July News and Events

As July arrives, the Chapel Haven community is buzzing with momentum. This month brings meaningful updates, exciting graduation transitions, and special moments that reflect the heart and spirit of CHSC. We’re thrilled to share what’s ahead and celebrate everything that makes Chapel Haven shine! Have a news item to contribute? Send them to Denise Hawkins

Inside CHSC - Campus News, Program Highlights

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ASAT, REACH & WORK BASED LEARNING (WBL) GRADUATES!

Graduation week at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center is always a moment charged with pride, reflection, and the joy of seeing the CHSC adults step confidently into their next chapters.

This year’s celebrations across ASAT, REACH and Work Based Learning (WBL) programs highlighted not only the accomplishments of each graduate, but also the dedication, resilience, and community spirit that define our campus.

Please join us in Congratulating all of our 2026 graduates! You inspire us, and we cannot wait to see what you do next!

🎓 ASAT Graduates:

Liam M.
Maya T.
Matt W.
David W.

Click here to view our ASAT graduation video

🎉 REACH Graduates:

Rachel A.
Foster B.
Allie D.
John “JJ” D.
Jason E.
Tamir G.
Lily M.
Lauren N.
William “Will” P.
Marc P.
Arudra “Rudy” V.

Click here to view our REACH graduation video

🌟 Work-Based Learning (WBL) Graduates:

YNHH: JJ D., Marc P., Jason E.
JCC – PAVE: Tamir G., Liam M., Matthew W.
JCC Café J: Allie D., Rudy V., Lauren N.
CVS/Retail Sales: Lily M., Foster B.

WBL Graduates Pictured Below!

CONGRATULATIONS TO PATRICIA LARSON & RUARI CLANCY ON THIER RECENT PROMOTIONS

Please join us in congratulating Patricia Larson and Ruari Clancy on their recent promotions!

Long-time Special Olympics Coordinator and general “helping hand”, Patricia Larson has been promoted to Interim Director of Recreation. As a full-time Special Education teacher at Cheshire Public Schools, Patricia will be on campus in the afternoon and into the evening, dedicating her time to the ongoing oversight and development of our recreational program.

She can be reached at extension 129 or via email at plarson@chapelhaven.org.

Equally as exciting, Ruari Clancy has been promoted to the Director of Supported Living. Ruari came to Chapel Haven approximately 9 months ago from Burlington, VT where he worked for the Howard Center, Inc. as a supervisor to 8 service coordinators and 20 direct support professionals, managing 92 client budgets.

Ruari will work closely with the SLP program managers and support coordinators to ensure continued growth and sustainability.

He can be reached at extension 222 or via email at rclancy@chapelhaven.org.

CHSC Monthly Meet Up: All about Wellness at CHSC

July 7th, 6-7pm

Join Alex Lagase, Supervisor of Wellness, for an overview of the supports that help CHSC adults build healthy routines, strengthen their holistic well being, and stay active. This session will highlight how wellness programming promotes balance, independence, and lifelong healthy habits.

The discussion will be moderated by Christy Chandler, Senior VP of Admissions and Communications.

CHFA CONVERSTIONS WEBINAR JULY 15TH, 6PM

SUPPORTING YOUR ADULT AT CHSC

Join us on Wednesday, July 15 at 6pm for an informative CHFA webinar designed to help families stay engaged and empowered.

Our Admissions team — Christy Chandler and Codie O’Donovan — will share practical ways parents can get involved at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center and strengthen their partnership with our community.

In the second half of the session, Rick Sugam will offer the parent perspective on benefits management, providing valuable insights and guidance for navigating this important part of adult services.

To join us, register at the link below!

NEW CHSC WEBSITE LAUNCHES

Big news — the new Chapel Haven Schleifer Center website is officially live! Designed to better showcase our programs, stories, and mission, the site marks an exciting step forward for our community.

A huge shout‑out to Kyle Piper, whose hard work and commitment powered this project from start to finish. Dive in, explore, and bookmark your new go‑to resource. Visit our new site here!

