Alhassane’s Story

Meet Alhassane, originally from Guinea, who began his quest for asylum in the United States in October 2023. His journey was driven by a need to escape the violence, political instability, and poverty in his homeland.

Upon his arrival to America, Alhassane faced homelessness in New York City for a month, seeking help from a mosque, another Runaway Homeless Youth provider, and finally SCO Family of Services. Alhassane found refuge at Independence Inn I, where he received support in maintaining employment, enrolling in school, applying for supportive housing, and securing immigration services to pursue American citizenship.

Currently, Alhassane works as a delivery driver for DoorDash and sends money back to his family in Guinea whenever possible to alleviate their financial struggles. He is enrolled in Pathways to Graduation, aiming to obtain his GED diploma. In his spare time, Alhassane enjoys swimming and going to the gym.

A significant milestone occurred on October 3, 2025, when Alhassane moved into his own supportive housing apartment in Brooklyn. This achievement marks a tremendous step forward in his journey. As Alhassane received the keys to his new apartment, he expressed his deep gratitude for the support he received from SCO. The Independence Inn I and Brooklyn Youth Center teams played a crucial role in assisting him with the move, ensuring a smooth transition to independence.

The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation’s Story

SCO Family of Services is deeply honored to shine a spotlight on the Marilyn Lichtman Foundation for their extraordinary generosity and support of our Robert J. McMahon Children’s Center (RJMCC) Capital Campaign.

Thanks to their recent gift, we are taking transformative steps to reimagine the Tyree Vocational Classroom/Life Skills space inside the Tyree Learning Center: a New York State-certified special education school dedicated to children with developmental and behavioral challenges. Their support is making critical renovations possible, including modernizing the classroom, adding adaptive equipment and new appliances, and creating a nurturing, therapeutic learning space designed to meet the unique needs of every student.

The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation’s belief in the potential of every child and their dedication to education, healing, and hope is helping us create an environment where young people can truly thrive. Their compassion is not only improving lives today, but also opening doors to brighter tomorrows.

From all of us at SCO, thank you to the Marilyn Lichtman Foundation for being a beacon of hope and a true partner in building a more inclusive, empowered future for the children and families we serve.

Early Childhood Programs in Queens – Register Today!

SCO helps get children off to a healthy start with center- and home-based programs for young families. Our Early Childhood Education Centers in Queens have immediate openings! We offer high quality, full day instruction. Our programs support English and dual-language learners, and children with IEPs. Our warm and welcoming programs encourage families to become active partners in their child’s academic growth and language development.

Program Highlights

  • Year-round, full day 3K, Pre-K, and extended day options
  • Free or low-cost child care for eligible families
  • Enhanced safety measures including daily health screenings and temperature checks
  • Literacy and math activities prepare children for success in kindergarten
  • Outdoor play space, plus art, music, and drama
  • Healthy breakfast, lunch, and snacks
  • NYS Certified Teachers

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Programs in Queens

Long Island City Early Childhood Center: 38-11 27th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101

Year-round, full-day Pre-K that focuses on healthy development and prepares children for success in school. Learn more»

 

 

Corona Early Childhood Center: 33-27 97th Street, Corona, NY 11368

Year-round, full-day Pre-K that focuses on healthy development and prepares children for success in school. Learn more»

 

 

Jerome Hardeman Early Childhood Center: 29-49 Gillmore Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11369

The Jerome Hardeman Early Childhood Center offers a year-round, full-day academic program in a safe and engaging environment for children ages 2.9 months to 5 years of age, including UPK. Learn more»

 

 

Family Child Care Networks

In-home child care providers in East Elmhurst, Corona, Jackson Heights, Flushing, Rego Park, and Forest Hills offer families with infants, toddlers and preschoolers a full day, year-round program that fosters healthy development and learning. Learn more»

 

 

Alhassane’s Story

Finding hope and help in the U.S.

Read Alhassane’s Story

The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation’s Story

Belief in the potential of every child

Read The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation’s Story

82%

of residents in our group homes for adults with developmental disabilities attended Day Habilitation and receive vocational services

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