130 years of New Yorkers helping New Yorkers

When the Country Home for Convalescent Babies started in 1895 before moving a few years later to Sea Cliff, its founders could hardly have imagined what their small seaside refuge for recovering infants would one day become. What began as a simple mission — to care for children in need — has grown into one of the largest and most impactful human services organizations serving Long Island and New York City.

Today, 130 years later, that same spirit of compassion and community drives SCO Family of Services as we serve more than 45,000 New Yorkers each year. Through over 80 programs, our nonprofit stands alongside children, youth, families and adults, empowering them to build brighter, stronger futures. From early childhood education and foster care to housing, mental health services, and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, SCO is there for New Yorkers at every stage of life.

Every day, I am inspired by the resilience and determination of the people we serve. These stories reinforce that SCO is not just an organization, it is a supportive community built on care, trust and the belief that every New Yorker deserves the chance to thrive.

Take Jennifer Fuchs, our program director of peer services and high-fidelity wraparound, a family-driven, collaborative care coordination model that empowers children with significant mental health and emotional challenges. At age 17, Jennifer found support and stability through an SCO transitional housing program for youth. That life-changing experience also inspired her to return to SCO years later to help other young people navigate the same challenges.

Or consider Caryl Deiches, a dedicated family peer advocate. Her son participated in our Home and Community-Based Services waiver program, which provided support for children with behavioral health challenges while allowing them to remain in their homes and communities. With the guidance and resources the program provided, Caryl's son thrived and has since gone on to serve in the military. Motivated by the profound impact SCO had on her family, Caryl joined our team to help guide and support the next generation of New Yorkers.

These stories are the living embodiment of our mission: New Yorkers helping New Yorkers. They are the heartbeat of SCO, a legacy of care and opportunity that has defined our work since 1895.

The numbers tell a powerful story too. Last year alone, SCO sheltered nearly 1,900 homeless youth, adults and children. We helped 2,700 individuals with special needs develop skills to reach their full potential. We guided more than 11,000 children and teens through academic, after-school and career-readiness programs. We provided counseling and community-based support to over 16,000 New Yorkers, and served 900 children and young adults in foster care and their families.

As we celebrate 130 years of service, we also renew our commitment to the future. As proud as we are of our rich history, we know that our work carries on. Every day, families across New York are struggling to make ends meet, young people are seeking direction, and individuals with disabilities are striving for inclusion and independence. They are counting on organizations like SCO to be there when no one else is. And we will be.

As long as there are families in need, young people seeking stability, and communities that require support, SCO Family of Services will continue to be there, just as we have been for generations, answering that call with compassion, dedication and an unshakable belief in the transformative power of human connection.

Because for 130 years, SCO's story has been one of New Yorkers helping New Yorkers. And that story is far from over.

This guest essay reflects the views of Suzette E. Gordon, president and CEO of SCO Family of Services.