Fatu’s Story

At 19, Fatu’s future looks bright. She plans to go to Monroe College in the fall to follow her dream of becoming a lawyer. She’s currently going to school and working full-time as a paralegal at Queens Defenders, which provides free services to low-income people. Not long ago, she was a recipient of those services.

You see, the future did not always look so bright for Fatu. When she came to live in one of SCO’s residences for youth in foster care in 2018, she had had a difficult childhood, and she’d been in trouble with the law.

When Fatu was 12, her mother returned to their native Liberia with her younger brother, leaving Fatu with an abusive family friend in Queens. She eventually ran away, joined a gang and got into trouble.

When she first came to SCO, Fatu was confrontational with staff and other residents. But despite her rocky start at her new home, SCO staff has been behind her since day one. They encouraged her to further her education and pursue her GED. They showed her the right way to do things, and most of all, they showed her they cared.

Fatu’s former Queens Defenders lawyer, Anthony Martone, played a pivotal role in her turnaround. He saw her potential and went the extra mile to help her by initiating an internship program at the firm for past clients who’ve been through the juvenile justice system. Fatu was the first intern and became the first full-time hire from the program.

Fatu is positive, respectful, and focused. She loves her job and it has inspired her to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.

Her turnaround has been nothing short of miraculous, and it serves as an inspiration to other youth. Fatu is living proof of what is possible with a positive attitude, hard work, perseverance, and the help of caring adults who never stop believing in you.

See Fatu’s story in THE CITY.

(Photo: Ben Fractenberg-THE CITY)

Daniel’s Story

At 24, Daniel has overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Born with developmental disabilities, behavioral health issues, and addicted to drugs, Daniel entered foster care as an infant. He was adopted as a toddler by a loving mother who tragically passed away just a few years later. Daniel’s aunt cared for him until his needs eventually became too difficult for her to manage on her own. That’s when he was introduced to SCO.

When he was 15, Daniel came to SCO’s Extraordinary Needs group home, where specially-trained staff provide care, guidance, and a home-like experience for adolescents with developmental disabilities. At first, Daniel was reserved and had trouble communicating. But as time went on, Daniel gained confidence and found his voice – literally – while attending singing and performance workshops. Daniel

Since then, his progress has been nothing short of remarkable. Daniel is now able to talk and has become quite the social butterfly. He loves to bowl, watch Jeopardy, and engage in community activities. A budding diplomat (and Mets fan), he even attended a Yankees game with his housemates, although he refused to cheer.

Daniel is open and honest and has become a model resident. He’s a meticulous dresser who always puts his best foot forward. “That’s how we do it at SCO,” he says. Often referred to as the mayor of the house, Daniel keeps track of everything and everyone, advocating for himself and his peers.

As Daniel transitions to adulthood, SCO remains by his side with the supports he needs for a bright future. Last year, Daniel moved into a new SCO Individual Residential Alternative (IRA), a residence designed specifically for adults with challenges like his. Here Daniel continues to receive services, supports, and encouragement to live a full and independent life. New routines, new friends, and new adventures lay in store for Daniel, who is navigating his new surroundings like a pro.

Programas de Brooklyn para la primera infancia: ¡Regístrese hoy!

SCO ayuda a que los niños tengan un comienzo saludable con programas basados en el centro para familias jóvenes. ¡Nuestros Centros de educación de la primera infancia en Brooklyn tienen aperturas inmediatas! Ofrecemos instrucción de alta calidad y de jornada completa. Nuestros programas apoyan a los estudiantes de inglés y de dos idiomas, y a los niños con IEP. Nuestros programas cálidos y acogedores invitan a las familias a convertirse en socios activos en el crecimiento académico y el desarrollo del lenguaje de sus hijos.

Puntos destacados del programa

  • Opciones de 3K, Pre-K y jornada extendida durante todo el año
  • Cuidado infantil gratuito o a bajo costo para familias elegibles
  • Medidas de seguridad mejoradas que incluyen exámenes de salud y controles de temperatura diarios
  • Las actividades de lectoescritura y matemáticas preparan a los niños para tener éxito en el jardín de niños
  • Espacio de juegos al aire libre, además de arte, música y teatro
  • Desayuno, almuerzo y meriendas saludables
  • Maestros certificados del Estado de Nueva York

¿Quiere saber más? Llene el siguiente formulario

 

Programas en Brooklyn

FirstStepNYC: 225 Newport Street, Brooklyn, NY 11212

FirstStepNYC es un centro de educación temprana de vanguardia que brinda servicios educativos de alta calidad y apoyo para padres a mujeres embarazadas y familias con niños de seis semanas a cinco años de edad. El centro está ubicado junto con PS/IS 41, una escuela primaria y secundaria K-8 en Brownsville, Brooklyn.

 

 

Morris Koppelman Early Childhood Center: 774 Saratoga Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11212

El Centro en Brownsville, Brooklyn ofrece un programa académico de jornada completa para niños de 2.9 a 5 años de edad. El programa fomenta el desarrollo cognitivo, físico, social y emocional de los niños, dándoles las herramientas que necesitan para tener éxito en la escuela y alcanzar su máximo potencial.

 

Fatu’s Story

Changing Her Trajectory

At 19, Fatu’s future looks bright. She plans to go to Monroe College in the fall to follow her dream of becoming a lawyer. Learn More

Daniel’s Story

At 24, Daniel has overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Born with developmental disabilities, behavioral health issues, and addicted to drugs, Daniel entered foster care as an infant. He was adopted as a toddler by a loving mother who tragically passed away just a few years later. Daniel’s aunt cared for him… Learn More

We inspire

5,400

children and teens through academic, after-school, summer and work readiness programs

91%

of babies in our Nurse Family Partnership were current with immunizations at 24 months

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