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.

Michael’s Story

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.

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

SCO ayuda a que los niños tengan un comienzo saludable con programas basados en el centro y en el hogar para familias jóvenes. ¡Nuestros Centros de educación de la primera infancia en Queens tienen aperturas inmediatas! Ofrecemos una instrucción de alta calidad y de jornada completa en el sitio, a distancia, o una combinación de ambos. 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

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Programas en Queens

Corona Early Childhood Center: 33-27 97th Street, Queens, NY 11368

Pre-K de jornada completa durante todo el año que se centra en el desarrollo saludable y prepara a los niños para el éxito en la escuela.

Jerome Hardeman Early Childhood Center: 29-49 Gillmore Street, Flushing, NY 11369

El Jerome Hardeman Early Childhood Center ofrece un programa académico de jornada completa durante todo el año en un entorno seguro y atractivo para niños de 2.9 meses a 5 años de edad, incluida la UPK.

Redes de cuidado infantil familiar

Los proveedores de cuidado infantil en el hogar en East Elmhurst, Corona, Jackson Heights, Flushing, Rego Park y Forest Hills ofrecen a las familias con bebés, niños pequeños y preescolares un programa de jornada completa durante todo el año que fomenta el desarrollo y el aprendizaje saludables.