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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Madonna Heights Group Residence

The Madonna Heights Group Residence offers trauma informed gender responsive care specific to the unique needs and issues of adolescent girls.

Located in a campus setting, the residence provides  24-hour residential care and a wide range of therapeutic services to support the girls and their families in their emotional, behavioral and social healing and growth. The program responds to a variety of behaviors typically displayed by girls including; truancy, school anxiety, mental health issues of anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self-directed violence, peer conflicts, family discord, sexual exploitation and runaway behaviors and trauma.

The youth in residence attend the Madonna Heights School, a fully accredited New York State Regents junior/senior high school located on the same campus.

The Group Residence offers traditional residential placements, short term 30-90 day placements and diagnostic placements.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Female adolescents struggling with a variety of issues: truancy , school anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self-directed violence, peer conflicts, family discord, sexual exploitation and runaway behaviors and trauma

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

12-17 years of age, IQ 70, secondary school

How to Access this Program or Service

Referrals are accepted from; Long Island School Districts; NYC Board of Education; Nassau and Suffolk Department of Social Services; Nassau and Suffolk Family Court Probation; Office of Children and Family Services

 

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

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

John Brown

"SCO has a direct impact on your neighbors." Learn More

We shelter

5,200

youth, adults and children

91%

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

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