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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CFL Adult Employment & Education

Center for Family Life Adult Employment Services provide job readiness and placement assistance to Sunset Park, Brooklyn residents and meet the hiring needs of employers and small businesses with highly motivated candidates. The free job-readiness program includes resume writing help, interview preparation, computer skills training and job placement. English as a Second Language (ESOL) classes in Spanish and Chinese are also provided.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Unemployed and underemployed adults seeking full time jobs, employment counseling, resume and interview help, job placement, English and computer classes

How to Access this Program or Service

Contact the program at 718.633.4823

This program is associated with...

Center For Family Life

Our mission is to promote positive outcomes for children, adults and families in Sunset Park through the provision of a comprehensive range of neighborhood-based family and social services. Read More

Success Stories

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

Adam Graves

"Garden of Dreams is the single most important thing we do.” Learn More

We provide

19,000

families and individuals with support services and community activities

We inspire

8,200

children and teens through academic, after-school, summer and work readiness programs