SCO News

Congratulations Andrei Williams-Hanna!

September 2, 2014 / Independent Youth News

For Andrei Williams-Hanna, an 18-year-old living in one of SCO’s LGBTQ group homes, there was never any question that he would go to college; his goal is to become a cardiologist. But Andrei, a native of Jamaica, needed help to pay for tuition. He was understandably devastated by the news that he had not been awarded any of the college scholarships for which he applied. He asked if he could give up his clothing allowance to offset the cost of tuition. “In all these disappointments, he never lost his cool, never made a scene and never got angry,” said SCO Transitional Specialist Zuleika Almanzar. Instead, Andrei remained focused, going on every possible program outing in hopes of meeting someone who could direct him toward a potential funding source. With the help of Almanzar and SCO LGBTQ Program Therapist Lili Glauber, he pursued every available lead.

Read More

---

Two teens served by SCO earn top honors at 16th Annual Awards for Youth in Foster Care

June 9, 2014 / Independent Youth News

Christopher Sanchez and Domonique Wheeler, two teens in foster care living in SCO group homes, were among the 15 young people honored at the 16th Annual essay Awards for Youth in Foster Care, presented by Youth Communication and Represent: The Voice of Youth in Care magazine. Christopher Sanchez, 19, was the Grand Prize winner and won a $1,000 scholarship for his essay titled “Turning My Life Around.” Domonique Wheeler, 20, earned Special First Prize honors and a $700 scholarship check for her essay, “For His Own Good.”   

Read More