Fatu’s Story

At 19, Fatu’s future looks bright. She plans to go to Monroe College in the fall to follow her dream of becoming a lawyer. She’s currently going to school and working full-time as a paralegal at Queens Defenders, which provides free services to low-income people. Not long ago, she was a recipient of those services.

You see, the future did not always look so bright for Fatu. When she came to live in one of SCO’s residences for youth in foster care in 2018, she had had a difficult childhood, and she’d been in trouble with the law.

When Fatu was 12, her mother returned to their native Liberia with her younger brother, leaving Fatu with an abusive family friend in Queens. She eventually ran away, joined a gang and got into trouble.

When she first came to SCO, Fatu was confrontational with staff and other residents. But despite her rocky start at her new home, SCO staff has been behind her since day one. They encouraged her to further her education and pursue her GED. They showed her the right way to do things, and most of all, they showed her they cared.

Fatu’s former Queens Defenders lawyer, Anthony Martone, played a pivotal role in her turnaround. He saw her potential and went the extra mile to help her by initiating an internship program at the firm for past clients who’ve been through the juvenile justice system. Fatu was the first intern and became the first full-time hire from the program.

Fatu is positive, respectful, and focused. She loves her job and it has inspired her to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.

Her turnaround has been nothing short of miraculous, and it serves as an inspiration to other youth. Fatu is living proof of what is possible with a positive attitude, hard work, perseverance, and the help of caring adults who never stop believing in you.

See Fatu’s story in THE CITY.

(Photo: Ben Fractenberg-THE CITY)

Ryan’s Story

At 7 years old, Ryan was removed from his mother’s home and placed in SCO’s Foster Care program. Options for exploring his interests and creativity were limited. But that all changed for Ryan when his mentor at SCO encouraged and empowered him to pursue his dreams.

This mentorship broadened Ryan’s world and opened doors to opportunities. He discovered his abilities and strengths, nurtured a love for science, and developed his networking skills. Today, Ryan is proud to pay his experience forward by mentoring, encouraging, and guiding younger children at SCO.

Ryan is now a sophomore majoring in Biology at Jamestown Community College. SCO assisted him with transportation, college applications, and opportunities for financial aid to help him fulfill his potential and continue his education.

“Thank you for investing in my future,” said Ryan. “There is so much I would not have been able to do without the care and support that I received from SCO Family of Services.”

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Recreation Program

Westbrook offers a vibrant and varied recreation program designed to broaden our students’ interests as well as encourage social interaction and interest-based friendships.  Our program is designed by a recreational therapist and consists of two main components, daily activities and full weekend schedules.

Each afternoon students participate in engaging activities that take place either on campus or out in the community.  These activities are exceptionally wide-ranging and include physical, intellectual, imaginative, artistic and musical opportunities.  This wide variety supports existing leisure pursuits, offers opportunities for growth and development, and keeps each month’s recreation calendar fresh and exciting.  Additionally, recurrent activities are offered each evening.  These include visits to a local gym for those students who would like to work out, visits to the local public library, and a weekly open mic night at local music spots for our music lovers who enjoy performing or spectating.

Weekend recreation allows for longer day excursions to a variety of sites on Long Island, Queens or Manhattan.  These trips are arranged specifically for the students who will be spending the weekend at Westbrook and accommodate their interests and needs.  Our recreational therapist, along with residential counselors, accompany our students on these outings to ensure safe and enriching experiences.

Examples of other recreational activities include:

  • laser tag
  • rock climbing
  • local walks
  • movies
  • swimming
  • arcade
  • HorseAbility
  • Zumba
  • pottery
  • basketball
  • volleyball
  • local fairs
  • and so much more!

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This program is associated with...

Westbrook Preparatory School

Westbrook Preparatory School is the first residential New York State Regents junior/senior high school for students with a classification of Autism, Other Health Impairment, or Emotional Disability and related conditions. Read More

Fatu’s Story

Changing her trajectory - anything is possible when others believe in you

Read Fatu’s Story

Ryan’s Story

Empowerment through mentorship

Read Ryan’s Story

Children in our NYC shelters had a

96%

attendance rate at NYC DOE schools

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