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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LGBTQ Residential Program

We offer the only residential program in New York City for young people in care who identify as LGBTQ. Our programs provide 24-hour care in a uniquely affirming and healing environment where all youth are welcome and encour­aged to live authentically in all aspects of their lives.

We operate small home-like settings in Brooklyn and Queens that provide a safe, supportive and nurturing space for these youth as they strive for self-awareness and community, family and school acceptance. Every young person is treated with dignity and respect, and our staff is focused on meeting the unique needs of our youth.

We serve youth 15-21 who are currently in foster care and who come from all five boroughs of New York City, as well as other New York counties.

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

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

98%

of the young adults in our Scattered Site Supportive Housing program were gainfully employed, engaged in school, or both

We help

4,100

people with special needs develop skills to reach their full potential

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