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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Children’s Community Residences

Our Children’s Community Residences, located in Queens and Long Island, provide a structured, supportive, home-like environment for adolescents who are ready for discharge from higher levels of care such as Residential Treatment Facilities and psychiatric hospitals, but are not yet ready to return home.

While in our program, working in conjunction with their family supports, youth learn the skills necessary to live and function as active members of the community, while learning to adopt the necessary coping, self-care and independent living skills necessary to successfully integrate back to the family home and  community.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Youth with SED needing a structured setting in the community

Age Criteria

10- 18 years of age

How to Access this Program or Service

Referrals go through the Children’s Single Point of Acccess (C-SPOA)

 

 

Success Stories

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

Center for Family Life Helps Areliz Build a Brighter Future

"I'm doing this to provide for my kids...for everything that they deserve." Learn More

93%

of graduates at SCO's high school for over-age, under-credited students received a NYS Regent's diploma.

We help

2,000

children get ready for kindergarten