Shana’s Story

I have been challenged with addiction for 10 years, and have been in and out of outpatient treatment and detox several times – but I would always relapse.

When I arrived at Morning Star, I was at the lowest point in my life. Things were spiraling out of control. My four children had been taken from me and placed in foster care with a family member. And then I learned that I was 5 months pregnant.

I arrived with the worst attitude in the world. I was just so angry all the time. But at Morning Star, I started to reflect and gain clarity. I realized that I was hurt and angry with myself. And that’s when the healing began. Everything had been a fight up to that point. But I had nowhere to run – I had to face my problems.

Morning Star helped save my life. They never gave up on me.

Every interaction with my counselor and every staff member helped prepare me to re-enter the world clean and ready to thrive.

I attended treatment 5 days a week, attended a medical assistant program, and became certified in a workforce development program for nontraditional roles for women. And I learned that I am worth it! From now on, I show up, set up, and remain teachable.

When my baby, Liliana, was born, I can’t express how much the onsite child care at Morning Star II helped in my recovery. It made it possible for me to go to treatment, attend school, and focus on me. The structure kept me accountable for being a parent and prepared e for the real world.

I knew I was finally on a path to a better life when I left Morning Star. The court saw the improvements in me, too, and my children came back home to me. I never thought that would happen. Today, thanks to Morning Star, I have a home and my family lives under one roof.

I still visit the program to let them know of my progress. My goal is to be fully self-supported. I know there will be obstacles ahead of me. But I am prepared to take it one day at a time.

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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

Shana’s Story

Family First

Morning Star helped save my life. They never gave up on me. Learn More

Kaitlyn & Khamion

Early Education & Family Support Services

“I love this school. Sometimes I felt like giving up, but Kaitlyn was always my motivation.” Learn More

We shelter

5,500

youth, adults and children

Last year, we placed

2,007

youth in employment, subsidized employment or internships