September brings the start of a new academic year at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, and we’re excited to welcome our incoming students as they settle into campus life and begin building connections. With everyone back on campus, the season ahead is filled with energy as we look forward to a full calendar of fall programs, celebrations, and community events!

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

CHSC PRESIDENT MIKE STORZ TO PRESENT AT

STANFORD NEURODIVERSITY SUMMIT 2026

This September, Chapel Haven Schleifer Center will have the honor of representing our community at one of the most respected gatherings in the field of neurodiversity research and practice. President Mike Storz has been invited to present at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit 2026, hosted by the Stanford Center for Neurodiversity and Human Potential in Palo Alto, California, September 19–21.

Now in its seventh year, the Summit brings together researchers, employers, educators, service providers, and self‑advocates to explore how to build a world where neurodivergent individuals truly thrive. This year’s theme — “Building Strengths through Neurodiversity Innovation” — aligns closely with CHSC’s values and long‑standing approach.

Mike will present a research poster in the Summit’s Employment track titled “Community, Connection, and Career Success: Fifty Years of Lifelong Support Building Pathways to Meaningful Employment.” His presentation highlights what our community knows well: when adults are supported to build independent lives, strong relationships, and lasting self‑advocacy skills, they are better positioned to pursue meaningful employment. 

For more than fifty years, CHSC has embraced a belief that current research continues to affirm: individuals reach their full potential when their strengths are the starting point, when support is lifelong, and when community is at the center. The Stanford Summit offers a national platform to share that story — in our own words, backed by data, and grounded in the lived experiences of our community.

We look forward to sharing more following the event. For now, we are proud of the story we are bringing to Stanford and grateful to the staff, families, supporters, and community members who have helped us build it.

Click here to learn more about the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit

Two Leadership Announcements at CHSC

We're excited to share two management updates within Chapel Haven Schleifer Center.

Sallie Carter has been appointed Director of Change Management and Transition Services, segueing from her previous role as Director of CareerAbility. In this new position, Sallie serves as CHSC's Change Champion, supporting staff with new initiatives and developing the training and communication materials that help changes take hold across the organization. She partners with the VP of Compliance, Sherry Robitaille, to maintain a recurring compliance monitoring schedule across residential, day, and administrative programs, and oversees the Continuing Adult Education program, including class offerings and instructor recruitment. Sallie will also coordinate the agency-wide Aging in Place efforts, helping programs plan for individuals' changing needs over time.

Stepping into Sallie's former role as Director of CareerAbility is Ashley Kimbell (pictured). Ashley joined CareerAbility in 2022 as a Career Development Advisor and then received a promotion to Career Development Manager. She is passionate about helping individuals build on their strengths, develop new skills, and work toward meaningful employment and greater independence. She enjoys creating opportunities for individuals to explore their interests, reach their goals, and connect more deeply with their communities. Ashley is excited to continue growing CareerAbility and making a positive impact alongside the individuals, families, and staff at Chapel Haven.

Please join us in congratulating both Sallie and Ashley on their new roles!

Discover CATCH: A One-Year Path to Independence for Adults 30+

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center’s CATCH Program offers adults age 30+ a one‑year residential experience designed to build confidence, community, and real‑world independence. Many participants come to CATCH after years of living on their own or living at home, often seeking to join a long-term supported community — and for the first time, they discover what life can look like in a vibrant, inclusive setting.

CATCH provides a campus apartment, individualized coaching, daily classes and activities related to life skills, social and vocational development. It’s a chance to “try on” independence in a supportive environment, with the option to transition into long-term supported living programs afterward.

Families tell us that CATCH gives their loved one something invaluable: a safe place to grow, make friends, and imagine a new future.

To learn more or begin the admissions process, contact admission@chapelhaven.org or 203‑397‑1714 ext. 185.

REACH Students Create Personalized Cookbooks

In Laura Atkins’ Recipe for Me class, REACH students rolled up their sleeves and created their own personalized cookbooks. They explored cooking methods, kitchen safety, and meal planning, then selected dishes they’d like to make for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — building confidence and independence in the kitchen.

One fan favorite from the class was a quick, delicious Chicken Caprese dish. It was such a hit that we’re sharing it with you too — a perfect recipe to try at home!

Give it a try and see why students loved it. Click Chicken Caprese to link to the recipe.

JOIN US OCTOBER 6TH

CHSC MONTHLY MEET UP: COMMUNITY LIFE PROGRAM (CLP)

REGISTER HERE

EARLY APPLICATION INCENTIVE FOR CHSC WEEK-LONG CAMPUS VISITS

CHSC is pleased to offer prospective families a special early‑application incentive for our week‑long campus visits, an important part of the admissions process at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center. Families who book their visit before January 1, 2027 will receive a 25% discounted rate of $975 — a savings of $325 off the regular $1,300 fee.

These week‑long visits give prospective students the chance to experience campus life, meet staff and peers, and explore whether CHSC is the right fit. At the conclusion of each visit, families receive a comprehensive written report summarizing the student’s experience, strengths, areas of growth, and recommendations — an invaluable tool in planning next steps. Contact admission@chapelhaven.org with any questions.

MOBILE MAMMOGRAM VAN ARRIVING TO CHSC OCTOBER 19TH!

