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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Madonna Heights Family Service Clinic

The Madonna Heights Family Service Clinic is an outpatient mental health clinic, supporting families as they overcome obstacles and strengthen existing bonds. We offer individual, group, marital, family and play therapies to all members of families living in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Our experienced and compassionate mental health therapists and board-certified adult and child psychiatrists use trauma-informed and culturally sensitive treatment models to address the emotional, psychiatric, and behavioral needs of those we serve.

We provide psychiatric assessments, medication management, complex trauma assessments, psychiatric monitoring, and evidence-based therapy. We specialize in working with families and focus on building strong healing relationships.

We provide comprehensive mental health services, including:

  • Assessment
  • Complex Trauma Assessment
  • Collaborative Treatment Planning
  • Individual Therapy
  • Family Therapy
  • Group Therapy
  • Marital Therapy
  • Psychiatric Evaluation
  • Medication Management
  • Referrals and linkages to community providers

Hours of Operation
Mon to Thurs: 10AM to 9PM
Friday: 11AM to 7PM
Saturday: 8AM to 5PM

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Providing mental health evidence-based therapy and psychiatric interventions for individuals age 5 and up, families, couples

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Minimum age 5

How to Access this Program or Service

Open Access hours twice weekly. Please call the clinic office to confirm current Open Access hours

 

This program is associated with...

Madonna Heights

Providing an environment that teaches, strengthens and encourages young and adult women to heal from trauma. Read More

Success Stories

Declan’s Forever Family

"Adopting Declan was life-changing. You felt the ground shift." 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 help

2,500

people with special needs develop skills to reach their full potential

Last year,

288

children were reunified with their parents who worked hard preparing for their return home