Ross’ Story

Ross, a former student at SCO’s Westbrook Preparatory School, is a motivated and engaging young man who has Asperger syndrome. “I’m actually different from many people with Asperger’s in that I’m a very social guy,” says Ross. “On the other hand, sometimes I am unaware of other people’s feelings. I can be impulsive, and I do get overwhelmed. ”

Ross had difficulty adapting at his previous public school due to these challenges. However, Westbrook’s residential school setting gave Ross the opportunity to work on his social skills and develop strategies to help him avoid feeling overwhelmed.

One key element of life at Westbrook is the internship program. While students find comfort and build confidence living and learning with other teens who have similar challenges, they know that they need to prepare themselves to communicate and work well with all kinds of people. Ross’s first internship was at Sports Authority, and he held another at St. Brigid’s Elementary School Camp where he found talking with children about sports very rewarding.

His interest in sports led Ross to his next internship at WCWP 88.1 FM, the college radio station at CW Post. He ran the audio control sound board at sporting events, made guest appearances on a college sports talk show and researched sports information for use on air. He enjoyed his experience so much that he decided to study communications in college.

Mission

Mother and Daughter

SCO Family of Services envisions communities throughout New York City and Long Island that support family life and personal well-being, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

SCO Family of Services helps New Yorkers build a strong foundation for the future. We get young children off to a good start, launch youth into adulthood, stabilize and strengthen families and unlock potential for children and adults with special needs. SCO has provided vital human services throughout New York City and Long Island for more than 100 years.

Values

  • Compassion – we provide deep empathy and a safe, caring environment that enriches each life we touch
  • Empowerment – we enhance the strengths of individuals, families and communities, providing opportunities to succeed and participate fully in community life
  • Dedication – we do whatever it takes to help people thrive, standing by them no matter the obstacles they face or the challenges they must overcome
  • Acceptance – we embrace each individual’s unique identity
  • Responsiveness – we anticipate and strive to meet the needs of every person and every community we serve, responding to moments of crisis and preventing crises before they occur
  • Family – we embrace families as our partners believing  that families are essential for individuals and communities to flourish
  • Excellence – we dedicate ourselves to the highest standards of practice and performance and strive to achieve excellence and professionalism in all we do
  • Integrity – we pride ourselves on prudence, commitment and accountability
  • Effective – we produce results by motivating and supporting each person and family we serve so they can meet and exceed their personal goals

Ross’ Story

Westbrook Preparatory School

“I’m actually different from many people with Asperger’s in that I’m a very social guy” Learn More

Cathy Armstrong

"I love working with the children and helping make their holidays and graduations special." Learn More

We help

2,500

people with special needs develop skills to reach their full potential

4 out of 5

runaway or homeless youth leaving our transitional living programs are engaged in educational pursuits or gainful employment