts.

2. Visit our registries by clicking the links below to order gifts and have them shipped directly to SCO Development Office, 151 Burrs Lane, Dix Hills, NY 11746.

Target
Amazon
Walmart

3. Purchase gift cards to Target, Amazon, Walmart, Bath & Body Works, Starbuck’s, Dunkin’, Restaurants, etc. to give to those in need and send them to SCO Development Office, 151 Burrs Lane, Dix Hills, NY 11746.

4. Purchase gifts and deliver them to SCO’s Program Support Center located at 151 Burrs Lane, Dix Hills, NY. Click here for our holiday giving flyer for gift ideas or visit our registries.

5. Adopt a program. Call 631-213-0155 to find out how you, your business, or your community group can adopt one of our programs for the holidays.

6. Shop AmazonSmile. Shop at smile.amazon.com and 0.5% of eligible purchases will be donated to SCO Family of Services—no fees, no extra cost. Sign up at smile.amazon.com and select SCO Family of Services. Same products, same prices, same services as the Amazon you know.

7. Like us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Connect with us on social media and see how we are making a difference every day.

Happy Holidays From Our Family To Yours!

Roberto’s Story

Chasing his dreams

Read Roberto’s Story

Kelly’s Story

A life rebuilt, with the help of Morning Star

Read Kelly’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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