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.

Working at SCO

Extraordinary reach. Unconditional care.
Life-changing results. And great benefits, too!

SCO’s dedicated professionals help improve the health and well-being of over 50,000 New Yorkers each year. We apply the same principle to ensuring our staff is well cared for through a robust benefits package, professional development opportunities, health and wellness initiatives, tuition reimbursement and more.

  • Flexible Work Schedule
  • Paid Holidays Off
  • Vacation & Sick Time
  • 403B Retirement Plan
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Free Teledoc Services
  • Prescription Savings Plans
  • Flex Spending Account
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Discounts

All benefits are available to staff based on eligibility and enrollment. Plan documents govern all plans. SCO Family of Services has the right to change policies or available benefits at any time.

WARNING! Beware of Fake SCO Family of Services Job Posts!

SCO has no job postings on Craigslist and will only communicate through its SCO.org web and email domains. SCO does not conduct interviews by email or Google HangOuts, and is not expanding its service area.  Please DO NOT disclose your personal information, including social security and bank account information. You may report a suspicious SCO job posting, by emailing us at [email protected] with “Craigslist” or “Suspicious Job Posting” in the subject line.

 

 

SCO Employees: visit the SCO Intranet»

Nicholas’ Story

A boost of confidence with a little help from his friends at SCO's IRA

Read Nicholas’ Story

Jasmine’s Story

Foster Care staff helps Jasmine turn lived experience to advocacy for others

Read Jasmine’s Story

85%

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

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