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By
Kathleen Moore It was a bittersweet moment Friday as three students who have been wards of the state for much of their adolescence headed to adulthood. Most parents take their children home after watching them walk across the stage on graduation day. But for a handful of the students in robes and tassels at the School at Northeast graduation, the school is their home and their diploma is their eviction notice. “You see them standing there and you think, ‘Where are they going to go?’” said Janice Stewart, vice principal of information technologies at the School at Northeast. “They don’t have the same family structure. It’s scary for them. They’ve been through so much.” The tiny school on Hamburg Street is operated by the Northeast Parent & Child Society for students with emotional and behavioral problems, often caused by traumatic home life. Many students have been removed from t heir families and live at the agency’s Children’s Home. In school, there are no more than eight students in each class and often fewer. If students need it, the teachers will provide one-on-one attention. Every student is also assigned to a social worker, and every teacher is trained to handle complex emotional and behavioral issues. In the past, moving from that supportive environment to the unprotected world of adulthood has not gone well: Some graduates have returned to their former home, even years later, to beg for help. But this year may be different. For the first time, a counselor will stay in touch with every graduate, helping them pay their first bills, cope with college classes or find a career. The new counseling program is designed for every senior, but not all of the graduates are wards of the state. Some students attend classes while living at home, and others have been reunited with their families after intense therapy. Only three of the 15 seniors were still residents of the Children’s Home on graduation day. Those who were heading home to their families were confident that they would succeed with Northeast’s help, but those who still call Northeast home were relieved to know that they wouldn’t have to completely sever their relationship. “I think it’s a very good idea, especially for the kids who don’t know what they’re going to do after,” said Ben Arsenault, 18, who is heading from the Children’s Home to a transitional group home as he prepares for life on his own. His parents, he said without emotion, don’t want him to come home. He’s lived with Northeast since ninth grade. “When I don’t have my parents, it reassures me that at least I have someone,” he said. “They’re like my mother and father. It’s hard to say goodbye.” As his counselor teared up, he said brokenly, “Oh, please don’t cry. I’ll come back and visit.” He then turned back to add, “This is my home. This is my family.” Seniors around him posed for pictures with family and headed off to parties and presents, while he sat with his counselor, worrying about the future. “Northeast has helped me since I was in ninth grade,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll be able to do it on my own without Northeast’s help. I’m not really smart with math, so they’ll help me calculate hoe much I owe for bills.” He’s getting a job at a nursery, based on his experience working at the greenhouse behind the School at Northeast. Once he’s settled on his own, he plans to go to Schenectady County Community College, majoring in culinary arts. But first, he’s hoping Northeast’s new transition coordinator will help him figure out his bills. Reach Gazette reporter Kathleen Moore at 395-3120 or moore@dailygazette.com
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