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.

Health Resources

COVID-19 Testing

New York State continues to increase testing capacity for COVID-19 on a daily basis. Use this NYSDOH screening tool to share your symptoms and schedule a COVID-19 test at a New York State-run testing site.

  • If you go to a test site run by New York State, there is never any charge for your test.
  • If you go to a test site operated by local governments, private companies including pharmacies and medical practices, or not-for-profit organizations, you are advised to check with the testing site and your insurer in advance of being tested to confirm you will not be responsible for any fees associated with your test.

New York City

FREE COVID-19 tests are confidential and safe. Visit nyc.gov/covidtest, text “COVID Test” to 855-48, or call 212-COVID19 to find a testing site near you.

Assistance for New Yorkers who test positive for COIVD-19

NYC Health & Hospitals’ Test & Trace Corps is providing special services for New Yorkers who test positive and their close contacts:

    • A free hotel room for up to 14 days if quarantining at home is impossible. Call (212) 268-4319 to book a room.
    • Free dog walking and other pet drop-in services to ensure New Yorkers can remain safely separated in a hotel or at home. Learn more.

​​​​​​​COVID-19 Antibody Screening for New York City Residents

Please note that people under the age of 18 and people who are not NYC residents are not eligible to participate in this program.

New York City offers free antibody testing on a walk-in basis at the 11 acute care facilities of NYC Health + Hospitals and at the Gotham Community Health Center sites listed on the NYC antibody testing webpage.

For more information, call 1-844-NYC-4NYC or visit the NYC antibody testing webpage.

COVID-19 Vaccine

If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, call the New York State COVID-19 hotline at 833-NYS-4-VAX (833-697-4829).

  • Schedule an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Participating pharmacies are now offering a second COVID-19 vaccine to individuals who received the first vaccine elsewhere. Participating pharmacies are:

New York City

The Museum of Natural History is providing 1,000 vaccines daily. The site will operate Tuesday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Long Island

  • Northwell Health is administering the COVID-19 vaccine at certain locations in Nassau and Suffolk. Find a location. 
  • Nassau County has several vaccine sites. Check availability and schedule a vaccine appointment at a Nassau County Department of Health location at nassaucountyny.gov/vaccine.
  • Hempstead Town and Mount Sinai South Nassau introduced the “Vaxmobile” – coming to communities near you. Residents who are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine can call a special hotline at (516) 812-3678 (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or send an email to [email protected] to be placed on a list to be contacted by Mount Sinai South Nassau when appointments are available.

NYS Department of Health Novel Coronavirus Hotline: 888-364-3065

NYC COVID-19 Information – NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
A Physician’s Guide to COVID-19 – American Medical Association
Frequently Asked Questions about Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) – National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Coronavirus: What Patients Need to Know – Community Healthcare Network
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Information on Novel Coronavirus – NYS Department of Health
County Health Departments – NYS Department of Health
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) – NYC Department of Health
Coronavirus Updates for Schools – NYS Center for School Health
How Veterans With Mesothelioma Can Get the COVID-19 Vaccine – Mesothelioma Veterans Center
COVID-19 and Mesothelioma Updates – Mesothelioma.net

Undocumented immigrants should not avoid medical care if they require it. Hospital staff will NOT ask about immigration status and medical care is NOT a “public benefit” under the public charge test. If an undocumented immigrant does not have a doctor or insurance, they can visit a public hospital safely.

Mental Health/Safety Resources

Feeling stressed by the COVID-19 pandemic? You are not alone. Call the NY Project Hope Emotional Support Helpline 7 days a week, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. at 1-844-863-9314, or visit www.nyprojecthope.org.
COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide – National Alliance on Mental Illness
Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services
Crisis Counseling: Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH): Call 1-800-985-5990 and text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
Safety Planning for Domestic Violence Survivors
Tech Safety for Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence
COVID-19: Tips for Mindfulness & Coping with Anxiety – Watch videos 
National Domestic Violence Hotline has 24/7 confidential support for people experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.
RAINN has a 24/7 safe and confidential sexual assault hotline that connects individuals to a local provider who can provide a variety of free resources. Hotline number: 800-656-4673 and online chat
Grief Share hosts free, in-person grief recovery support groups across the country.
NYC Well is your connection to free, confidential mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services, in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365.
Drug & Alcohol Abuse Hotline– For 24/7 treatment, call 844-616-3400. This is 100% confidential and free.
National Drug Helpline – 24/7 hotline
Live Another Day – An extensive list of mental health and substance use resources specifically for the AAPI (American Asian and Pacific Islander) community.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – SAMHSA’s national hotline is federally funded and provides those with mental health or substance abuse disorders guidance and options for them to seek help. Call (800-662-4357).
New York State now has a text program and confidential online service for victims of domestic violence. Text 844-997-2121 for help or go to http://opdv.ny.gov to chat.

Health Benefits

Changes to Public Benefits Programs in NYC

East Brooklyn Community High School Students Reflect on Graduation Day

"They're your backbone, they help you and support you no matter what you do in life." Learn More

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

85%

of residents in our group homes for adults with developmental disabilities attended Day Habilitation and receive vocational services

We shelter

5,200

youth, adults and children

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