Wilson’s Story

You don’t always know you have a gift. People said Wilson was special for solving a Rubik’s cube in under a minute. He just thought he was good at puzzles. People said he had amazing confidence on the piano for a five-year-old. He just thought music was fun. His experience at Westbrook Preparatory School taught him that people can have many gifts-and that discovering them within yourself can change every aspect of your life.

Before attending Westbrook, life was different for Wilson at school, where he felt lost, misunderstood, uninterested, and socially out of place. He was down on his luck, longing for focus, friendships, fun, and rediscovering his confidence playing the piano. At Westbrook, Wilson formed new friendships and rediscovered his strength and confidence to excel in both the academic and social worlds.

The nurturing environment at Westbrook continues to drive momentous goals for Wilson – from helping him thrive in school, to preparing him for a successful future career. Wilson landed a position as an IT intern, enabling him to continue following his passion for technology.

Today, he is playing the piano with full confidence, challenging himself with pieces of Chopin and Wagner. He excels in his classes, loves taking part in sports such as the student-staff football competition, and has rediscovered an interest in exciting and eye-opening subjects including computers, cooking, and chess.

“Thanks to SCO Family of Services and Westbrook Preparatory School for being part of my success story,” said Wilson.

YouTube Link

Wilson playing Billy Joel on the piano.

 

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Brooklyn Youth Center

Located in Brownsville, the Brooklyn Youth Center provides a wide array of services to run away and homeless youth throughout the borough of Brooklyn. Youth Center staff provide crisis intervention, counseling and mediation as well as services to help youth pursue educational and career goals and develop independent living skills.

We treat all youth and their families with dignity, respect, privacy, and utmost confidentiality. ALL SERVICES ARE FREE. NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY.

Call our Hotline for help:  877-4-DROP-IN • (877-437-6746)   Read our Brochure»

  • Case management
  • Emergency shelter referrals and advocacy for transitional housing
  • Family mediation
  • Mental health
  • Health and substance abuse treatment referrals
  • Hygiene assistance
  • Food and emergency clothing
  • Homeless prevention services
  • Assessment and referrals
  • Youth and family resources
  • Public education and awareness of the NYC DYCD continuum of services for runaway and homeless youth
  • Application assistance for NY/NY III supportive housing

Hours:
Open 24/7

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Young men and women in Brooklyn who are runaway or homeless

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Young men and women who have already reached the age of 14, but are not yet 25 years old

How to Access this Program or Service

Call our Hotline at 877-4-DROP-IN (877-437-6746).  Or call 311/DYCD Youth Connect (1-800-246-4646 or 646-343-6800)

Success Stories

Cathy Armstrong

"I love working with the children and helping make their holidays and graduations special." Learn More

Wilson’s Story

You don’t always know you have a gift.

“Thanks to SCO Family of Services and Westbrook Preparatory School for being part of my success story,” said Wilson. Learn More

Children in our NYC shelters had a

96%

attendance rate at NYC DOE schools

88%

of young adults in foster care (18+) are enrolled in school or working

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