RaShaan’s Story

RaShaan was a resilient young adult when he came into SCO’s Foster Care program over a year ago, unsure of the future and longing for stability. Though he initially stepped into our residential group home with apprehension, it soon became a haven where he formed bonds and found constant support. RaShaan was relieved he finally had a place to call home.

Rashaan was assigned a Forward Journey coach, Arzu, who works with him on his education, career, and life skill goals. As Rashaan puts it, “She’s the person I call for anything and everything.”

When he first came into care, he wasn’t enrolled in school, didn’t have a job, and was unsure of the paths he wanted to follow. Arzu encouraged him to go back to get his GED and connected him to SCO’s Mentored Internship Program (MIP).

In MIP, Rashaan was able to work on his resume, cover letter, interview skills, and network. After completing MIP, he continues to receive support through SCO’s Passages to Adulthood program, where he learns independent living skills and interns – gaining real world job experience.

Under a steadfast mentorship, RaShaan reignited his educational drive, pursuing his GED with an aspiration to excel in the performing arts. With skills sharpened through SCO’s programs to support youth in care, he stands at the threshold of a bright future, enriched by invaluable experiences and friendships.

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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Residential Living for Youth in Foster Care

SCO’s Agency Operated Boarding Homes (AOBHs) are small, group residential homes that are grouped by the needs of our youth. Our homes in Brooklyn and Queens provide a supportive home environment for youth in foster care who have multiple challenges.

Our Hard to Place residences provide a safe, structured living environment for youth who are not currently living with a foster family. We provide case work management support, clinical services, and an array of other supports with a goal of reunification with family, placement in another family setting, or independent living with supportive services always offered.

Our Extraordinary Needs homes offer a structured, therapeutic environment for youth in foster care who are intellectually and developmentally disabled. We provide ongoing care and intensive independent living preparation with a goal of reunification with family, placement in another family setting, or transition to an adult supportive environment.

Our LGBTQ homes are the only residential programs in New York City for young people in care who identify as LGBTQ, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning. Our programs provide 24-hour care in a uniquely affirming and healing environment. We operate small, home-like settings in Brooklyn and Queens that provide a safe, supportive and nurturing space for these youth as they strive for self-awareness and community, family and school acceptance.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Adolescents and young adults in foster care with multiple challenges who need 24/7 supervision

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Ages 16-21; in foster care; multiple prior failed placements; some homes designated for LGBTQ youth; some for youth with extraordinary needs and/or developmental disabilities

How to Access this Program or Service

NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) foster care services

This program is associated with...

Foster Care

For over 50 years, SCO's Foster Care practice has been helping children and their families grow, heal and thrive. We find safe, temporary families for children and teens throughout New York City and Long Island. Read More

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

Northwell Health, NYC Administration for Children’s Services, Center for Fair Futures & Foster Agencies Launch Program to Improve Health Services for Young Adults Transitioning out of Care

December 15, 2023

SCO Family of Services Celebrates Grand Opening of Journey Chic Boutique Operated by Youth in Foster Care

November 29, 2023

RaShaan’s Story

Reigniting educational drive through mentorship opportunities

Read RaShaan’s Story

Jasmine’s Story

Foster Care staff helps Jasmine turn lived experience to advocacy for others

Read Jasmine’s Story

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