Alayah’s Story

Alayah was always curious. When she saw something, she wouldn’t just take it at face value. She wanted to learn more. “How does that work?” “Why did that happen?” “What makes it do that?”

Her inquisitive nature was one of the traits that made her such a good student. She loves to learn and always has.

Growing up in Philadelphia, Alayah was at the top of her class. When she moved to New York, however, she risked having to repeat her junior year because some of her credits did not transfer.

Determined to graduate on time with her class, Alayah transferred to SCO’s East Brooklyn Community High School (EBCHS.) East Brooklyn is a transfer high school in partnership with SCO Family of Services and the New York City Department of Education. Students there can earn credits at an accelerated rate, so Alayah was able to earn her remaining junior credits and all of her senior credits in the same academic year.

Upon her arrival at EBCHS, Alayah had one goal: Go to college. She wanted to be the first in her family to go to college and she was determined to make it happen.

In the Spring of her senior year, Alayah’s EBCHS Advocate Counselor told her about a college scholarship available through Garden of Dreams, the Inspire Scholarship, and it’s substantial – $40,000 ($10,000 per year for four years) and a brand-new MacBook.

The Garden of Dreams Foundation is a non-profit organization that works with MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports to bring life-changing opportunities to young people in need. SCO Family of Services is one of their partner organizations.

When Alayah learned about the Garden of Dreams Inspire Scholarship, she jumped at the opportunity to apply. With a little help from her English teacher and a letter of recommendation from the EBCHS School Director, Alayah submitted her application.

Immersed in finishing out her senior year and applying to a myriad of colleges, Alayah received an email that she received a Garden of Dreams Inspire Scholarship! It was, in her words, an “Oh, my God! What a relief!” moment.

It really should come as no surprise. Her insatiable desire for knowledge made her the perfect candidate.

Alayah’s drive to go to college paid off. She was accepted into 16 colleges. Sixteen! In the end, Alayah chose North Carolina A&T University. It’s an excellent school and the people she talked to had great things to say about it.

Alayah plans to Major in Biology on the Pre-Med track, with a Minor in Psychology. She’d love to get into a top medical school and become a surgeon one day. She grew up helping to take care of people. It’s in her blood.

Alayah has set her goals high, but with her talent, drive and determination, she’s destined to achieve them all.

Congratulations, Alayah!

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Community Supports for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Challenges

SCO offers a comprehensive service array for children and families with emotional and behavioral health needs.  Our mental health, substance use, and support services help children (under 21) and their families improve their health, well-being, and quality of life.  Services are provided where children and families are most comfortable — at home or in the community.  Our goal is to strengthen families and help them to make informed decisions about their child’s care so they can be successful at home, in school, and in the community.

Services include:

  • Care Coordination – Health Home Care Management
  • Therapy (Other Licensed Practitioner) – Mental Health, Substance Use, Individual, Group, and Family
  • Psychosocial Rehabilitation
  • Youth Peer Support and Training
  • Family Peer Support and Training
  • Community Psychiatric Supports and Treatment
Who Can Benefit from this Program

Families with children and youth with emotional or behavioral health needs, who:

  • need extra care at home/in the community
  • want to avoid going to the hospital or a long term facility
  • are eligible for Children and Family Treatment and Support Services
  • are enrolled or eligible to enroll in Medicaid
Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Children and youth under the age of 21 who are eligible for Medicaid. Services are provided in Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Nassau and Suffolk.

How to Access this Program or Service

Contact us at 718.312.6829.

Complete this Referral Form and email to homebasedsupports@sco.org.

 

Success Stories

Alayah’s Story

Next Stop, College! Alayah O’Sullivan - East Brooklyn Community High School Class of 2022

Alayah was always curious. When she saw something, she wouldn’t just take it at face value. She wanted to learn more. “How does that work?” “Why did that happen?” “What makes it do that?” Her inquisitive nature was one of the traits that made her such a good student. She… 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

We inspire

5,400

children and teens through academic, after-school, summer and work readiness programs

91%

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

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