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As we welcome April, there is so much to look forward to across the Chapel Haven community. This month is filled with engaging programs, inspiring stories, and opportunities for connection that reflect the heart of CHSC. We’re excited to share what’s ahead.
Have a news item to contribute? Send them to Denise Hawkins
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| Inside CHSC - Campus News, Program Highlights | | |
GREAT GIVE 2026:
Join Us May 6-7 to Support Critical Safety Initiative for CHSC Transportation
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The Great Give is right around the corner, and Chapel Haven Schleifer Center is excited to participate once again in this 36‑hour community‑wide fundraising event on May 6–7, 2026.
Each year, The Great Give unites nonprofits across Greater New Haven to strengthen programs that make a meaningful difference—and this year, we are asking our community to rally behind a critical safety initiative for our transportation program. Our goal is to raise $15,000.
Safe, reliable transportation is essential to how we support adults with disabilities—getting them to medical appointments, jobs, volunteer sites, grocery stores, and community activities every day.
To keep our fleet running safely and efficiently, we urgently need to equip each vehicle with a tracking device that provides real‑time mileage, fuel usage, vehicle availability, location alerts, speed notifications, and optional in‑vehicle cameras. This technology is not a luxury; it is a vital safety tool that helps us protect the adults we serve and ensures our staff always know where vehicles are and when they need maintenance.
Your support during The Great Give will directly strengthen the safety, reliability, and independence of our community. Together, we can keep every ride safe and every opportunity within reach.
Please mark your calendars for May 6–7 and help us make this year’s Great Give our strongest yet! Stay tuned on our social media for more!
| | New CHSC Suggestion Box Now Open in the SAIL Building | | | | |
We are excited to share that a new CHSC Suggestion Box has been installed in the SAIL building, giving adults a simple and direct way to share ideas that help shape their community experience.
This new initiative encourages self‑advocacy, creativity, and collaboration by inviting participants to suggest activities, outings, and enhancements to campus life.
Our team reviews submissions twice weekly on Monday's and Thursday's and we are committed to incorporating ideas that enrich programming and reflect the interests of our adults.
The suggestion box has already sparked great engagement, with a wide range of ideas coming in. Adults have shared requests like ice cream sandwiches and an ice cream sundae bars, visits to the Central Park Zoo, Girls’ Day outings, Friday night small‑group dine‑outs, and a future trip to Times Square.
Keep the ideas coming! We look forward to bringing them to life!
| | April 22 Conversation on Health & Family Considerations - Last Call to Register! | | |
The Chapel Haven Family Association (CHFA) invites you to the next installment of CHFA Community Conversations on Wednesday, April 22, from 6–7 p.m.
This session, Health – Considerations for Families, will feature three CHSC parents who bring extensive professional expertise to the discussion:
- Dr. Karen Gardner, Internal Medicine physician, CHSC Board Member, and parent
- Dr. John Bilezikian, endocrinologist and parent
- Gina Youngman, palliative care nurse practitioner and parent
The conversation will cover important topics such as sensitive reproductive decisions, recommended health screenings, and general nutrition. When registering, families are encouraged to submit questions in advance to help guide the discussion and make the most of the session.
Register here for the April 22 session
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Tune in for Episode 6 of
"Catching Up with Chapel Haven"
| | | Episode 6 of Catching Up with Chapel Haven dropped on March 31 and brings a mix of pop‑culture fun, birthday celebrations, sports talk, personal stories, and community highlights.
From MLB and March Madness to Passover & Easter, Fun Fest, and nostalgic Nickelodeon and Hannah Montana throwbacks, the crew covers it all — and so much more.
Tune in and catch up on all things CHSC here: Episode 6, Catching Up with Chapel Haven
| | Participate in CHSC's Annual Blood Drive | | | We’re excited to share that Chapel Haven is hosting its Annual American Red Cross Blood Drive on
📅 May 13, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Community Outreach Room
This is an easy (and meaningful!) way to come together and make a life-saving impact in our community.
Why donate?
Every single donation helps patients in need. Our goal is to secure 39 appointments and collect 18 units of blood to meet critical demand — and we can’t do it without you!
How to sign up:
Scheduling is quick and easy!
✔️ Scan the QR code below or
✔️ Visit RedCrossBlood.org
✔️ Use sponsor code: ChapelHaven
If you’re able to donate, we’d love to have you join us. Thank you for helping make a difference — one donation at a time!
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Milestones and Moments - Celebrating Achievements
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CHSC Special Olympics Basketball Teams Prevail!
