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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Bronx Arena High School

Bronx Arena High School is a partnership between the NYC Department of Education and SCO Family of Services. We work with over-aged and under-credited students who have not succeeded in traditional high schools. Our students and families make a serious commitment to successfully completing requirements to earn a New York State Regents diploma. Our staff makes an equally serious commitment to supporting students through that process.

Bronx Arena is an asynchronous blended-learning educational environment  aligned to Common Core and Regents requirements that is structured to meet the needs of individual students. Our curriculum is delivered electronically via a web-based platform, and is accessible to students both in and out of school. The electronic curriculum allows students to move through classes as they are able and we do not impose a structure of semesters or trimesters. We require revisions of work in order to insure that students who graduate are ready to meet the demands of college and/or career. Students can graduate at any time of year that they satisfy NYS requirements for a high school diploma.

Bronx Arena High School provides students with a supportive and personalized learning environment. Our school features:

  • A small learning community of 200 students
  • Advocate Counselors (AC) support each student’s academic, personal and social development
  • A full social service counseling and referral program
  • Parent participation is encouraged and parents are fully informed about student progress.
  • Paid supervised internships at a worksite in the school and/or community are available for students in good academic standing
  • College and career support
  • Students are expected to develop and implement a post high school plan prior to graduation

To request information and/or to attend an Open House please call 718-860-5056.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Students 16 through 20 years of age who are under-credited and want to receive a high school diploma

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Admission to Bronx Arena High School is based on NYC DOE established eligibility criteria, an assessment of student motivation and need, a willingness to engage individually and in groups with Advocate Counselors, teachers and peers.

How to Access this Program or Service

To request information and/or to attend an Open House please call 718.860.5056. We have a rolling admission and graduation process.

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Success Stories

Jackie Tyree Kos

"It’s exciting to be involved with an agency that is doing so much good for so many people." Learn More

Manuel’s Story

Homeless Services & Family Support

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

95%

of women in our residential recovery program remained substance free

93%

of adults with developmental disabilities living in SCO’s IRAs (group homes) made meaningful connections by participating in community inclusion activities

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