Kelly’s Story

Kelly lives on a quiet tree-lined street with her husband, two sons, and an energetic puppy named Molly. Life is pretty good these days. In her own words, she has a decent job, a home, a car, and a supportive family – all things she never thought possible before entering SCO’s Morning Star residential program for women recovering from substance use.

Since the age of 13, Kelly had been hooked on alcohol. For the next 10 years, she struggled with severe alcoholism, heroin addiction, and all the terrible symptoms that go along with that. She tried every which way to control her use but failed over and over again. Institutions, hospitals, and psychiatric facilities became a normal part of life. At the age of 23, Kelly realized she was running out of options. She had no place to live, was unemployable, and had no way to provide for herself or her 4-year-old son, Joseph. That’s when she found SCO.

Kelly was 35 days sober for the first time in her adult life when she entered SCO’s residential program. This would be the first of many pivotal firsts. While in program, she learned about accountability and structure. She was introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous and attended off site treatment programs. She felt supported and heard by the women and staff at Morning Star and thrived in this environment.

Little by little, Kelly rebuilt her life. With the help of vocational counselors, she returned to school, received her high school diploma, and took clerical courses. She was thrilled when Joseph came to live with her on campus, working with SCO’s coaches and childcare team to hone her parenting skills. And she addressed her past traumas head on with mental health counseling at SCO’s Family Services Clinic.

Kelly credits her time in Morning Star as life-changing. She has been gainfully employed since leaving the program in 2012 and now works for a successful law firm. She found her soulmate in Rob and was married in 2015, and expanded her family with another son, Aidan, a few years later. She likes to say she is a work in progress – and we know there are plenty of firsts still ahead for Kelly.

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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SCO Clinic

An outpatient substance use clinic providing trauma-informed care for women, adolescents, and men.

SCO Clinic Outpatient Treatment
SCO Clinic utilizes evidence-based practices working from a person-centered approach to address substance use disorders. We provide trauma-informed care by creating a safe place where clients can share, grow, and heal. Recognizing the impact of trauma and addiction, our Seeking Safety program provides holistic and clinically informed care in a group setting. We are located in Dix Hills on the beautiful, tranquil landscape of the Madonna Heights campus.

SCO Clinic is an outpatient substance abuse treatment clinic licensed by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), and credentialed by the Council on Accreditation (COA), a nationally recognized standard of excellence.

We provide services to women, men, and adolescents.

Our goal is to help those we serve overcome the devastating effects of substance use disorders so that they may lead a healthier, happier life in recovery.

Holistic Approach to Care
SCO’s medical and clinical staff work in partnership with our clients to create a person-centered treatment plan to guide the recovery journey. We take a holistic, multidisciplinary team approach to care, assessing client and family needs to determine if they could benefit from additional services, such as mental health services through our Family Service Clinic, or Care Management services – all conveniently located on the same campus.

We know that family plays an important part in the recovery process. We provide services to the family to help them understand the disease and equip them with knowledge and support to help them help their loved one overcome their addiction.

SCO Clinic Offers

  • Individual, family, and group therapy
  • A variety of groups
    • Relapse Prevention
    • Psychoeducation Groups
    • Anger Management
    • Codependency
    • Seeking Safety
    • Professional Groups
  • Evidence-based practices
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Harm Reduction

The Professional Group
The Professional Group is for clients in the community who have a professional commitment to their careers, with less time availability. This group is available in the evening. Our program offers a comprehensive range of evidence-based therapies as well as Seeking Safety. In addition, the group explores topics on Relapse Prevention, Codependency, and Anger Management. Our experienced Clinicians guide you through engaging exercises to enhance coping skills, reduce anxiety and manage stress effectively. These therapies provide the foundation for lasting change. At Professional Group, we don’t just facilitate sessions; we inspire you to realize your full potential. Our approach is deeply rooted in a person-centered perspective, acknowledging your unique journey in recovery and the inherent potential within you.

Referral Process
Clients may be referred by hospitals, inpatient rehab, insurance companies, the court system, child protective services, other programs, or self refer.

Walk-ins are welcome!

SCO Clinic accepts most insurances including Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care.

Hours of Operation
Monday        9AM to 3PM
Tuesday        9AM to 8PM
Wednesday  9AM to 3PM
Thursday      9AM to 8PM
Friday            9AM to 3PM

Contact Us:
SCO Clinic
151 Burrs Lane
Dix Hills, NY 11746
P: 631.213.0201

Wendy Holloway, PhD
Clinic Director
[email protected]
P: 631.213.0146

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

Related News

SCO Family of Services Holds Celebratory Ribbon Cutting at SCO Clinic at SCO Madonna Heights in Dix Hills

October 5, 2023

SCO Family of Services Expands Morning Star II: A Residential Recovery Program for Women with Young Children in Suffolk County

July 17, 2018

Kelly’s Story

A life rebuilt, with the help of Morning Star

Read Kelly’s Story

Shana’s Story

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

Read Shana’s Story

96%

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

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