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.

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.

 

Click here for IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATES from SCO

← Back

SCO Beacon Center at MS 35

The Beacon Center is a cornerstone of the Bedford Stuyvesant community. Located in MS 35, the Beacon Center provides a wide range of after school activities as well as evening and weekend services, workshops, summer enrichment programs, and recreational activities open to every family in the neighborhood.

The Beacon Center is a vital hub of activity within the neighborhood and serves as a gathering place for local and family celebrations. More than 2,000 children and adults participate in programs and events at the Beacon Center each year. Additionally, we partner with community organizations and local agencies to on a variety of programming including a drum and bugle corps, basketball leagues, fitness classes, computer literacy classes, and dance.

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

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

We help

1,700

children get ready for kindergarten

82%

of students at our residential school for youth with high-functioning autism are actively involved in weekly internships in the community

Stay in the loop

Subscribe to the SCO Newsletter to hear the latest on SCO’s programs, people, and happenings.