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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Independence Inns

Located in Brooklyn and Queens, Independence Inns provide shelter and support for young people who are experiencing homelessness or have run away. Our staff helps residents finish school and acquire skills that will prepare them to be self-sufficient. Several of our Independence Inns serve young woman and their children.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Young men and women who are runaway or homeless

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Young men and women who have already reached the age of 16, but are not yet 21 years old

How to Access this Program or Service

You can access this service by visiting a Drop-In Center and/or youth crisis shelter in New York City (within the DYCD continuum). Or contact DYCD Youth Connect at 800-246-4646 or 646-343-6800

This program is associated with...

A Vibrant Brownsville

Brownsville, Brooklyn is a vibrant, evolving, and unique neighborhood; and SCO is proud of our partnership with the community for over three decades.  Read More

Success Stories

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

Marissa

Bronx Arena High School

"She made me feel good about myself." Learn More

96%

of students at our Dix Hills campus participated in weekly wellness activities

99%

of at-risk families throughout Brooklyn & Queens remained together and stable with family support services

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