Fatu’s Story

At 19, Fatu’s future looks bright. She plans to go to Monroe College in the fall to follow her dream of becoming a lawyer. She’s currently going to school and working full-time as a paralegal at Queens Defenders, which provides free services to low-income people. Not long ago, she was a recipient of those services.

You see, the future did not always look so bright for Fatu. When she came to live in one of SCO’s residences for youth in foster care in 2018, she had had a difficult childhood, and she’d been in trouble with the law.

When Fatu was 12, her mother returned to their native Liberia with her younger brother, leaving Fatu with an abusive family friend in Queens. She eventually ran away, joined a gang and got into trouble.

When she first came to SCO, Fatu was confrontational with staff and other residents. But despite her rocky start at her new home, SCO staff has been behind her since day one. They encouraged her to further her education and pursue her GED. They showed her the right way to do things, and most of all, they showed her they cared.

Fatu’s former Queens Defenders lawyer, Anthony Martone, played a pivotal role in her turnaround. He saw her potential and went the extra mile to help her by initiating an internship program at the firm for past clients who’ve been through the juvenile justice system. Fatu was the first intern and became the first full-time hire from the program.

Fatu is positive, respectful, and focused. She loves her job and it has inspired her to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.

Her turnaround has been nothing short of miraculous, and it serves as an inspiration to other youth. Fatu is living proof of what is possible with a positive attitude, hard work, perseverance, and the help of caring adults who never stop believing in you.

See Fatu’s story in THE CITY.

(Photo: Ben Fractenberg-THE CITY)

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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Community Supports for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Challenges

SCO offers a comprehensive service array for children and families with emotional and behavioral health needs.  Our mental health, substance use, and support services help children (under 21) and their families improve their health, well-being, and quality of life.  Services are provided where children and families are most comfortable — at home or in the community.  Our goal is to strengthen families and help them to make informed decisions about their child’s care so they can be successful at home, in school, and in the community.

Services include:

  • Care Coordination – Health Home Care Management
  • Therapy (Other Licensed Practitioner) – Mental Health, Substance Use, Individual, Group, and Family
  • Psychosocial Rehabilitation
  • Youth Peer Support and Training
  • Family Peer Support and Training
  • Community Psychiatric Supports and Treatment
Who Can Benefit from this Program

Families with children and youth with emotional or behavioral health needs, who:

  • need extra care at home/in the community
  • want to avoid going to the hospital or a long term facility
  • are eligible for Children and Family Treatment and Support Services
  • are enrolled or eligible to enroll in Medicaid
Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Children and youth under the age of 21 who are eligible for Medicaid. Services are provided in Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Nassau and Suffolk.

How to Access this Program or Service

Contact us at 718.312.6829.

Complete this Referral Form and email to homebasedsupports@sco.org.

 

Success Stories

Fatu’s Story

Changing Her Trajectory

At 19, Fatu’s future looks bright. She plans to go to Monroe College in the fall to follow her dream of becoming a lawyer. Learn More

Shana’s Story

Family First

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

96%

of students at our Dix Hills campus participated in weekly wellness activities

94%

of students at Westbrook Preparatory School passed the Regents exam on the first try

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