Brownsville

Social service agency expands outreach into Brownsville

SCO develops early childhood education, parent support programs

September 7, 2017 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Program Director Keston Jones reads aloud to children at SCO’s “Brownsville Reads” celebration. Photos courtesy of SCO Family of Services
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A nonprofit organization that provides social services to low-income families is moving into Brownsville in a big way, officials announced this week.

SCO Family of Services announced the creation and expansion of a variety of programs and services to help children and families in the Brownsville community. SCO is working in partnership with community organizations, government agencies, and private foundations to launch new early childhood programs, parenting support programs and other initiatives. 

“We are proud of the important work we are doing in Brownsville and our ongoing commitment to the children, parents and families in this community,” said Douglas O’Dell, executive director of SCO Family of Services. “With the support of our community and government partners, we are bringing resources and opportunity where it is most needed.”

The new programs were recently unveiled at a special event that was part of “Brownsville Reads,” a summer literacy program for children. 

 

The program initiatives include:

  • Brownsville United: SCO is partnering with Community Solutions and the Robin Hood Foundation to create a project to improve educational outcomes for 10,000 children ages 3 and under. The goal is to help youngsters achieve measurably improved results in social, emotional and language skills.  

  • Fatherhood Initiative: In partnership with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development and Healthy Start Brooklyn, SCO is launching a program to promote parental involvement from noncustodial fathers. The goal is to improve fathers’ relationships with children and to increase fathers’ financial support.

  • 3-K for All Pilot Program: SCO has been selected to pilot the New York City Department of Education’s 3-K for All programs in Brownsville. Starting this month, SCO’s Morris Koppelman and Shirley Chisholm Early Childhood Education Centers will offer free, full-day education to 3-year-olds. 

 

“I commend SCO for implementing robust programming that benefits the children, adults and families in Brownsville,” said state Sen. Roxanne Persaud (D-Canarsie-East New York-Brownsville). “This initiative is not only a reflection of a shared vision but a deep commitment to working with the community to find solutions that address current issues. Our constituents deserve access to the best programs and opportunities so that they can continue to make positive advancements.”

Assemblymember Latrice Walker (D-Brownsville) said she is impressed by the plans for the new programs.

“I applaud SCO Family of Services for investing in Brownsville to launch a mixture of programs targeted to benefit children and parents alike,” said. “These programs are vital to the Brownsville community and help families thrive. I look forward to SCO deepening its roots in Brownsville by making community partnerships and ensuring that the community needs are being me.”

SCO Family of Services has been providing social services in New York City and Long Island for more than 100 years.

 

For more information, visit sco.org.

 

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