Kaitlyn’s Story

If you asked Kaitlyn years ago about how her experience at SCO’s Madonna Heights would help her grow, she wouldn’t have had an answer. Kaitlyn’s painful childhood meant being in and out of hospitals, group homes, and residential programs starting at just 8 years old. After her 16th birthday, she arrived at SCO’s Madonna Heights campus feeling angry, defiant, untrusting, and alone. Her struggle persisted – until everything changed for the better.

According to Kaitlyn, every single person she encountered at Madonna Heights made her feel human, loved, important, safe, and secure. She thrived for two years living on the Madonna Heights campus with a new support system focused on helping her achieve her personal, emotional, and academic goals. Today, Kaitlyn is overjoyed to use her life experiences to help guide the next generation of young women as a Youth Advocate at Madonna Heights.

Kaitlyn’s journey gave her the knowledge and insight to show people that no one is alone, to encourage them to advocate for themselves and to guide them on the path to finding their self-worth.

“Knowing my story can influence the story of another young girl which inspires me to give back,” said Kaitlyn.

 

 

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Bethany Program

The Bethany Program consists of group residences located in Brooklyn and Queens, which provide a supportive home environment for pregnant and parenting teens in foster care. Young women in the program are assisted with educational, vocational, and independent living skills acquisition as they develop the necessary parenting skills to provide safe and nurturing care for their children.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Pregnant teens and teen mothers with custody of their child(ren)

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Ages 15-21; in foster care

How to Access this Program or Service

NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) foster care services

Success Stories

Adam Graves

"Garden of Dreams is the single most important thing we do.” Learn More

Kaitlyn’s Story

Importance of having patience, letting go and expressing my feelings without action

“Knowing my story can influence the story of another young girl which inspires me to give back,” said Kaitlyn. Learn More

4 out of 5

young adults (21+) at our Residential Treatment Center for youth with developmental disabilities participate in Day Habilitation or are enrolled in school

99%

of at-risk families throughout Brooklyn & Queens remained together and stable with family support services

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