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 Co-op, Business Development

The Cooperative Business Development Program mobilizes community members and organizations to develop and launch cooperative businesses. We partner with immigrant and low-income workers to create new pathways to economic stability and opportunities for leadership. We support cooperatives in Sunset Park and partner with organizations that are engaged in incubating cooperative businesses. We offer an in-depth training on cooperative development, tailored support and technical assistance, and ongoing workshops to share learning and best practices.

The co-ops include ‘We Can Do It’, a house cleaning co-op, ‘Beyond Care’, a childcare co-op, ‘Golden Steps’, an elder care co-op and ‘Émigré Gourmet’, a collective business that provides catering services and cooking lessons.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Immigrant and low-income workers who want to create new pathways to economic stability and opportunities for leadership

How to Access this Program or Service

Contact the program at 718.633.4823

Our Coops

Directory of Worker Cooperatives

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

Antoinette’s Experience at Morning Star

"They helped me learn how to be myself, then how to be a mom." Learn More

Last year,

97%

of children in our early education centers met or exceeded national literacy performance standards

Last year, we helped

418

adults become employed heads of households