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.

 

Who is SCO?

Who is SCO?

With 84 programs serving 60,000 New Yorkers each year, SCO Family of Services is many things to many people. We are advocates. We are hope. We are early childhood, independent youth, and special needs programming. We are strong families and communities. We are the promise of opportunity. And most importantly, we are builders. We build well-being.

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How can you help?

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Our mission

 

SCO Family of Services envisions communities throughout New York City and Long Island that support family life and personal well-being, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

SCO Family of Services helps New Yorkers build a strong foundation for the future. We get young children off to a good start, launch youth into adulthood, stabilize and strengthen families and unlock potential for children and adults with special needs. SCO has provided vital human services throughout New York City and Long Island for 125 years.

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Our Success

 

97% of children in our Early Childhood Centers met or exceeded national literacy performance standards

83% of runaway and homeless youth discharged from our shelters are engaged in education or work

99% of at-risk families throughout Brooklyn and Queens remained together and stable with family support services

In 2018 we sheltered 5,500 youth, adults and children experiencing homelessness

82% of students in our residential school for youth with high-functioning autism are actively involved in weekly internships in the community

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Our Services

 

SCO Family of Services has responded to the needs of New Yorkers for more than a century.

  • Foster Care
  • Homeless Shelters & Services
  • Special Needs Programs
  • Early Childhood Education
  • At Risk Youth Development
  • Family & Community Support

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Want to help?

See some of our work

SCO Family of Services opens doors to opportunities for children, youth, adults and families throughout New York City and Long Island.

Nicholas

Support for individuals with special needs

“The confidence Nick has grown in the short time he’s been at the group home is amazing." Learn More

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

100%

of eligible residents at our Dix Hills Residential Treatment Facility participated in work, internship, or volunteer activities

88%

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

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