Alisson’s Story

Congratulations to Alisson, East Brooklyn Community High School’s 2024 Valedictorian!

Alisson has been a phenomenal student since arriving at East Brooklyn Community High School (EBCHS) in the fall of 2023. But her journey to academic excellence was not without a few bumps in the road.

Things were going well at her old school until her sophomore year, when Alisson no longer felt safe there. That led to attendance issues which, in turn, had a negative effect on her grades. Alisson didn’t want to continue her downward academic spiral, so she decided to make a change. A friend recommended EBCHS, so Alisson set up an interview.

East Brooklyn Community High School is a transfer high school. Run in partnership with the NYC Department of Education, transfer high schools combine quality academics with intensive support services to promote academic success. EBCHS is a smaller school (200 students) with small class sizes for more individualized attention. Advocate Counselors and Social Workers play a significant role in the school, helping students work through personal issues to be able to focus on their classes. East Brooklyn was exactly the kind of school Alisson was looking for, so she enrolled.

One of the jobs of East Brooklyn, and all transfer high schools, is repairing students’ view of school and education after coming from a negative experience. Teachers and staff need to change students’ feelings about school, so it becomes a place they want to be.

On Alisson’s first day at EBCHS, knew she was going to love it.

“The teachers really care. They really want you to learn the material and they create a positive environment that made me want to go to school,” Alisson said. “East Brooklyn also makes mental health a priority. If you’re feeling stressed, you’re encouraged to speak to a social worker to help get you in a better place.”

EBCHS offers students an accelerated pace, running on trimesters instead of semesters. Always a self-motivated student, Alisson took advantage – learning at an accelerated pace that allowed her to earn 18 credits in one year, giving her enough credits to graduate on schedule.

Alisson also took advantage of the many opportunities that EBCHS offers. She was encouraged to explore her interest in film by taking a film course that included attending the NYC public school Film Festival. She did an internship with the EBCHS film teacher, allowing her to develop her creative skills even further. She worked with the EBCHS Future Focus Advocate Counselor who helped her solidify her post graduate plans and helped her with college and financial aid applications. She developed great relationships with teachers and social workers who were all in her corner, each playing a part in helping her succeed.

After graduating, Alisson wants to become a nurse. She has always loved medicine and she loves working with kids, so she’s hoping to have a career that combines the two – pediatric nursing. Alisson plans to attend Borough of Manhattan College for two years in their nursing program, then transfer to a 4-year college to earn a nursing degree.

Alisson highly recommends East Brooklyn Community High School to any student who is struggling at their current school and who needs the right atmosphere and support to help them succeed.

Alisson is a shining example of what a young person is capable of when they’re in the right place.

“A lot of my peers say I took the opportunity and ran with it,” Alisson said.

We couldn’t agree more.

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

Carlos’ Story

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

Read Carlos’ Story

Alisson’s Story

From struggling student to Valedictorian

Read Alisson’s Story

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