Ross’ Story

Ross, a former student at SCO’s Westbrook Preparatory School, is a motivated and engaging young man who has Asperger syndrome. “I’m actually different from many people with Asperger’s in that I’m a very social guy,” says Ross. “On the other hand, sometimes I am unaware of other people’s feelings. I can be impulsive, and I do get overwhelmed. ”

Ross had difficulty adapting at his previous public school due to these challenges. However, Westbrook’s residential school setting gave Ross the opportunity to work on his social skills and develop strategies to help him avoid feeling overwhelmed.

One key element of life at Westbrook is the internship program. While students find comfort and build confidence living and learning with other teens who have similar challenges, they know that they need to prepare themselves to communicate and work well with all kinds of people. Ross’s first internship was at Sports Authority, and he held another at St. Brigid’s Elementary School Camp where he found talking with children about sports very rewarding.

His interest in sports led Ross to his next internship at WCWP 88.1 FM, the college radio station at CW Post. He ran the audio control sound board at sporting events, made guest appearances on a college sports talk show and researched sports information for use on air. He enjoyed his experience so much that he decided to study communications in college.

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Bethany Program

The Bethany Program consists of group residences located in Brooklyn and Queens, which provide a supportive home environment for pregnant and parenting teens in foster care. Young women in the program are assisted with educational, vocational, and independent living skills acquisition as they develop the necessary parenting skills to provide safe and nurturing care for their children.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Pregnant teens and teen mothers with custody of their child(ren)

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Ages 15-21; in foster care

How to Access this Program or Service

NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) foster care services

Success Stories

Madelin, Omariano & Mariano

Baby & Me

“I get so much out of it. I don’t know what I’d do without Baby & Me.” Learn More

Ross’ Story

Westbrook Preparatory School

“I’m actually different from many people with Asperger’s in that I’m a very social guy” Learn More

368

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

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students in our transfer high schools who were at risk of dropping out graduated with a Regents diploma