We are so proud of our Special Olympics athletes, who took part in the Traditional Basketball Tournament in Waterbury. We went home with plenty of medals, including the gold! Thanks to our coaches for a fantastic season!!
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Three Staff Recognized for Embodying
CHSC Core Values
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Celebrating CHSC Living Our Core Values Award Recipients
Please join us in congratulating Autumm Berube, Mustafa Kangal, and Patricia Larson, all nominated for the Caring Collaboration Core Value Award for their outstanding dedication to the CHSC community.
Autumm Berube and Mustafa Kangal were recognized for their swift, compassionate response when an adult experienced a seizure off‑campus. Their calm professionalism, adherence to safety protocols, and genuine care ensured the individual received immediate support and protection. Their actions exemplify what it means to put our adults’ well‑being first.
Patricia Larson was honored for stepping up to help lead the Recreation Department during Alyssa Parete’s absence. Patricia has been a steady, positive force in Recreation for many years, and her continued commitment to providing meaningful, high‑quality programming for our adults reflects her deep dedication to the CHSC mission.
Congratulations to all three award recipients!
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In the News – CHSC Features & Mentions
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April is Autism Acceptance Month, and Chapel Haven is proud to shine a spotlight on our ASAT program and the incredible students who make our community so strong.
This week, second‑year student Maya Treisman joined Michael Storz for a media interview to help raise awareness and share the impact of our work.
Maya and Mike were featured on CT Live at WVIT‑TV (NBC) in West Hartford, where they recorded a segment that is scheduled to air April 7th.
We are incredibly proud of Maya for her confidence, poise, and authentic voice, and grateful to Mike for representing Chapel Haven with such passion and clarity. Kudos to both on a job well done! Their advocacy helps broaden understanding and highlight the transformative work happening every day at Chapel Haven.
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Spotlight on the Schleifer's on CNBC Cures
CHSC parents Len and Harriet Schleifer were recently featured on CNBC Cures to discuss their support of groundbreaking research on the rare genetic condition TKT deficiency. Their philanthropic gift to the Yale School of Medicine established the Yale Transketolase Deficiency Program, a dedicated effort advancing innovative research and comprehensive clinical care for individuals like their son, David.
Watch the interview to hear more—and to hear Harriet speak with pride about CHSC and its impact.
Watch the segment here
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Pay It Forward
Thank you to the parents and CHSC adults who have taken the time to share their positive experiences with Chapel Haven Schleifer Center by writing a Google review. You, too, can change a life. Testimonials from satisfied parents go a long way! Click below and leave your review!
Click here to write your Google Review
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Take an At a Glance Tour
Held on the first Thursday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. EST, interested families are invited to take an At A Glance tour with CHSC. These one‑hour, on‑campus tours offer an introduction to either the REACH or ASAT program. Led by our Admissions team, the tour includes the opportunity to meet student ambassadors and learn more about our approach to empowering adults to live independent and self‑determined lives.
Space is limited! Select a date and register below.
At a Glance Tour
| | | Save the Dates - Events Coming Up in 2026 | | | Informative on‑campus breakout sessions
At 9:30 a.m., Sunny Richards will provide an overview of benefits and entitlements available to CHSC families, followed by Michael Storz at 10:30 a.m. with a presentation on CHSC’s Strategic Plan. We encourage you to register by April 20th and be part of these valuable conversations.
Join Us for a Fun Walk!
No pressure, no competition — just an hour of moving at your own pace and enjoying time together. Walk a little or walk a lot… it’s completely up to you. Join a team or walk as an individual — everyone’s welcome. This event is all about getting outside, having fun, and celebrating community. Everyone’s a winner. Your registration is appreciated by April 20th!
Register here for the May 2 CHSC Family Walkthon
Annual Family Brunch
Join us as we close out Family Weekend at Anthony’s Ocean View. Come together with residents, families, and friends of CHSC for a joyful afternoon of connection, conversation, and celebration as we honor the community that makes it all possible. Deadline to Register is April 20.
Register here for CHSC May 3 Family Weekend Brunch
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REACH & ASAT Graduation Dates Announced — Mark Your Calendar!
We are excited to celebrate our graduates this June! ASAT graduation will take place, Thursday, June 25th at 3pm and REACH graduation will follow on Friday, June 26th at 11am. These special days honor the hard work, growth, and achievements of our students, and we couldn’t be prouder of them and of the families who have supported them every step of the way!
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Chapel Haven Schleifer Center Contact Us: admission@chapelhaven.org |
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