RaShaan’s Story

RaShaan was a resilient young adult when he came into SCO’s Foster Care program over a year ago, unsure of the future and longing for stability. Though he initially stepped into our residential group home with apprehension, it soon became a haven where he formed bonds and found constant support. RaShaan was relieved he finally had a place to call home.

Rashaan was assigned a Forward Journey coach, Arzu, who works with him on his education, career, and life skill goals. As Rashaan puts it, “She’s the person I call for anything and everything.”

When he first came into care, he wasn’t enrolled in school, didn’t have a job, and was unsure of the paths he wanted to follow. Arzu encouraged him to go back to get his GED and connected him to SCO’s Mentored Internship Program (MIP).

In MIP, Rashaan was able to work on his resume, cover letter, interview skills, and network. After completing MIP, he continues to receive support through SCO’s Passages to Adulthood program, where he learns independent living skills and interns – gaining real world job experience.

Under a steadfast mentorship, RaShaan reignited his educational drive, pursuing his GED with an aspiration to excel in the performing arts. With skills sharpened through SCO’s programs to support youth in care, he stands at the threshold of a bright future, enriched by invaluable experiences and friendships.

Kelly’s Story

Kelly lives on a quiet tree-lined street with her husband, two sons, and an energetic puppy named Molly. Life is pretty good these days. In her own words, she has a decent job, a home, a car, and a supportive family – all things she never thought possible before entering SCO’s Morning Star residential program for women recovering from substance use.

Since the age of 13, Kelly had been hooked on alcohol. For the next 10 years, she struggled with severe alcoholism, heroin addiction, and all the terrible symptoms that go along with that. She tried every which way to control her use but failed over and over again. Institutions, hospitals, and psychiatric facilities became a normal part of life. At the age of 23, Kelly realized she was running out of options. She had no place to live, was unemployable, and had no way to provide for herself or her 4-year-old son, Joseph. That’s when she found SCO.

Kelly was 35 days sober for the first time in her adult life when she entered SCO’s residential program. This would be the first of many pivotal firsts. While in program, she learned about accountability and structure. She was introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous and attended off site treatment programs. She felt supported and heard by the women and staff at Morning Star and thrived in this environment.

Little by little, Kelly rebuilt her life. With the help of vocational counselors, she returned to school, received her high school diploma, and took clerical courses. She was thrilled when Joseph came to live with her on campus, working with SCO’s coaches and childcare team to hone her parenting skills. And she addressed her past traumas head on with mental health counseling at SCO’s Family Services Clinic.

Kelly credits her time in Morning Star as life-changing. She has been gainfully employed since leaving the program in 2012 and now works for a successful law firm. She found her soulmate in Rob and was married in 2015, and expanded her family with another son, Aidan, a few years later. She likes to say she is a work in progress – and we know there are plenty of firsts still ahead for Kelly.

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Transition Services

The staff at Westbrook strive to help our students and their families achieve the most out of life, both during their time at Westbrook and as they look toward graduation. Our transition counselors help students to identify, research and make plans for their future.

Transitioning into the adult world can present challenges for young people and Westbrook students often require unique programming and planning. Activities are based on the student’s individual needs, preferences, and interests. Staff works closely with school district personnel, parents and external agencies (such as: OPWDD and ACESS-VR) to provide individual transition planning for students with the explicit goal of maximizing independence.

Our students achieve these goals through supervised field work experiences and regular participation in community-based activities, as well as, college and work exploration, learning independent skills through community assessments, and plan/shop/cook classes.

Internships

Adaptation, communication and real world experience are pillars of the academic experience that Westbrook provides. Since its inception, Westbrook has worked to develop strong partnerships in Westbury and the surrounding towns. Current and past internship options include but are not limited to:

  • All About Cats
  • Arbors Assisted Living
  • Best Buy
  • CVS
  • Hicks Nursery
  • Holiday Farms Grocery
  • Law Offices of Kaplan and Kaplan
  • L.I. Children’s Museum
  • Mineola Library
  • Office of the Mayor of Westbury
  • Post Avenue Bootery
  • SCO Family of Services
  • Sew Time
  • Willis Ave. Hobby Shop
  • Young Peoples Camp of Nassau County

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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

Related News

SCO’s Westbrook Preparatory School Students Ready2Learn as They Welcome NYS Assemblyman Michael Montesano

September 23, 2016

RaShaan’s Story

Reigniting educational drive through mentorship opportunities

Read RaShaan’s Story

Kelly’s Story

A life rebuilt, with the help of Morning Star

Read Kelly’s Story

85%

of residents in our group homes for adults with developmental disabilities attended Day Habilitation and receive vocational services

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