Jasmine’s Story

I entered foster care at 16 years old and was placed in the home of “Aunt” Nessa, as I liked to call her. Few people knew of my situation; it was our little secret. I was embarrassed by the family dysfunction that led me to this strange place in my life, and with the support of my SCO caseworkers, I realized that education was my way out.

My goal was to attend Spelman College. I faced some naysayers; guidance counselors who said it was too expensive, others who felt I would never get in. But my SCO caseworkers and staff supported my decision. They stayed on top of me, making sure I filled out every document and scholarship. It was the staff’s unwavering support and positive reinforcement that sustained me.

I was accepted to Spelman with scholarships from several organizations as well as financial support from SCO’s education and permanency program, which helped me afford my housing.

But that was just the start of my journey. During summer break, I earned an internship volunteering with foster youth and their families through AmeriCorps that changed my life. I didn’t want any special treatment, so no one at my job was aware of my status as a foster youth. But as I worked in the family visiting room, much like a fly on the wall, I watched young people about my age visiting with the children they had lost custody of, some pregnant again. I saw a vicious cycle happening before my eyes.

It was that summer I realized that as a woman of color, as a foster youth, and as a human being who just cares, it would be a disservice if I didn’t take advantage of my unique pairing of lived experiences and desire to affect change.

Today, I am at Teachers College Columbia University earning my Masters in Clinical Psychology on a full scholarship, so that I, too, can be a source of support for youth in need.

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Scattered Site Supportive Housing Program

The Scattered Site Supportive Housing Program provides housing and transitional services in Queens for young adults 18-25 years of age who have spent at least one year past their 16th birthday in foster care and are at risk of street or sheltered homelessness. The program provides housing while young adults transition from foster care to independence.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Young adults formerly in foster care who are at risk of homelessness

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Age 18-25; must have spent at least one year past their 16th birthday in foster care and are at risk of street or sheltered homelessness

How to Access this Program or Service

NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) Teen Support Unit

 

This program is associated with...

Foster Care

For over 50 years, SCO's Foster Care practice has been helping children and their families grow, heal and thrive. We find safe, temporary families for children and teens throughout New York City and Long Island. Read More

Success Stories

Center for Family Life Helps Areliz Build a Brighter Future

"I'm doing this to provide for my kids...for everything that they deserve." Learn More

Jasmine’s Story

From Foster Care to Advocate

Today, I am at Teachers College Columbia University earning my Masters in Clinical Psychology on a full scholarship, so that I, too, can be a source of support for youth in need. Learn More

99%

of at-risk families throughout Brooklyn & Queens remained together and stable with family support services

91%

of women in our residential recovery program remained substance free

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