August News and Events

As August rolls in, we hope you’re soaking up the best parts of summer while things stay lively here at Chapel Haven. Our community is buzzing — residents are returning from their summer adventures, families are reconnecting, and everyone’s gearing up for a fresh season of learning, growth, and fun. Take a look below for program updates and a preview of the fall events we’re excited about.

Have a news item to contribute? Send them to Denise Hawkins

Inside CHSC - Campus News, Program Highlights

CAMPUS CORNER:

A Fresh New Chapter for CHSC's UArts Program

The UArts program at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center is stepping into an exciting new era!

Formerly housed under the Art Department and guided with creativity by Tina Menchetti, the program has now been reimagined, expanded, and officially rebranded as Campus Corner — a dynamic retail training experience within CHSC’s CareerAbility department.

Campus Corner will operate as an on‑campus store located in the SAIL building, right next to the SAIL Grill.

This new space will offer students hands‑on opportunities to learn both front‑of‑house customer service and behind‑the‑scenes retail operations, while still preserving the artistic spirit that made UArts so special.

Campus Corner will continue to carry the CHSC merchandise our community adores — and the selection is growing. In addition to classic apparel, the store will expand to include:

CHSC mugs and cups
Totes and hats
Fanny packs
Magnets, fidgets, and other small items

With extended business hours, Campus Corner will be more accessible to students, staff, families, and visitors throughout the week.

Campus Corner will complement existing retail training offered through the CVS mock store on campus and CVS retail internships, giving students multiple pathways to build job skills and explore career interests.

While the name and structure have changed, the mission remains the same: empowering students through meaningful, hands‑on learning. Stay tuned for more to come on this vibrant new hub of activity on campus.

For any questions, you may email them to campuscorner@chapelhaven.org.

Meet Dr. Zara Waldman: Strengthening Support for Siblings in the CHSC Community

At Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, we’re exploring new ways to better include and support the siblings of our graduates and community members. Siblings play an important lifelong role in connection and advocacy, and we’re excited to share that CHSC is developing new opportunities in partnership with Dr. Zara Waldman.

Zara Waldman, PhD, CCC‑SLP, brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this work. As a clinician and researcher, she focuses on equitable communication for young children, especially those with hearing loss. Zara is also a sib herself and a leader in sibling advocacy. She founded the Southern Connecticut Sibshop for youth and co‑leads CT Sibs, a statewide network that provides connection, education, and community for adult siblings of individuals with disabilities — helping them feel supported, informed, and included.

Dr. Waldman’s Instagram account, @heysibsister, offers a wealth of valuable information for siblings and families, including upcoming events, research highlights on sibling experiences, practical guidance for navigating family roles, and stories that celebrate sib voices. We encourage you to explore her account for resources and insights.

We are excited to be in discussions about future collaborations and additional ways to strengthen support for families within the CHSC community. We look forward to sharing more as these initiatives develop!

Celebrating 20 Years of ASAT

at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center

This month marks the 20th Anniversary of Chapel Haven Schleifer Center’s ASAT program, a cornerstone of our community that has helped adults find success in college, work, independent living and most importantly meaningful adult friendships, for two decades.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are honoring the professionals who helped develop the program, the students and families who have been part of its journey, the community partners who have supported its growth, and the dedicated staff who bring ASAT’s mission to life every day.

To commemorate the anniversary, CHSC will host a pizza truck celebration on campus on September 25th for current and former ASAT families — a chance to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate the impact of the program together.

Save the date and stay tuned for more information and registration!

CHFA CONVERSTIONS:

Dating & Relationships with Dr. Laurie Sperry

September 23rd, 6pm

CHFA cordially invites all to join us on Wednesday, September 23 at 6pm for an informative CHFA webinar entitled "Love, Friendship and Sexuality - How to help adults navigate the world of relationship building."

Our presenter is Dr. Laurie Sperry, a consultant to CHSC, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and former assistant clinical faculty at the Yale and Stanford Departments of Psychiatry. Dr. Sperry has an incredible wealth of knowledge and is an expert in her field, this is not to miss!

To join us, register at the link below!

CHSC Wellness Dept. Welcomes New Coach!

The CHSC Wellness Department is proud to welcome our new full-time Wellness Coach, Nick Serio.

Nick is a graduate of the Central Connecticut State University Exercise Science program, earning his degree cum laude. He also holds NASM Personal Training and Nutrition Coach certifications.

Nick is passionate about making strength training accessible for everyone. He excels at breaking down complex concepts into clear, practical guidance that empowers clients to build confidence and achieve sustainable results.

Please join us in welcoming Nick to the CHSC Wellness team!

CHSC Customized Rec Program Creates Bucket List Experiences

Despite the rainy weather, Danielle C. and Andy A. recently enjoyed an unforgettable evening at the James Taylor concert at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport. James Taylor and the All‑Star Band delighted the audience with timeless favorites such as Fire and Rain, Shower the People, and Mexico.

Attending a James Taylor concert was a “bucket list” experience for Danielle, and we were thrilled to help her check it off. Danielle and Andy attended the event with a recreation aide as part of our new Customized Recreation Program, an offering that allows community members to design personalized outings and activities based on their interests—making every recreation experience truly unique.

For questions or additional information, you may reach out to Patricia Larson at plarson@chapelhaven.org.

Join the JCC's 5K Bagel Run!

Use Code chapel26 to sign up with team name CHAPEL HAVEN!

Milestones and Moments

Celebrating Achievements

Celebrating Jon B.

