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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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

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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

Antoinette’s Story

Morning Star

"They helped me learn how to be myself, then how to be a mom." Learn More

We help

4,100

people with special needs develop skills to reach their full potential

87%

of young adults in foster care (18+) are enrolled in school or working

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