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 Family Foster Care – Sunset Park

Our Family Foster Care program, which has gained wide recognition as a model for neighborhood-based, family-centered services in New York City and across the United States, provides training and case management for licensed foster families in Sunset Park.

By placing children with foster families in the community, the program seeks to reduce the trauma of separation from family members and to maximize opportunities for remediation and reunification in a normalizing neighborhood environment. Our program model is based on providing help to overcome barriers to effective parenting and supports to promote greater parental competency. Equally important is our focus on supporting meaningful community involvement in networks of friends and social services, with the goal of promoting ongoing family stability. Birth parents, foster parents, and children have access to services and resources at the Center and in the community both during and after the placement period.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Parents with a child in foster care, foster parents, and children in foster care who live in Sunset Park, Brooklyn

How to Access this Program or Service

Contact the program at 718.438.9500

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

Foster Care

For over 50 years, SCO's Foster Care practice has been helping children and their families grow, heal and thrive. We find safe, temporary families for children and teens throughout New York City and Long Island. Read More

Success Stories

Nicholas

Support for individuals with special needs

“The confidence Nick has grown in the short time he’s been at the group home is amazing." 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

We help

2,000

children get ready for kindergarten

We help

2,500

people with special needs develop skills to reach their full potential