Jasmine’s Story

I entered foster care at 16 years old and was placed in the home of “Aunt” Nessa, as I liked to call her. Few people knew of my situation; it was our little secret. I was embarrassed by the family dysfunction that led me to this strange place in my life, and with the support of my SCO caseworkers, I realized that education was my way out.

My goal was to attend Spelman College. I faced some naysayers; guidance counselors who said it was too expensive, others who felt I would never get in. But my SCO caseworkers and staff supported my decision. They stayed on top of me, making sure I filled out every document and scholarship. It was the staff’s unwavering support and positive reinforcement that sustained me.

I was accepted to Spelman with scholarships from several organizations as well as financial support from SCO’s education and permanency program, which helped me afford my housing.

But that was just the start of my journey. During summer break, I earned an internship volunteering with foster youth and their families through AmeriCorps that changed my life. I didn’t want any special treatment, so no one at my job was aware of my status as a foster youth. But as I worked in the family visiting room, much like a fly on the wall, I watched young people about my age visiting with the children they had lost custody of, some pregnant again. I saw a vicious cycle happening before my eyes.

It was that summer I realized that as a woman of color, as a foster youth, and as a human being who just cares, it would be a disservice if I didn’t take advantage of my unique pairing of lived experiences and desire to affect change.

Today, I am at Teachers College Columbia University earning my Masters in Clinical Psychology on a full scholarship, so that I, too, can be a source of support for youth in need.

Virtual After School Programs: Brooklyn – Register Today!

During the pandemic, SCO offers Virtual After School programming for students in grades K-8 living in Brooklyn. SCO’s Virtual After School Programs offer online homework assistance and a variety of activities that enrich students’ education, fosters their academic achievement, and prepares them for future success. Our online programs feature live and recorded activities that allow students to participate at their convenience. The Virtual After School Programs are an essential resource for working families, providing a safe and enriching environment during out-of-school hours. Students living anywhere in Brooklyn can participate in SCO’s Virtual After School Programs.

Program Activities

  • Visual Arts
  • Virtual Gaming
  • Dance & Fitness
  • STEM
  • Homework Assistance
  • Theater & Storytelling
  • Restorative Circles
  • Youth Leadership

Want to learn more? Complete the form below

Virtual After School Programs in Brooklyn 

SCO at PS 5: 820 Hancock St., Brooklyn, NY 11221
Grades K-5

SCO at PS 81: 990 DeKalb Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11221
Grades K-5

SCO at East New York Middle School of Excellence: 605 Shephard Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11208
Grades 6-8

SCO at PS/IS 41: 411 Thatford Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11212
Grades 6-8

SCO at Beacon at MS 35: 272 MacDonough St., Brooklyn, NY 11233
Grades K-8

 

 

Jasmine’s Story

From Foster Care to Advocate

Today, I am at Teachers College Columbia University earning my Masters in Clinical Psychology on a full scholarship, so that I, too, can be a source of support for youth in need. Learn More

Isis & Kaiden

Bethany I

“We’ve made lifelong friends and family. It was a beautiful struggle.” Learn More

We shelter

5,200

youth, adults and children

95%

of women in our residential recovery program remained substance free

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