Kaitlyn’s Story

If you asked Kaitlyn years ago about how her experience at SCO’s Madonna Heights would help her grow, she wouldn’t have had an answer. Kaitlyn’s painful childhood meant being in and out of hospitals, group homes, and residential programs starting at just 8 years old. After her 16th birthday, she arrived at SCO’s Madonna Heights campus feeling angry, defiant, untrusting, and alone. Her struggle persisted – until everything changed for the better.

According to Kaitlyn, every single person she encountered at Madonna Heights made her feel human, loved, important, safe, and secure. She thrived for two years living on the Madonna Heights campus with a new support system focused on helping her achieve her personal, emotional, and academic goals. Today, Kaitlyn is overjoyed to use her life experiences to help guide the next generation of young women as a Youth Advocate at Madonna Heights.

Kaitlyn’s journey gave her the knowledge and insight to show people that no one is alone, to encourage them to advocate for themselves and to guide them on the path to finding their self-worth.

“Knowing my story can influence the story of another young girl which inspires me to give back,” said Kaitlyn.

 

 

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Madonna Heights School

The Madonna Heights School is a fully accredited New York State Regents Junior/Senior High School for adolescent girls who are struggling in their community school or live on the Madonna Heights campus at our Group Residence or Residential Treatment Facility. Small class sizes provide an active learning environment. Students have the opportunity to participate fully while receiving individual attention as they learn, explore and develop leadership potential. Day students are referred by their local school district.

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Madonna Heights

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

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96%

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

We shelter

5,200

youth, adults and children

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