Daniel’s Story

At 24, Daniel has overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Born with developmental disabilities, behavioral health issues, and addicted to drugs, Daniel entered foster care as an infant. He was adopted as a toddler by a loving mother who tragically passed away just a few years later. Daniel’s aunt cared for him until his needs eventually became too difficult for her to manage on her own. That’s when he was introduced to SCO.

When he was 15, Daniel came to SCO’s Extraordinary Needs group home, where specially-trained staff provide care, guidance, and a home-like experience for adolescents with developmental disabilities. At first, Daniel was reserved and had trouble communicating. But as time went on, Daniel gained confidence and found his voice – literally – while attending singing and performance workshops. Daniel

Since then, his progress has been nothing short of remarkable. Daniel is now able to talk and has become quite the social butterfly. He loves to bowl, watch Jeopardy, and engage in community activities. A budding diplomat (and Mets fan), he even attended a Yankees game with his housemates, although he refused to cheer.

Daniel is open and honest and has become a model resident. He’s a meticulous dresser who always puts his best foot forward. “That’s how we do it at SCO,” he says. Often referred to as the mayor of the house, Daniel keeps track of everything and everyone, advocating for himself and his peers.

As Daniel transitions to adulthood, SCO remains by his side with the supports he needs for a bright future. Last year, Daniel moved into a new SCO Individual Residential Alternative (IRA), a residence designed specifically for adults with challenges like his. Here Daniel continues to receive services, supports, and encouragement to live a full and independent life. New routines, new friends, and new adventures lay in store for Daniel, who is navigating his new surroundings like a pro.

Selena’s Story

Selena first came to SCO’s Scattered Site Supportive Housing Program, in August 2017. This program provides housing and transitional services for young adults who have been in foster care and are at-risk of homelessness. Selena, who had been in foster care since age 9, was dealing with a lot of family and personal issues. She was feeling frustrated and depressed. The tipping point came when her biological father passed away.

As a way to help cope with her loss, Selena decided to write a book about her experience. She hoped sharing her experience might inspire others…turning her personal tragedy into something positive. Ever resourceful, Selena wrote her entire book on her cell phone and uploaded it onto Amazon where it is currently sold as a Kindle format e-book.

Selena’s entrepreneurial spirit had been unleashed. Following her book, Selena developed her own podcast where she talks about life issues and how she has dealt with them in the hopes of motivating others. Since establishing her podcast last year, she has attracted over 20,000 followers worldwide.

She didn’t stop there. Selena then decided that she wanted to sell merchandise with inspirational messages. She started her own online t-shirt company – printing, packaging and shipping orders out of her apartment.

Selena has found her calling. She has found healing through sharing her story and inspiring others and she has experienced personal growth in the process.

SCO staff are encouraging her to utilize her abilities and resilience to pursue her education. In doing so, Selena will be able to use her knowledge to promote and expand her budding enterprises and find other employment opportunities to help her as she transitions to independent living.

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Care Management

Health Home Care Management helps keep families healthier (children and adult family members.) An SCO Care Manager can help manage and coordinate health care, behavioral health and service needs for eligible participants. Think of a Care Manager as your point person for everyone involved in your child’s care.

What is a Health Home?

Health Home brochureA Health Home is not a building or a place. It is a team of professionals who work together to make sure all of your family’s joint and individual needs are being met. The care team is led by an SCO Health Home Care Manager who becomes the point person for everyone involved in your family’s care.

Read our brochure»

What does a Care Manager do?

Health home puzzleThe Care Manager helps manage and coordinate health care, behavioral health and service needs, working with each family to develop a care plan that lists the needs and goals along with the providers and services needed to reach those goals. As a member of SCO Care Management, you and your child will receive a person-centered, family-focused approach to your care coordination and health promotion services, driven by the needs identified by you and your family (such as education, housing, employment, income, food, child care, community support) in order to promote overall health and wellness. Your SCO Care Manager is your partner in helping you manage your family’s overall health care needs.

Why do I need a Health Home?

A child or young adult may see many health professionals from different agencies and at multiple locations. It can be very difficult to coordinate all of that care. With SCO Care Management, a Care Manager is there to help you. He or she will make sure everyone has a full picture of your family member’s needs, goals, and progress. This will lead to better results, better care, and can help avoid trips to the emergency room.

Who is eligible?

All family members (birth to end-of-life) who are eligible for Medicaid and have certain medical or behavioral health conditions may qualify for a Health Home. This includes children and young adults in SCO’s foster care, preventive, mental health, educational, medical and residential programs. In certain situations, the caregiver of an eligible child may also be eligible to receive Health Home services.

There are no out of pocket costs to participate in a Health Home and receive Care Management services. It is covered under Medicaid.

How do I sign up?

Call the Health Home enrollment hotline at 631.213.0183 or email us at [email protected].

SCO Care Management Referral Packet»

This program is associated with...

Madonna Heights

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January 29, 2020

Daniel’s Story

Finding his voice - literally - at SCO's residence for adults with developmental disabilities

Read Daniel’s Story

Selena’s Story

Harnessing entrepreneurial spirit to pursue long-term goals with help from SCO

Read Selena’s Story

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