I began volunteering at SCO’s Madonna Heights program in 1972, when my parents, Bill and Barbara Tyree, got involved. Then twenty-five years ago, I volunteered to start a 4H program for the girls at Madonna Heights. That 4H program is still going on and I look forward to Monday nights, bringing snacks and a special activity for the girls. Of course, for us it is still a family affair, and today, my daughters and my daughter-in-law are all Madonna Heights volunteers, too.
Why I support SCO
I was inspired by my parent’s commitment to SCO, and for many years I just pitched in and helped them with their projects. But it was only when I started volunteering directly with the girls that I came to fully understand what a difference a volunteer can make. The girls at Madonna Heights are just like all kids their age: they need love and support, but they just don’t always have easy access to those things. When I meet them later as successful adults, I can see what a difference love and support can make.
What I love about SCO
The programs and staff at SCO are amazing. It’s exciting to be involved with an agency that is doing so much good for so many people… like the young women who periodically see me and still remember what a difference we made in their lives.
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.
