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.

 

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Planned Crisis Respite

Mom and teen daughter smiling

This program provides timely respite services for families in Queens coping with children who have a serious emotional disturbance. The child is temporarily placed with a respite family so their family can take advantage of some time needed to attend to other issues.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Families/foster care providers in which a youth with SED needs a temporary separation from his/her current living situation.

Age Criteria

5-18 years of age

How to Access this Program or Service

Referrals accepted via foster care providers, private families, HCBS waiver providers and other mental health providers

Services

  • Respite
  • Emotional/Behavioral Supports

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Arjun’s Story

Overcoming severe anxiety to achieve personal growth at SCO Individual Residential Alternative (IRA)

Read Arjun’s Story

82%

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

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