Arjun’s Story

When Arjun joined SCO’s Individual Residential Alternatives program in 2014, his developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges greatly impacted his ability to function. They were so severe that he could not be in crowds, public spaces, and was unable to socialize. There were times when Arjun would refuse to eat meals with his housemates.

With the help and dedication of SCO’s staff, a plan was developed to help Arjun address these challenges and work towards achieving his goals. Last summer, Arjun attended the YMCA Camp Huguenot with his peers where he had a blast doing a variety of activities such as archery, rock climbing and canoeing. The fun did not stop there! After the camping trip, Arjun took a major step forward and drove to Battery Park with his sister and aunt. He entered the car with no hesitation and walked the High Line, went for pizza and drove around Manhattan with his family where he showed almost zero signs of anxiety.

Today, Arjun attends SCO’s community habilitation, partakes in various activities such as volunteering at canned food drives, delivering food to elderly adults, going to the bowling alley, and going to the local church’s gym to play basketball and soccer. Arjun spends quality time with his peers and he is now able to enjoy going out and be among his friends and family. He is also taking road-trips with his parents to Virginia and going on camping trips with his housemates without having anxiety.

Arjun’s breakthrough is the definition of a success story! He continues to thrive, and we are sure that Arjun will continue to work towards more independence and integration into his community.

 

Get Involved

Join us in our important work!  As New York’s largest nonprofit social services agency, we partner with individuals, families, corporations, government, donors, and volunteers to make a difference in the lives of 60,000 New Yorkers each year.  There are so many meaningful ways to get involved.  Here are a few:

Give: Learn the many meaningful ways to give to SCO Family of Services and support the 60,000 New Yorkers we serve.

 

Partner: Join the ranks of corporations, businesses and community organizations that partner with SCO to help us achieve life-changing results. You’ll be in great company!

 

Foster Care: It’s all about caring! Open your heart and home to a child in need.  Learn more about becoming a foster parent and how SCO can help you on your journey.

Attend an SCO signature event, or even better – join a committee, and get involved!

 

Tour: There is no better way to learn about the important work we do than by joining us for a tour.

 

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Guide: Learn how our SCO Council is helping families and communities throughout New York City and Long Island.

 

Jewelle

Madonna Heights Residential School

"I'm not going to give up because I know they're not going to give up on me." Learn More

Arjun’s Story

Individual Residential Alternatives

With the help and dedication of SCO’s staff, a plan was developed to help Arjun address his challenges and work towards achieving his goals. Learn More

368

participants in our Young Adult Workforce Program at Rikers Island completed our program to become licensed drivers to improve their employability

93%

of graduates at SCO's high school for over-age, under-credited students received a NYS Regent's diploma.