CW Resources Employee of the Year

Congratulations to Jon B., who was recently honored as Employee of the Year by CW Resources for his outstanding performance over the past year.

Jon has worked in the Scullery at the Groton Submarine Base for more than 15 years, where he is responsible for cleaning returned plates, dishes, and utensils and restocking items once they are sanitized and ready for use.

During the evening dinner service, the kitchen often serves 300+ people, and Jon plays a key role in keeping operations running smoothly. Jon and his team take tremendous pride in their work—earning consistent 4‑ and 5‑star ratings over the past decade.

Jon’s recognition highlights the impact of inclusive employment and the meaningful contributions adults with disabilities make in their workplaces every day. His dedication is a point of pride for the Chapel Haven Schleifer Center community, and we celebrate this well‑deserved achievement.

Way to go, Jon!

Congratulations to Catherine H.,Homer Award Recipient!

CHSC is proud to partner with Ken’s Krew through our CareerAbility program to support meaningful, competitive employment for adults with disabilities.

We’re thrilled to celebrate Catherine H., a valued Home Depot associate since June 2023, who was recognized with the Homer Award for her dedication, positive attitude, and willingness to step in wherever needed.

From assisting customers to supporting her team, Catherine consistently goes above and beyond — contributing to a workplace where she truly shines.

Join us in congratulating Catherine on a job well done!

Staff Recognized for Embodying

CHSC Core Values

Celebrating Core Values Award Recipients - Samantha Bernstein

Congratulations to Samantha Bernstein of CareerAbility, who has been recognized by Suzanne Snowden for the core value of Caring Collaboration. "Samantha is a wonderful caring person who shows up every day to share her enthusiasm for her team and the individuals we serve," Sue wrote. "Samantha (she goes by Sam) recognizes when she can help her colleagues and does so without hesitation! Thank you, Sam, for all you do to share the valuable lesson for us all to remember that helping each other can be the bright spot in the day."

Living our Values recognizes staff who exemplify the core values of CHSC in an exemplary way. Those four values are Dynamic Diversity, Caring Collaboration, Individual Integrity and Community Connection. Both CHSC staff and families can nominate. Click on the form here

See more honorees below!

Celebrating Core Values Award Recipients - Michael Pretlove

Congratulations to Michael Pretlove, REACH staff and life skills instructor, who has been recognized by Codie O'Donovan for the core value of Caring Collaboration.

"Mike consistently demonstrates Caring Collaboration by submitting valuable feedback for visitors not only in his classes but for Life Skills, taking care to submit multiple responses if he observed the visitor in different settings or completing different tasks," Codie writes. "Admissions staff often use his feedback to give our visitors direction or encouragement in our daily meetings with them- we appreciate him very much!" Congrats to Mike!

See more honorees below!

REACH Assistant Ilona Perry was recognized for exemplifying our core value of Individual Integrity. Nominated by Bettina Thompson, Ilona responded on her own initiative to two incidents. "She maintained a watchful, protective presence to ensure the safety of all involved. Her actions were not assigned or overseen; they were simply the right response, offered with readiness and care."

Mylissa Rockefeller of the REACH program was recognized by Codie O'Donovan for consistently demonstrating Caring Collaboration "by not only submitting written feedback for all visitors in her classes, but following up with admissions staff about additional notes and anecdotes. Her feedback is always full of detail and extremely helpful for admissions while getting to know a student!"

In the News – CHSC Features & Mentions

We are excited that CNN listed New Haven as one of the top 10 places to visit in 2026!

In its yearly compilation, "America's Best Towns to Visit 2026," CNN ranked New Haven second among the top 10 communities to visit, and said New Haven has become "an an oasis for foodies, history buffs and fans of live music, old master paintings and theater."

The prestigious ranking embodies all the things that make our host City so perfect for our community, as the adults we serve set out to learn how to live independently.

"This designation just reinforces what makes our Westville home so perfect for us," said CHSC President Michael Storz. "It’s the combination of place and people. This is a walkable, creative community, home to six colleges including Yale University, filled with music, art, theater and deeply accepting of everything we are about. We are so lucky to have partners including Yale Center for British Art, the Yale Child Study Center, Southern CT State University and Westville Village Renaissance Alliance who make the community our classroom. We have been proud to call New Haven home since our founding 50-plus years ago and our adults have told me they wouldn’t want to live anywhere else."

Plus, it doesn't hurt that New Haven was named Pizza Capital of the U.S. in 2024!

CNN noted that New Haven is highly walkable, and is a well-planned City that preserves its history. The presence of Yale University also ranked as a big plus. New Haven was lauded for having a classic New England Green that ranks as one of the oldest in America, and for churning out prominent notables at Yale University.

"Yale’s campus, which has expanded into many corners of downtown, is a mix of stately brick academic buildings, Gothic stone edifices and a few modernist masterpieces, including the Yale Center for British Art, which was designed by Louis Kahn, while the residential areas of the city shine with immaculately-kept Federal-style, Greek Revival and Queen Anne homes," CNN writes.

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! Please click below and leave your review!

Click here to write your Google Review

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

Make a Splash at Afternoon of Awesome Aug. 27

The Chapel Haven Family Association (CHFA) is excited to present Afternoon of Awesome Thursday, Aug. 27, 2-4:30pm on our campus.

The popular dunk tank, lawn games and fancy chickens will be back; take a campus tour and stay for our CHSC talent show. This is the perfect day for current families to reconnect and prospective families to see our community in action. Free and open to all but pre-registration is requested.