Nassau County Schools Facilities Association’s Story

For many years, the Nassau County Schools Facilities Association has stood beside SCO Family of Services as a steadfast partner, champion, and friend. Their generosity has touched countless young people across our programs, and their commitment continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.

The Association’s support goes far beyond financial contributions—though those have been invaluable. Each holiday season, they brighten our youth’s lives with thoughtful gifts that remind them they are seen, valued, and cared for. These moments of joy matter deeply, especially for young people who may be facing challenges no child should have to navigate alone.

A special acknowledgment goes to former President Mr. Jon Simpkins, whose leadership and personal dedication have played a major role in sustaining this partnership. Jon has been a true advocate for SCO, always showing up, always lending a hand, and always ensuring that the Association’s support remains strong year after year. His kindness and consistency have left a lasting impact on our community.

To Jon and to every member of the Nassau County Schools Facilities Association: thank you. Your generosity, your heart, and your unwavering commitment have helped us create brighter futures for so many young people. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and look forward to continuing this meaningful relationship for many years to come.

Andrea Doering’s Story

Andrea Doering’s connection to SCO began close to home in Sea Cliff, where she came to know Amy Gunter, an SCO staff member,  and her mother. Through that relationship, Andrea developed a deeper understanding of the needs of vulnerable children and families in the community, and that awareness inspired her to support SCO’s capital campaign. For Andrea, investing in the Robert J. McMahon Children’s Center is about helping ensure that children and youth have access to the kind of safe, high-quality environment they deserve.

She believes strongly that if Sea Cliff is home to a facility like this, it should be truly best in class. Andrea hopes the campaign will make it possible to modernize and strengthen the campus so that SCO can continue providing exceptional care to the children, families, and communities it serves. She also sees this effort as an opportunity for the broader community to come together and make a meaningful difference through philanthropic support.

Andrea describes her philanthropy as deeply rooted in her faith. As a Christian, she is especially moved by the call to uplift people who are marginalized, and that belief is reflected in her support of SCO’s mission. What has been most rewarding to her is witnessing the dedication of SCO’s staff and the quality of care they provide every day for the young people on campus. Andrea is joined in this commitment by her husband, Ron, who is also very supportive of the campaign. Together, they are proud to stand behind SCO’s vision and help create brighter futures for the children and families who rely on its care.

Meet Tyree Grimsley

Shift Supervisor

Shady Lane Individual Residential Alternative

Tyree Grimsley has been a consistent asset to the team at our Shady Lane IRA, modeling strong DSP practices that positively influence peers and help maintain high-quality support across shifts. Tyree ensures individuals are well-dressed and appropriately groomed, taking initiative to coordinate shopping when needed.

In addition, Tyree helps maintain personal care routines through weekly haircuts, nail care, and grooming supports, and has introduced scheduling structure such as designated laundry days and a weekly reset day to improve consistency and independence for the individuals in our care.

Tyree also provides individualized engagement for a particularly high-needs individual by offering one-to-one community outings and structured recreational activities like card games and board games, supporting both emotional regulation and positive engagement.

Tyree has contributed to community-building efforts by organizing a Hawaii-themed BBQ event that brought together multiple IRAs across Long Island, strengthening social connection among individuals supported.

Recently promoted to Shift Supervisor, Tyree continues to support team development by guiding peers through difficult situations and modeling effective approaches to care, while maintaining flexibility to responding to urgent needs within the home and community.

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Nassau County Schools Facilities Association’s Story

Always there for our kids

Read Nassau County Schools Facilities Association’s Story

Andrea Doering’s Story

Making a meaningful difference

Read Andrea Doering’s Story

100%

of students in our Early Childhood Education Centers met or exceeded age-level goals in literacy and math.

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