Daniel’s Story

At 24, Daniel has overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Born with developmental disabilities, behavioral health issues, and addicted to drugs, Daniel entered foster care as an infant. He was adopted as a toddler by a loving mother who tragically passed away just a few years later. Daniel’s aunt cared for him until his needs eventually became too difficult for her to manage on her own. That’s when he was introduced to SCO.

When he was 15, Daniel came to SCO’s Extraordinary Needs group home, where specially-trained staff provide care, guidance, and a home-like experience for adolescents with developmental disabilities. At first, Daniel was reserved and had trouble communicating. But as time went on, Daniel gained confidence and found his voice – literally – while attending singing and performance workshops. Daniel

Since then, his progress has been nothing short of remarkable. Daniel is now able to talk and has become quite the social butterfly. He loves to bowl, watch Jeopardy, and engage in community activities. A budding diplomat (and Mets fan), he even attended a Yankees game with his housemates, although he refused to cheer.

Daniel is open and honest and has become a model resident. He’s a meticulous dresser who always puts his best foot forward. “That’s how we do it at SCO,” he says. Often referred to as the mayor of the house, Daniel keeps track of everything and everyone, advocating for himself and his peers.

As Daniel transitions to adulthood, SCO remains by his side with the supports he needs for a bright future. Last year, Daniel moved into a new SCO Individual Residential Alternative (IRA), a residence designed specifically for adults with challenges like his. Here Daniel continues to receive services, supports, and encouragement to live a full and independent life. New routines, new friends, and new adventures lay in store for Daniel, who is navigating his new surroundings like a pro.

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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.

The Fathers’ Program offers:

  • 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
  • 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

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Success Stories

Daniel’s Story

At 24, Daniel has overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Born with developmental disabilities, behavioral health issues, and addicted to drugs, Daniel entered foster care as an infant. He was adopted as a toddler by a loving mother who tragically passed away just a few years later. Daniel’s aunt cared for him… Learn More

Carlos’ Story

Carlos (pronoun they, their, them) is an amazing youth who was placed in SCO’s Family Foster Care program over 10 years ago. Carlos has undergone several hardships in their young life, however, they are a resilient youth who has remained focused on their schoolwork. Carlos graduated high school with high… Learn More

91%

of babies in our Nurse Family Partnership were current with immunizations at 24 months

Children in our NYC shelters had a

96%

attendance rate at NYC DOE schools

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