Fatu’s Story

At 19, Fatu’s future looks bright. She plans to go to Monroe College in the fall to follow her dream of becoming a lawyer. She’s currently going to school and working full-time as a paralegal at Queens Defenders, which provides free services to low-income people. Not long ago, she was a recipient of those services.

You see, the future did not always look so bright for Fatu. When she came to live in one of SCO’s residences for youth in foster care in 2018, she had had a difficult childhood, and she’d been in trouble with the law.

When Fatu was 12, her mother returned to their native Liberia with her younger brother, leaving Fatu with an abusive family friend in Queens. She eventually ran away, joined a gang and got into trouble.

When she first came to SCO, Fatu was confrontational with staff and other residents. But despite her rocky start at her new home, SCO staff has been behind her since day one. They encouraged her to further her education and pursue her GED. They showed her the right way to do things, and most of all, they showed her they cared.

Fatu’s former Queens Defenders lawyer, Anthony Martone, played a pivotal role in her turnaround. He saw her potential and went the extra mile to help her by initiating an internship program at the firm for past clients who’ve been through the juvenile justice system. Fatu was the first intern and became the first full-time hire from the program.

Fatu is positive, respectful, and focused. She loves her job and it has inspired her to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.

Her turnaround has been nothing short of miraculous, and it serves as an inspiration to other youth. Fatu is living proof of what is possible with a positive attitude, hard work, perseverance, and the help of caring adults who never stop believing in you.

See Fatu’s story in THE CITY.

(Photo: Ben Fractenberg-THE CITY)

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SCO Beacon at MS 35

After School • Summer Rising • Beacon Community Center

SCO’s Beacon Community Center at MS35 provides school-aged after school and summer programs as well as workshops, enrichment programs, recreational and fitness activities during evenings and weekends for community residents of all ages. The programs promote individual growth, support family life, create a sense of community, and welcome all children and adults living in the community.

SCO’s After School Program at MS 35 offers homework assistance, virtual gaming, DIY projects and dance for students in grades 4-8. The program allows students to engage in activities that enrich their education, foster their academic achievement, and prepare them for future success. The After School Program is an essential resource for working families, providing a safe and enriching environment during out-of-school hours.

SCO’s Summer Rising at MS35 provides a safe and engaging summer experience, where children can develop academic, creative and artistic abilities through art, music, film, dance and sports. Our camps equip young people with leadership development, character building, recreation, and academic enrichment, including STEM and literacy programs. On-site activities are combined with cultural, educational and recreational trips throughout New York City. The program is open to students in grades K-9. To assist working families, we offer an extended summer schedule 6 days a week that provides structured activities in the evenings and on Saturdays to keep children safe and involved.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

4th-5th graders at Brooklyn Brownstone School / 6th-8th graders at MS 35, and neighboring schools, needing after school. Families in the community needing summer camp. Brooklyn residents looking for free evening and weekend recreational activities

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

4th-8th graders for after school activities; K-9th grade for summer camp

How to Access this Program or Service

Contact the program director at 718-674-8320

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85%

of residents in our group homes for adults with developmental disabilities attended Day Habilitation and receive vocational services

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