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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Supported Single Room Occupancy Residence

The Supportive Single Room Occupancy (SRO) is a residence located on the Ottilie campus in Queens for young adult men and women with both a developmental disability and a serious emotional disturbance. These young adults are not yet ready to make the transition from a structured Residential Treatment Facility or hospital to community-based living and need extra support to make that transition successful. This program is complimented by the Outreach Service Center which provides employment and entitlement assistance along with other supportive services for the SRO residents as well as other dual-diagnosed young adults living in the community.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Young people who are dual diagnosed (SED/IDD) preparing to transition to the community

Age Criteria

18- 24 years of age

How to Access this Program or Service

Referral to SCO Supported SRO Program.

Services

  • Residential Programs

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Arjun’s Story

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100%

of the students in our Queens-based Early Childhood Education Centers met or exceeded age level goals in literacy and math.

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