When Michael was incarcerated, he felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. Trying to rebuild his life afterward felt nearly impossible—the uncertainty, the fear of what the future holds, and the pressure to somehow figure it all out. He felt like society had already given up on him, and the road ahead seemed dark.
But then Michael discovered SCO’s Young Adult Workforce Program (YAWP). The Young Adult Workforce Program helps young adults on Rikers Island prepare for the future by providing training and support, both before and after release, to help create a smooth transition back to the community.
Michael took full advantage of the opportunity. Through YAWP, Michael gained valuable skills and opportunities that have helped him meet life’s challenges head-on. Through hard work and dedication, Michael earned his OSHA 30 certification, a barista license, and even a barbering license. He obtained his driver’s license and his state ID.
To some people, they might seem like small things, but to Michael, they were life-changing. Those documents weren’t just pieces of paper—they were a lifeline. They represented hope, a future, and the possibility of standing on his own two feet upon his release. The staff of the Young Adult Workforce Program didn’t see Michael’s past, they saw his potential. And they helped him see it, too.
When Michael came home, he was ready…with a renewed sense of purpose.
Just five days after his release, Michael was hired by the REFORM Alliance, a highly respected criminal justice reform organization, to be their Gen Z Organizer. He loves the work and the opportunity it gives him to help others, just like he was. He’s a big believer in paying it forward.
“SCO gave me back something I thought I had lost—my sense of self. They gave me the belief that I could make it, that I had worth, and that my future wasn’t defined by my past. They allowed me to see that there is a community out there that cares, that’s ready to help lift you up when you need it most.”
Michael has demonstrated exceptional resilience and determination in overcoming challenges and is on a path to a successful future. He is a shining example of the transformative impact that support, guidance, and opportunity can have on a young person’s life.
Meet Alhassane, originally from Guinea, who began his quest for asylum in the United States in October 2023. His journey was driven by a need to escape the violence, political instability, and poverty in his homeland.
Upon his arrival to America, Alhassane faced homelessness in New York City for a month, seeking help from a mosque, another Runaway Homeless Youth provider, and finally SCO Family of Services. Alhassane found refuge at Independence Inn I, where he received support in maintaining employment, enrolling in school, applying for supportive housing, and securing immigration services to pursue American citizenship.
Currently, Alhassane works as a delivery driver for DoorDash and sends money back to his family in Guinea whenever possible to alleviate their financial struggles. He is enrolled in Pathways to Graduation, aiming to obtain his GED diploma. In his spare time, Alhassane enjoys swimming and going to the gym.
A significant milestone occurred on October 3, 2025, when Alhassane moved into his own supportive housing apartment in Brooklyn. This achievement marks a tremendous step forward in his journey. As Alhassane received the keys to his new apartment, he expressed his deep gratitude for the support he received from SCO. The Independence Inn I and Brooklyn Youth Center teams played a crucial role in assisting him with the move, ensuring a smooth transition to independence.
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