Fadwa’s Story

To say Fadwa is driven is an understatement. She doesn’t dream of becoming a surgical nurse, she is actively taking steps to make it happen. And to make her mother proud.

Fadwa lost her mother to cancer when she was just 13 years old. Her father expected Fadwa to assume her mother’s responsibilities and moved the family often, keeping them distanced from any extended family. She was not allowed to have friends or participate in extracurricular activities. She attended five different high schools and managed to maintain excellent grades while she cooked, cleaned, and took care of her two brothers and father.

At 17, she was abandoned by her father and placed in SCO’s foster care program. SCO helped stabilize the teen, placed her with a foster family, and eventually was able to locate a maternal aunt who opened her heart and home to her long-lost niece through kinship foster care.

Despite her early challenges, Fadwa stays focused on the opportunities ahead of her. SCO’s foster care staff helped her prepare for college; guiding her through the application process and helping her achieve both a Dream USA Scholarship and a Youth in Foster Care Award.  Currently a student at Borough of Manhattan Community College, SCO helped her secure an internship with a surgeon at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Fadwa’s goal is to keep her GPA high enough to get into nursing school. And we have no doubt she will achieve this and so much more.

 

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Independence Inns

Located in Brooklyn and Queens, Independence Inns provide shelter and support for young people who are experiencing homelessness or have run away. Our staff helps residents finish school and acquire skills that will prepare them to be self-sufficient. Several of our Independence Inns serve young woman and their children.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Young men and women who are runaway or homeless

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Young men and women who have already reached the age of 16, but are not yet 21 years old

How to Access this Program or Service

You can access this service by visiting a Drop-In Center and/or youth crisis shelter in New York City (within the DYCD continuum). Or contact DYCD Youth Connect at 800-246-4646 or 646-343-6800

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

Success Stories

Fadwa’s Story

Foster Care and Education

“I’m going to be successful regardless of what I’ve been through." Learn More

Tatiania

Bronx Arena High School

"When somebody comes to you and they just really want to learn it's like you know what? I know it. I'm going to teach you." Learn More

96%

of 12th graders in Family Foster Care graduated high school; 61% are enrolled in post-secondary education

We inspire

5,400

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

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