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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Family Dynamics Beacon Center at MS 35

The Beacon Center is a cornerstone of the Bedford Stuyvesant community. Located in MS 35, the Beacon Center provides a wide range of after school activities as well as evening and weekend services, workshops, summer enrichment programs, and recreational activities open to every family in the neighborhood.

The Beacon Center is a vital hub of activity within the neighborhood and serves as a gathering place for local and family celebrations. More than 2,000 children and adults participate in programs and events at the Beacon Center each year. Additionally, we partner with community organizations and local agencies to on a variety of programming including a drum and bugle corps, basketball leagues, fitness classes, computer literacy classes, and dance.

Success Stories

Declan’s Forever Family

"Adopting Declan was life-changing. You felt the ground shift." 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

Last year,

97%

of children in our early education centers met or exceeded national literacy performance standards