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.

 

Click here for IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATES from SCO

← Back

SCO LGBTQ+ Peer Support Group

Who:
Any SCO youth 13+ who identifies as LGBTQAI+

What:
The LGBTQ+ Support Group is a peer youth group for SCO’s youth who identify under the LGBTQAI+ umbrella. Meetings include community-related discussions where the youth are encouraged to share their experiences with the rest of the group. They are also encouraged to bring along people who are a part of their support system – whether they identify as a part of the community or not. Snacks and refreshments are provided.

Where:
SCO’s Brooklyn Office located at 154 Lawrence Street

When:
Every third Friday of the month, from 4:30PM to 6PM.

Why:
Being in foster care is difficult enough. “Coming out” while is care is twice as hard and can leave youth feeling alienated and afraid. SCO’s Forward Journey and Lifeset Departments wanted to create a safe space where SCO youth who identify as LGBTQAI+ can meet peers and support one another.

How:
Contact Gisele Doucet – gdoucet@sco.org, or Sahajja Harris – sharris3@sco.org

Flyer

Success Stories

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

Arjun’s Story

Overcoming Challenges to Achieve Personal Growth

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

91%

of babies in our Nurse Family Partnership were current with immunizations at 24 months

93%

of adults with developmental disabilities living in SCO’s IRAs (group homes) made meaningful connections by participating in community inclusion activities

Stay in the loop

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