At SCO Family of Services, we know that recurring gifts are the backbone of our mission. They provide steady, reliable support that allows us to plan ahead and deliver life-changing programs for children, youth, adults, and families across New York City and Long Island. Few people understand this better than Donna Delarosa.
As Program Director of Community Support Services, Donna sees firsthand the impact of SCO’s work every day. But her commitment doesn’t stop at her professional role, she also gives back personally as a recurring donor. Month after month, Donna contributes to ensure that the individuals and families we serve have the resources they need to thrive.
“Recurring gifts are such an important part of keeping our mission successful,” says Chief Development Officer Juliette McKenna in a recent acknowledgment letter to Donna. “Thanks to your generous monthly gift, SCO Family of Services is able to help vulnerable New Yorkers build a strong foundation for the future.”
Donna’s story is a powerful reminder that philanthropy isn’t just about one-time acts of generosity, it’s about sustained commitment. Her monthly contributions help SCO provide early childhood education, launch youth into adulthood, stabilize families, and support individuals with special needs. This consistency ensures that SCO can respond to urgent needs and invest in long-term solutions.
When asked why she gives, Donna points to the same values that guide her work: “I believe in what we do. Every dollar makes a difference, and giving monthly is my way of making sure that difference continues.”
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.
With your gift, you can help strengthen New York families and unlock potential for children and adults with special needs.
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