CHSC PARTNERS WITH JCC TO OFFER

ADAPTIVE FITNESS CLASS

SUMMER SAFETY REMINDERS!

Todd K., ASAT‑COS member, is hosting a Pet Supply Drive from July 1 through August 31 to benefit the Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter.

Collection boxes will be placed in Rossman, Welcome Center and Outreach Lounges. Donated items will be picked up and delivered to the shelter periodically throughout the drive.

We invite our community to support this effort—please consider contributing pet supplies to help animals in need!

Milestones and Moments

Celebrating Achievements

Tamir G. Named Chapel Haven’s REACH Budgeting Student of the Month!

Tamir has demonstrated exceptional growth this term, confidently visiting the bank and independently completing all of his budgeting responsibilities. His dedication, increasing independence, and steady progress reflect his hard work and commitment to developing strong financial skills.

We are proud to recognize Tamir for his achievements and continued success. Great job, Tamir!

Matt S. Recognized by the JCC

Matt S. was recently honored with the “Most Enthusiasm” award at Café J at the JCC, presented by Gabby Sanchez and Allie’s Dream Team in recognition of his consistently upbeat attitude and dedication to his work.

Matt brings genuine joy to every shift, and his enthusiasm is truly infectious.

Way to go, Matt!

Staff Recognized for Embodying

CHSC Core Values

Celebrating Core Values Award Recipients

June was a busy month as staff nominated colleagues for embodying our core values, and a family nominated three staffers for going above and beyond.

Debbie M. (at left), CHSC office clerk and a community member, was nominated for Caring Collaboration by Geaner Parkes for "her attention to detail in her work and responsibilities, her caring attitude toward others, and her willingness to always step up and save the day."

The Lipper family nominated three staff - Sabra Hughes, Justice Hovey and Brittany Joyer - for Caring Collaboration. “We really just wanted to say thanks; thanks for having a caring staff that offers compassion, support, and the extra stuff residents need," the family wrote. "We experience it often from Sabra, from Brittany - who is truly a star (she checked in on a Saturday) - and from other members of the team like Justice (mature well beyond his years).”

Hannah Carroll nominated Paul Anacki for Community Connection. "Paul joined Chapel Haven a few months ago as Vice President of Finance. While his role does not require regular interaction with community members, he makes a point to learn people’s names and interests. He has a natural ability to build the connections that make Chapel Haven a strong community and a great place to be.”

And Hannah recognized Vice President of Compliance Sherry Robitaille for Individual Integrity. "Sherry exemplifies all of our core values, but her excellence in ensuring Chapel Haven’s compliance with CARF and state standards is truly outstanding. She identified and implemented software tools that streamline mandatory training and strengthen documentation, creating a clear path to success for both staff and the organization. She is also highly committed to supporting staff—providing training on these systems and thinking creatively about how to maximize their capabilities to improve efficiency and simplify workflows.”

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

CHSC Nurse Brittany Joyner

Sabra Hughes, SAIL program

VP of Finance, Paul Anacki

VP of Compliance Sherry Robitaille

In the News – CHSC Features & Mentions

Gina Apicella and Kim Freeman were featured on WTNH‑TV’s CT Buzz on June 15, where they discussed the transition process after high school and how Chapel Haven Schleifer Center supports families in navigating next‑step planning. Their conversation highlighted the importance of individualized guidance, community resources, and proactive preparation for adulthood.

This appearance reflects CHSC’s ongoing commitment to empowering families with the knowledge and tools needed for a successful transition! Visit the link to view the segment!

Watch CT Buzz Here

Gillian J. is a Featured Guest on The Cerebral Palsy Perspective Podcast

Chapel Haven's own Gillian J. recently sat down with Cerebral Palsy Perspective podcast hosts Chad Williams and Daryl Perry.

Gillian discusses growing up with disabilities, learning to accept and adapt to the realities of cerebral palsy, the impact of seizures and mobility challenges and how writing became an outlet for sharing her story.

To hear more about how Gillian refuses to let cerebral palsy define her, click the link below to listen:

Listen to the podcast here!

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. This event is free and open to all but pre-registration is requested.