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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Young Adult Workforce Program

The Young Adult Workforce Program provides multiple pathways to success for young adults (18-21) currently and/or previously in NYC DOC custody. The program aims to reduce recidivism by increasing the employability of the population served. The program offers a range of services prior to the young adult’s release from Rikers Island, including group workshops and individualized support services, and a variety of post-release services geared towards supporting reentry.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Young adults who are on or have been released from Rikers Island

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Age 18-21

How to Access this Program or Service

Referred by NYC Department of Correction

 

Related News

SCO’s Young Adult Workforce Program Honored

July 24, 2019

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

Isis & Kaiden

Bethany I

“We’ve made lifelong friends and family. It was a beautiful struggle.” Learn More

Last year, we placed

1,470

youth in employment, subsidized employment or internships

87%

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

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