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.

4th Annual DSP Conference

View from the Front Lines:

A conference for direct support professionals, human services workers, clinicians and leaders

 

October 24 -or- 25, 2017  
10 am – 2 pm
The Inn at New Hyde Park – 214 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park  Directions

Attention Direct Service Professionals!!  Join us at this FREE one-day conference to hone your skills and gain new insights into working with individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities.  Choose from a variety of breakout sessions presented by industry experts and attend our keynote session with internationally acclaimed author, Dan O’Connor. A light breakfast and lunch will be served.  Reserve your spot now!

Agenda

9-10 am:  Registration and Breakfast
10 am: Welcome
10:30 am: Breakout Sessions
11:30 am:  Lunch
12 pm: Keynote Speaker
1:30 pm: Wrap Up

Register Today!

To register, select the day you will attend below and complete the form. You will be asked to rank your preferences for the breakout sessions.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

-or-

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Keynote Speaker: Dan O’Connor

Internationally acclaimed author, trainer, and keynote speaker Dan O’Connor has been leading the communication training industry for more than 20 years. Through his bestselling books Say This — Not That and Energy Vampire Slaying: 101; his #1 rated YouTube channel, Effective Communication Skills with Dan O’Connor; his popular online course OnlineCommunicationTraining.com; and his breakthrough proprietary tactical communication learning system, Step Out of the Shadows and Speak; Dan has been setting new benchmarks in training, and transforming the lives of millions of people as well as countless organizations all around the world.

Breakout Sessions

1. Finding the Func: A Who Dunnit Breakout Session
Elizabeth Zammillo, MS Ed. & Marisa Nabel, MS
Explore the functions of behavior by following the clues to solve the mystery: All behavior occurs for a reason. Sometimes the reason will be clear and at other times it will not be clear. A person engages in a behavior because it meets a specific need for him or her. This breakout session will focus on exploring the main functions of behavior by engaging in interactive game play. Understanding the WHY of behavior will better enable Direct Service Personnel to provide effective treatment for the individuals they support.

2. How to Speak the 5 Languages of Appreciation and Respect at Work
Dan O’Connor, Communications Expert
Just think what could happen if everyone at work really understood the unique ways we all show and understand signs of gratitude, appreciation, and respect, and took a more proactive, personal approach to nurturing the professional bond that ties us all together.

3. Learn How to Become a Leader in the Inclusion Revolution
Anastasia Somoza, Disability Rights Advocate, The Shield Institute
We all have unique needs and when it comes to being an effective advocate, there is no universal approach. So what can we do? LEARN! To provide the right support we must listen, observe and understand a person’s needs, straight from the source – THE INDIVIDUAL. This workshop will provide tools and insight into how we can best assist those we serve by advocating with and for them, and supporting their own self-advocacy.

4. Art Therapy vs Recreational Art
Shelley Feldman, MA, ATR, L-CAT & Suzanna Shayer, MA, ATR-BC, L-CAT
How to responsibly use art to engage clients in a variety of settings. How can I better engage the individuals I serve using art, and what should I be mindful of when making art with vulnerable populations? Attendees will learn about the history and uses of clinical art therapy with a variety of populations, and engage in an art activity to better understand the practical applications of art therapy. Emphasis will be placed on the difference between clinical art therapy vs art education or arts and crafts, and how staff agency-wide can responsibly use art on an everyday basis.

 

Download a printable DSP conference flyer.

The Conference is made possible through the generous support of the Taft Foundation.

Carlos’ Story

A world of opportunity through resilience, focus, and assistance from SCO College Specialists

Read Carlos’ Story

Jasmine’s Story

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

Read Jasmine’s Story

90%

of residents in our NYC shelters were successfully discharged to stable housing

Support Our Mission

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

Donate Now

Stay in the loop

Subscribe to the SCO Newsletter to hear the latest on SCO’s programs, people, and happenings.