The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation’s Story

SCO Family of Services is deeply honored to shine a spotlight on the Marilyn Lichtman Foundation for their extraordinary generosity and support of our Robert J. McMahon Children’s Center (RJMCC) Capital Campaign.

Thanks to their recent gift, we are taking transformative steps to reimagine the Tyree Vocational Classroom/Life Skills space inside the Tyree Learning Center: a New York State-certified special education school dedicated to children with developmental and behavioral challenges. Their support is making critical renovations possible, including modernizing the classroom, adding adaptive equipment and new appliances, and creating a nurturing, therapeutic learning space designed to meet the unique needs of every student.

The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation’s belief in the potential of every child and their dedication to education, healing, and hope is helping us create an environment where young people can truly thrive. Their compassion is not only improving lives today, but also opening doors to brighter tomorrows.

From all of us at SCO, thank you to the Marilyn Lichtman Foundation for being a beacon of hope and a true partner in building a more inclusive, empowered future for the children and families we serve.

Alhassane’s Story

Meet Alhassane, originally from Guinea, who began his quest for asylum in the United States in October 2023. His journey was driven by a need to escape the violence, political instability, and poverty in his homeland.

Upon his arrival to America, Alhassane faced homelessness in New York City for a month, seeking help from a mosque, another Runaway Homeless Youth provider, and finally SCO Family of Services. Alhassane found refuge at Independence Inn I, where he received support in maintaining employment, enrolling in school, applying for supportive housing, and securing immigration services to pursue American citizenship.

Currently, Alhassane works as a delivery driver for DoorDash and sends money back to his family in Guinea whenever possible to alleviate their financial struggles. He is enrolled in Pathways to Graduation, aiming to obtain his GED diploma. In his spare time, Alhassane enjoys swimming and going to the gym.

A significant milestone occurred on October 3, 2025, when Alhassane moved into his own supportive housing apartment in Brooklyn. This achievement marks a tremendous step forward in his journey. As Alhassane received the keys to his new apartment, he expressed his deep gratitude for the support he received from SCO. The Independence Inn I and Brooklyn Youth Center teams played a crucial role in assisting him with the move, ensuring a smooth transition to independence.

Support our Capital Campaign to renew the Robert J. McMahon Children’s Center! Learn More

About Us

With 84 programs serving 45,000 New Yorkers each year, SCO Family of Services is many things to many people.

We are advocates. We are hope. We are early childhood, independent youth, and special needs programming. We are strong families and communities. We are the promise of opportunity.

And most importantly, we are builders. We build well-being.

How do we accomplish this? By helping individuals reach their full potential. Our tools are our programs; our architects, our dedicated staff. And with the help of our generous friends and supporters, we provide the blueprint that helps those who depend on us build a stronger tomorrow.

The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation’s Story

Belief in the potential of every child

Read The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation’s Story

Alhassane’s Story

Finding hope and help in the U.S.

Read Alhassane’s Story

We help

2,300

people with special needs develop skills to reach their full potential

Support Our Mission

With your gift, you can help strengthen New York families and unlock potential for children and adults with special needs.

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