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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United for Brownsville

United for Brownsville (UB) is a collaboration between SCO Family of Services and Community Solutions that aims to improve language and social-emotional developmental outcomes for children aged 0-3 living in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Rather than add a new program or service, UB is leveraging the expertise of the community’s families and social service providers from diverse organizations and disciplines, including several SCO programs. These local stakeholders identify opportunities to improve practices, devise creative solutions to challenges in early childhood education and health, and transform relationships in ways that help us meet our goals. When we work better together, children will be ready to learn and ready to succeed.

Visit the UB website»

This program is associated with...

A Vibrant Brownsville

Brownsville, Brooklyn is a vibrant, evolving, and unique neighborhood; and SCO is proud of our partnership with the community for over three decades.  Read More

Success Stories

Shana’s Story

Family First

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

Adam Graves

"Garden of Dreams is the single most important thing we do.” Learn More

91%

of women in our residential recovery program remained substance free

We shelter

4,600

youth, adults and children

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