Jasmine’s Story

I entered foster care at 16 years old and was placed in the home of “Aunt” Nessa, as I liked to call her. Few people knew of my situation; it was our little secret. I was embarrassed by the family dysfunction that led me to this strange place in my life, and with the support of my SCO caseworkers, I realized that education was my way out.

My goal was to attend Spelman College. I faced some naysayers; guidance counselors who said it was too expensive, others who felt I would never get in. But my SCO caseworkers and staff supported my decision. They stayed on top of me, making sure I filled out every document and scholarship. It was the staff’s unwavering support and positive reinforcement that sustained me.

I was accepted to Spelman with scholarships from several organizations as well as financial support from SCO’s education and permanency program, which helped me afford my housing.

But that was just the start of my journey. During summer break, I earned an internship volunteering with foster youth and their families through AmeriCorps that changed my life. I didn’t want any special treatment, so no one at my job was aware of my status as a foster youth. But as I worked in the family visiting room, much like a fly on the wall, I watched young people about my age visiting with the children they had lost custody of, some pregnant again. I saw a vicious cycle happening before my eyes.

It was that summer I realized that as a woman of color, as a foster youth, and as a human being who just cares, it would be a disservice if I didn’t take advantage of my unique pairing of lived experiences and desire to affect change.

Today, I am at Teachers College Columbia University earning my Masters in Clinical Psychology on a full scholarship, so that I, too, can be a source of support for youth in need.

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SCO 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

East Brooklyn Community High School Students Reflect on Graduation Day

"They're your backbone, they help you and support you no matter what you do in life." Learn More

Jasmine’s Story

From Foster Care to Advocate

Today, I am at Teachers College Columbia University earning my Masters in Clinical Psychology on a full scholarship, so that I, too, can be a source of support for youth in need. Learn More

Almost

90%

of clients at our Brooklyn Youth Center achieved their employment goals

94%

of students at Westbrook Preparatory School passed the Regents exam on the first try

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