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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Close to Home Residences

SCO’s Close to Home Program is a network of residences for 13-17 year olds involved in the juvenile justice system. The program utilizes the evidenced-based Missouri approach to focus on counseling, structure, education, skill-building and connection to family. We offer intensive after care services for a period of 6-9 months once a youth is released home to ensure the generalization of the skills they have acquired while in the program and to reduce recidivism.  Located in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx, these residences are consistent with our philosophy of placing adolescents in small homes located in the communities near their families. Our Close to Home Program also includes residences for youth with developmental disabilities in order to better serve their specific needs.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Youth adjudicated as juvenile delinquents and sentenced to serve time in placement

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Age 12-17; convicted of misdemeanors or low level felonies as juveniles

How to Access this Program or Service

Placed through NYC Family Court and NYC Administration for Children’s Services

 

Success Stories

Chris & Ed Stack

Donors with a deep commitment to community 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

We help

1,400

children and young adults through foster care programs

4 out of 5

runaway or homeless youth leaving our transitional living programs are engaged in educational pursuits or gainful employment