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 Treatment and Rehabilitation – Queens

Family Treatment and Rehabilitation provides supportive services for families with a caregiver or child with substance abuse or mental health issues. Also known as intensive preventive services, FTR programs offer the same basic services offered by Family Counseling and Support Programs, but these services are modified and/or intensified to meet the family’s specific needs. The programs make active efforts to link family members to substance abuse and mental health treatment programs or self-help groups. In addition to being assigned a Case Planner, each family works with a Parent Aide to assist parents with home visits, escorting, teaching home management skills, and more. Specialized, licensed staff provide mental health and substance abuse evaluations and consultation.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Families in need of parenting support and help finding resources to strengthen their families / families with involvement with Administration for Children’s Services due to alleged abuse or neglect.

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Families who are pregnant or with children under 18, with a family member with mental illness or substance abuse, in Queens CDs 1,2,3,4

How to Access this Program or Service

Contact the program director at 718-803-2000

Success Stories

Marissa

Bronx Arena High School

"She made me feel good about myself." 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 inspire

8,200

children and teens through academic, after-school, summer and work readiness programs

148

students in our transfer high schools who were at risk of dropping out graduated with a Regents diploma