In collaboration with the WaterFront Center of Oyster Bay, SCO Family of Services offered adults with developmental disabilities a chance to experience the joys of sailing while learning about marine life and developing ecological awareness of the Bay.
SCO operates 16 residences for adults and children with developmental disabilities, 10 of which are located right here on Long Island.  On May 17, a group of SCO residents and staff went on the Christeen, the oldest oyster sloop in North America built in 1883.  This boat is a National Historic Landmark.  It was carefully restored by a group of dedicated volunteers and re-launched in 1999.  Aboard the Christeen, the group learned about marine science and coastal ecology, explored a “touch tank” of live organisms, and discovered the history of the oyster industry.  They also learned how to tie knots, which involves some motor coordination, and grasped basic nautical information about wind awareness, parts of the boat, steering, and sail handling.  At the end of the day, each resident received a certificate of completion.

Kristin Johnson, the Director of Education at the WaterFront Center and Gary Cassidy, longtime Captain and avid sailor, planned this trip especially for SCO residents.  Cassidy, who is also an occupational therapist at the Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, and the Director of Occupational Therapy for the Long Island DDSO, worked closely with Alicia Kellso, the Director of Residential Services at SCO and also an avid sailor. Both Kellso and Cassidy said that the residents had a fantastic time learning about sailing and hope to plan another trip this summer.

SCO Family of Services is a non-profit agency that helps children and strengthens the foundation of families in need throughout the New York metropolitan area.  Its programs provide care and services for more than 30,000 New York City and Long Island children and their families each year.  Additional programs provide residences and services for adults with special needs.

For more information about SCO Family of Services, visit www.sco.org.  For information about the Christeen, learning to sail and marine education, visit www.thewaterfrontcenter.org.