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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Fathers’ Program

SCO’s Fathers’ Program helps fathers reconnect with their children and develop essential parenting skills through classes, workshops, and support groups – plus special events for the whole family. The program provides a supportive environment where fathers can feel safe to share their concerns and learn from one another. This program is designed for non-custodial fathers in partnership with the Department of Youth and Community Development.

Parenting skills classes, individual and family counseling, case management, anger management classes, domestic violence prevention classes, parent advocacy, child support & visitation assistance; educational & employment counseling; Father-to-Father mentoring; family budgeting; and mediation & conflict resolution training.

Awards

2018 & 2019 Best Fatherhood Program – New York City’s Department for Youth and Community Development and the 2019 Brooklyn Defender Services Award.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Non-custodial fathers who need parenting, anger management or domestic violence classes and case management support.

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Non-custodial fathers in Brooklyn with one or more children under 18

How to Access this Program or Service

Contact the program director at 917-966-4620

 

This program is associated with...

A Vibrant Brownsville

Brownsville, Brooklyn is a vibrant, evolving, and unique neighborhood; and SCO is proud of our partnership with the community for over three decades.  Read More

Related News

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June 27, 2019

SCO Family of Services Fathers’ Program Celebrates Moms

May 17, 2019

Dads Celebrating Moms

June 5, 2018

SCO Fathers’ Program Named Fatherhood Program of the Year

July 18, 2018

Success Stories

Fatu’s Story

Changing Her Trajectory

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. Learn More

The Storeys’ Extended Family

Family Care

“We do this for the love in our hearts for them. We’ve seen how much progress they’ve made with care and love." Learn More

We help

1,700

children get ready for kindergarten

Last year,

94%

of children in our early education centers met or exceeded goals for social-emotional development

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