REGISTER BY OCTOBER 5TH!

To register, please stop by the Reception Desk in the Welcome Center with your insurance information and your doctor’s contact details. Appointments are offered in 15‑minute slots from 8:15 AM to 2:15 PM on a first‑come, first‑served basis, and all 15 total slots must be filled for the van to arrive. After signing up, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Nurse Brittany Joyner. For questions, she can be reached at ext. 140 or bjoyner@chapelhaven.org. Deadline to register is October 5th!

Y

Introducing Rudy's Campus Connections

New Newsletter Section Written by REACH Graduate Rudy V.

An Afternoon of Awesome — and a Little Bit of Courage

by Rudy V.

On August 27th, Chapel Haven organised a very special event for students, families and friends called the Afternoon of Awesome. And, it really was awesome! There were so many fun things happening at the same time: raffle tickets, snacks and root beer floats, a candy stall, an assistive technology table, and even fancy chickens that we could hold, pet and take pictures with. During the event, I bought a bright yellow Afternoon of Awesome T-shirt so I could remember the day.

My favourite activity was the dunk tank. It was so much fun watching people try to hit the red target and send someone to suddenly drop into the water! Everybody was laughing and cheering, and I enjoyed the excitement of waiting to see who would be dunked next!

For me, the most important part of the day was the Talent Show, organised by Tina and Jordan. Chapel Haven individuals had the chance to show off their talents by performing songs from movies, plays and musicals. I had a special role too: I was the emcee with Jordan, and my job was to introduce each performer.

Before the show, I was very nervous. I kept wondering whether I would be able to do the job well, and at one point, I even wanted to give up my emcee role. Standing in front of an audience felt frightening. But, I decided to do it anyway. Something surprising happened. I stood up, spoke into the microphone and completed the job, the fear began to disappear. I discovered that behind fear there can be freedom. Sometimes the hardest part is simply deciding to stand up and try!

By the end of the show, I was enjoying myself so much that I wanted to say something personal to the audience. I told them that I am now starting the Bridge program. I know that some parts of it may be difficult, just as being an emcee felt difficult at first. But the Afternoon of Awesome taught me something important: even when I am afraid, I can stand up for myself, face the challenge and keep going. My goal is to complete Bridge and become part of the CHSC community by next year — and after this day, I believe a little more strongly that I can do it!

REGISTER FOR YOUR ANNUAL FLU AND COVID SHOTS AT THE WELCOME CENTER RECEPTION DESK OR IN THE SAIL BUILDING.

OPEN TO ALL STAFF & ADULTS

❤️ Celebrating 20 Years of Love: Dana & Matty’s Chapel Haven Story

Dana H. and Matty B. have one of Chapel Haven Schleifer Center’s most cherished love stories — a relationship that began right here on campus and has grown into 20 beautiful years together.

Their romance started with a leap of faith. One day, Matty gathered his courage, knocked on Dana’s door, and said, “I am in love with you. Will you be my girlfriend?” Dana said yes — and they’ve been inseparable ever since.

Dana and Matty first met while enrolled in the REACH program, where they quickly discovered how much they had in common. Both are living with Down syndrome, and both say they knew early on that they had found someone who truly understood them. Today, Dana (40) and Matty (39) are proud REACH graduates and live together in the SAIL building, building an independent life filled with routines, laughter, and love.

Dana beams when she talks about Matty, calling him “my favorite guy — he’s funny, and I am deeply in love with him.” Matty shares the same devotion, saying simply, “I just love her so much.” They are each other’s first date, first love, and long‑term partner. As Dana puts it, “I’m so happy to be dating him — I’m a lucky girl.”

Please join us in congratulating Dana and Matty on September 22 on their 20‑year milestone — a joyful reminder of the love, independence, and connection that thrive within our community!

CHSC’s Podcast Team Hits the Airwaves on CT Live and the Say More with CT Live Podcast

The Catching Up With Chapel Haven podcast team recently headed to NBC Connecticut affiliate WVIT‑TV for an appearance on CT Live on August 26th. Podcast teacher/producer Ashley Cavaliere and student podcaster Matt S. represented Chapel Haven Schleifer Center with energy, pride, and a whole lot of heart.

During the segment, Ashley and Matt shared how the podcast was created to give adults with disabilities a platform and a voice within the podcast world — a space where their interests, perspectives, and personalities can shine. Matt’s enthusiasm lit up the studio, bringing joy to everyone on set and giving viewers a glimpse into the passion he brings to every episode.

After the TV segment, Ashley and Matt joined the Say More with CT Live podcast for a deeper conversation. Matt dove into some of his favorite topics — movies, music, and sports — all subjects he loves reporting on as part of the Catching Up With Chapel Haven team. The discussion offered a closer look at Matt’s interests and the creativity he brings to the podcast!

WATCH THE PODCAST HERE!

WATCH THE TV SEGMENT HERE!

Join us on congratulating Ashley & Matt on a job well done!

Catching Up with Chapel Haven Podcast - Episode #9 is Available on Spotify & CHSC Website Now!

In this new episode, catch up with summer fun with Ben, Wayne, Doug, Andy & Sue!

Listen to Episode 9 HERE!