Alayah’s Story

Alayah was always curious. When she saw something, she wouldn’t just take it at face value. She wanted to learn more. “How does that work?” “Why did that happen?” “What makes it do that?”

Her inquisitive nature was one of the traits that made her such a good student. She loves to learn and always has.

Growing up in Philadelphia, Alayah was at the top of her class. When she moved to New York, however, she risked having to repeat her junior year because some of her credits did not transfer.

Determined to graduate on time with her class, Alayah transferred to SCO’s East Brooklyn Community High School (EBCHS.) East Brooklyn is a transfer high school in partnership with SCO Family of Services and the New York City Department of Education. Students there can earn credits at an accelerated rate, so Alayah was able to earn her remaining junior credits and all of her senior credits in the same academic year.

Upon her arrival at EBCHS, Alayah had one goal: Go to college. She wanted to be the first in her family to go to college and she was determined to make it happen.

In the Spring of her senior year, Alayah’s EBCHS Advocate Counselor told her about a college scholarship available through Garden of Dreams, the Inspire Scholarship, and it’s substantial – $40,000 ($10,000 per year for four years) and a brand-new MacBook.

The Garden of Dreams Foundation is a non-profit organization that works with MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports to bring life-changing opportunities to young people in need. SCO Family of Services is one of their partner organizations.

When Alayah learned about the Garden of Dreams Inspire Scholarship, she jumped at the opportunity to apply. With a little help from her English teacher and a letter of recommendation from the EBCHS School Director, Alayah submitted her application.

Immersed in finishing out her senior year and applying to a myriad of colleges, Alayah received an email that she received a Garden of Dreams Inspire Scholarship! It was, in her words, an “Oh, my God! What a relief!” moment.

It really should come as no surprise. Her insatiable desire for knowledge made her the perfect candidate.

Alayah’s drive to go to college paid off. She was accepted into 16 colleges. Sixteen! In the end, Alayah chose North Carolina A&T University. It’s an excellent school and the people she talked to had great things to say about it.

Alayah plans to Major in Biology on the Pre-Med track, with a Minor in Psychology. She’d love to get into a top medical school and become a surgeon one day. She grew up helping to take care of people. It’s in her blood.

Alayah has set her goals high, but with her talent, drive and determination, she’s destined to achieve them all.

Congratulations, Alayah!

Our Impact

SCO is focused on providing the best care and services to help our clients succeed. We are with them every step of the way, helping to open doors to opportunities, gain access to resources, and improve the quality of their lives.

How do we measure success? Through their success in achieving their goals in three overarching areas: Learning, Work and Well-being.

Learning

  • 96% of 12th graders in Family Foster Care graduated high school; 61% are enrolled in post-secondary education
  • 100% of eligible students at Westbrook Preparatory School took and passed the Regents exam
  • Children in our NYC shelters had a 96% attendance rate at NYC DOE schools
  • UB’s focus on Early Intervention was noted by NYC for being responsible for an unprecedented 28% jump in referral rates for Black children in Brownsville

Work

  • 100% of eligible residents at our Dix Hills Residential Treatment Facility participated in work, internship, or volunteer activities
  • 85% of residents in our group homes for adults with developmental disabilities attended Day Hab and received vocational services
  • 88% of young adults in foster care (ages 18+) are currently working or enrolled in school

Well-being

  • 99% of at-risk families throughout Brooklyn & Queens remained together and stable with family support services
  • 95% of women in our residential recovery program remained substance free
  • 90% of residents in our NYC shelters were successfully discharged to stable housing
  • 91% of babies in our Nurse-Family Partnership were current with immunizations at 24 months
  • 93% of adults with developmental disabilities living in SCO’s IRAs (group homes) made meaningful connections by participating in community inclusion activities

In FY 2021, SCO:

  • Sheltered 5,200 youth, adults and children experiencing homelessness
  • Helped 2,700 individuals with special needs develop skills to reach their full potential
  • Guided 5,400 children and teens on the path to academic success through after school, summer and work-readiness programs
  • Prepared 1,500 young children for kindergarten in our early childhood programs
  • Served 1,100 children and young adults in foster care and their families
  • Strengthened families and communities across the metro area, providing 14,000 New Yorkers with counseling, support and community-based services

Westbrook Prep Helps Sam Build a Brighter Future

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Alayah’s Story

Next Stop, College! Alayah O’Sullivan - East Brooklyn Community High School Class of 2022

Alayah was always curious. When she saw something, she wouldn’t just take it at face value. She wanted to learn more. “How does that work?” “Why did that happen?” “What makes it do that?” Her inquisitive nature was one of the traits that made her such a good student. She… Learn More

95%

of women in our residential recovery program remained substance free

100%

of eligible students at Westbrook Preparatory School passed the Regents exam on the first try

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