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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Women’s Shelters

SCO’s Madonna Heights provides emergency housing for women who are experiencing homelessness, some with children. The primary goal of the Madonna Heights’ shelters is to help women and their families stabilize their lives by providing them with temporary emergency housing and support services in a safe, supervised environment. Locations are throughout Suffolk County, Long Island. The program also meets needs for clothing, access to medical care, limited transportation, case management services and assistance in locating permanent housing. Parenting Skills Training is also provided.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Single women and women with children who are experiencing homelessness

How to Access this Program or Service

Suffolk County Department of Social Services makes all referrals to the shelter

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

Success Stories

Cathy Armstrong

"I love working with the children and helping make their holidays and graduations special." Learn More

Kaitlyn’s Story

Importance of having patience, letting go and expressing my feelings without action

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

We provide

24,000

families and individuals with support services and community activities

Almost

90%

of clients at our Brooklyn Youth Center achieved their employment goals

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