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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CFL Co-op, Business Development

The Cooperative Business Development Program mobilizes community members and organizations to develop and launch cooperative businesses. We partner with immigrant and low-income workers to create new pathways to economic stability and opportunities for leadership. We support cooperatives in Sunset Park and partner with organizations that are engaged in incubating cooperative businesses. We offer an in-depth training on cooperative development, tailored support and technical assistance, and ongoing workshops to share learning and best practices.

The co-ops include ‘We Can Do It’, a house cleaning co-op, ‘Beyond Care’, a childcare co-op, ‘Golden Steps’, an elder care co-op and ‘Émigré Gourmet’, a collective business that provides catering services and cooking lessons.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Immigrant and low-income workers who want to create new pathways to economic stability and opportunities for leadership

How to Access this Program or Service

Contact the program at 718.492.9500

Our Coops

Directory of Worker Cooperatives

This program is associated with...

Center For Family Life

Our mission is to promote positive outcomes for children, adults and families in Sunset Park through the provision of a comprehensive range of neighborhood-based family and social services. Read More

Success Stories

H. Craig Treiber

"The diversity and impact of the services provided make me proud to support the organization.” 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

Last year,

288

children were reunified with their parents who worked hard preparing for their return home

We shelter

4,900

youth, adults and children