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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Children’s Community Residences

Our Children’s Community Residences, located in Queens and Long Island, provide a structured, supportive, home-like environment for adolescents who are ready for discharge from higher levels of care such as Residential Treatment Facilities and psychiatric hospitals, but are not yet ready to return home.

While in our program, working in conjunction with their family supports, youth learn the skills necessary to live and function as active members of the community, while learning to adopt the necessary coping, self-care and independent living skills necessary to successfully integrate back to the family home and  community.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Youth with SED needing a structured setting in the community

Age Criteria

10- 18 years of age

How to Access this Program or Service

Referrals go through the Children’s Single Point of Acccess (C-SPOA)

 

 

Success Stories

Arjun’s Story

Individual Residential Alternatives

With the help and dedication of SCO’s staff, a plan was developed to help Arjun address his challenges and work towards achieving his goals. Learn More

Kaitlyn & Khamion

Early Education & Family Support Services

“I love this school. Sometimes I felt like giving up, but Kaitlyn was always my motivation.” Learn More

4 out of 5

runaway or homeless youth leaving our transitional living programs are engaged in educational pursuits or gainful employment

93%

of graduates at SCO's high school for over-age, under-credited students received a NYS Regent's diploma.