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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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

Antoinette’s Story

Morning Star

"They helped me learn how to be myself, then how to be a mom." 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

93%

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

Last year,

288

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

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