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 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

Nicholas

Support for individuals with special needs

“The confidence Nick has grown in the short time he’s been at the group home is amazing." 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

4,100

people with special needs develop skills to reach their full potential

100%

of eligible residents at our Madonna Heights Residential Treatment Facility participated in work, internship, or volunteer activities

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