Ryan’s Story

At 7 years old, Ryan was removed from his mother’s home and placed in SCO’s Foster Care program. Options for exploring his interests and creativity were limited. But that all changed for Ryan when his mentor at SCO encouraged and empowered him to pursue his dreams.

This mentorship broadened Ryan’s world and opened doors to opportunities. He discovered his abilities and strengths, nurtured a love for science, and developed his networking skills. Today, Ryan is proud to pay his experience forward by mentoring, encouraging, and guiding younger children at SCO.

Ryan is now a sophomore majoring in Biology at Jamestown Community College. SCO assisted him with transportation, college applications, and opportunities for financial aid to help him fulfill his potential and continue his education.

“Thank you for investing in my future,” said Ryan. “There is so much I would not have been able to do without the care and support that I received from SCO Family of Services.”

Manuel’s Story

Manuel is a man with a plan. He loves to cook and aspires to be a chef at a 5-star restaurant one day. Until then, he hones his skills at home preparing his children’s favorite meals each week. A hard-working, single father of three teenagers, ‘family first’ is his mantra and guiding force through good times and bad.

When a series of unfortunate events caused Manuel to lose his job, fall behind in rent, and eventually lose his apartment, he worried about his kids, he worried for himself; he needed to find a way to keep his family together.

Manuel and his children moved into SCO’s Flushing Family Residence in Brooklyn to help him get back on his feet. Manuel recalls, “They gave us a second chance at life. SCO provided me with a roof over my head, access to food pantries, and even provided us with fun and recreation that lifted our spirits.”

While at the shelter, the family received counseling, housing services, and family support services to ease the transition. Manuel laid out a clear path for his family. His goal was to “find us a home, build a foundation, and get the kids in school.” He wasted no time in setting that plan in action. Manuel found steady employment working at a men’s shelter, which he recalls “opened my eyes and pushed me to want to be better and do better for my family.” Staff helped Manuel find an apartment suitable for his large family and their cat Patrick, who had been living with a friend. And all three children settled into their new schools and new life.

“SCO is heaven sent,” exclaimed Manuel. “I am able to do more for my family now and live a productive life.”

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Fatherhood Program

Dad in fatherhood program holding up baby

SCO’s Fatherhood Program helps fathers reconnect with their children and develop essential parenting skills through classes, workshops, and support groups – plus special events for the whole family.

Our Fatherhood Program provides a supportive environment where fathers can feel safe to share their concerns and learn from one another. This program is in partnership with the Department of Youth and Community Development.

Who We Serve:
  • Fathers of any age living in NYC with one or more children under 18
  • Fathers at or below poverty level
  • Fathers with no visitation, supervised or unsupervised visitation
  • Fathers in any stage of legal, child support or family court involvement.
  • Coparents
What We Offer:
  • Parenting Skills Training
  • Case Management
  • Community Projects
  • Support Groups
  • Family Events
  • Incentive Milestones
  • Anger Management and Abusive Partner Intervention Program workshops
Co-Parenting Program

The Fatherhood Program has a Co-Parenting Program for dads and moms, offering many of the services listed above, as well as:

In-Person Workshops (1368 Fulton St., Brooklyn):

Tuesdays and Thursdays
5-7 pm: Parenting
7-8 pm: Anger Management, Abusive Partner Intervention Program (APIP) (Domestic Violence)

Thursdays
4-5 pm: Support Groups

Virtual Workshops:

Mondays and Wednesdays
6-8 pm: Parenting Skills
8-9 pm: Anger Management, APIP – Abusive Partner Intervention Program (Domestic Violence)

Wednesdays
5-6 pm: Support Groups

How to Access this Program or Service:

Contact the program director at 347-554-0076 or cjoseph2@sco.org

Documents needed to enroll:
  • Picture ID
  • Proof of Address and Income
Make a Referral

To make a referral to the Fatherhood Program, please fill out this referral form.

Awards

2018 & 2019 Best Fatherhood Program – New York City’s Department for Youth and Community Development and the 2019 Brooklyn Defender Services Award.

 

Services

  • Parenting Support
  • Employment/Job Readiness
  • Family/Parent/Individual Counseling
  • Domestic Violence Prevention

This program is associated with...

A Vibrant Brownsville

Brownsville, Brooklyn is a vibrant, evolving, and unique neighborhood; and SCO is proud of our partnership with the community for over three decades.  Read More

Related News

“Stronger Dads, Brighter Futures” Event Provides Resources and Support for Fathers

June 13, 2023

SCO Fathers’ Program Named Fatherhood Program of the Year

July 18, 2018

Ryan’s Story

Empowerment through mentorship

Read Ryan’s Story

Manuel’s Story

"SCO's Flushing Family Residence gave us a second chance at life."

Read Manuel’s Story

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youth currently in or recently discharged from foster care are receiving coaching through Fair Futures

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