January News and Events

Happy New Year to all our friends and families! We have a lot going on in 2026, read on for campus news, events and tour opportunities! Have a news item to contribute? Send them to Denise Hawkins

Inside CHSC - Campus News, Program Highlights

Jocelyn's healthy cooking class

We are impressed with the healthy cooking going on in a class taught weekly by SAIL staffer Jocelyn Bishop!

Adults in the SAIL program participate in small-group sessions with Jocelyn. In this cooking-focused group, participants may work on developing healthier eating habits, increasing their intake of vegetables, improving basic cooking skills, or simply building confidence in the kitchen with staff guidance.

The meals all contain a healthy variety of produce, which Jocelyn emphasizes. "It's my influence about choosing fresh vegetables, herbs for flavoring, explaining their value and encouraging grains," she said. "Sometimes they will come up with the recipes, and I will make suggestions, or we will research recipes."

While meals are not always eaten together—many participants prepare breakfast, lunch, or dinner to enjoy later—they benefit greatly from the shared experience, social interaction, and the meaningful steps they take toward greater independence in meal planning and preparation.

Click here to view a video!

Recreation Update - Trip to Universal Studios, Special O Gala All Coming Up in the New Year

Trip to Universal Studios FLA

The Recreation Program has a busy winter in store. Twenty-three adults are joining Recreation Director Alyssa Parete and her team on a six-day trip to Universal Studios Florida, Jan. 11-16. The trip includes five nights at Cabana Bay Beach Resort. The crew will hop among three parks – Universal Studios Florida; Islands of Adventure; and Epic Universe. Bon voyage and enjoy the warm temps, folks!

More Fun Clubs and Activities

The Recreation Program is rolling out a busy schedule for Special Olympics clubs and activities.

Those activities are:

· Pickleball Club

· Bowling Club

· Open Choices

· Special Olympics Basketball

· Special Olympics Flex and Fitness

· Special Olympics Floorball

· Special Olympics Workout Club

Questions? Contact Alyssa Parete

2nd Annual CHSC Special Olympics Gala Coming up Feb. 7

You are cordially invited to CHSC’s Second Annual Special Olympics Gala & Award Ceremony, celebrating the many accomplishments of our amazing Special Olympics athletes this year. The formal event will take place on February 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Cascade, 480 Sherman Ave., New Haven. Families and guests are welcome to attend. Formal dress is required. Athlete tickets are $50 and can be purchased through Rec Desk, while guest tickets are $75; guests should email Patricia Larson to reserve their seat. The afternoon will include a cash bar and raffles as we come together to honor our athletes and their achievements.

Exciting Documentary in the Works

Documentary underway that will explore CHSC and the Holocaust through a disability lens

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center is working with an award-winning documentarian, Horacio Marquinez, on The Yellow Light Project Documentary. This film explores the powerful connection between Holocaust remembrance and the fight for dignity and inclusion of people with disabilities. Beginning at the Jewish Holocaust Memorial in New Haven, it introduces the little‑known Nazi program called Aktion T4, where people with disabilities were among the first victims of systematic persecution.

From this history, the story shifts to Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, a community where adults with disabilities live independently, build life skills, and celebrate traditions together.

Through candid family voices, vibrant daily life, and the moving Flick the Switch ceremony (set for Jan. 26 at 4:30 p.m. on campus, register here to join us), the film shows how Chapel Haven honors the past while affirming the present—transforming remembrance into a celebration of resilience, independence, and the triumph of lives once deemed “unworthy” now lived with pride and visibility. Thank you to Fay Sheppard, Doris Zelinsky and Belle Bennett-Cole for underwriting the film.

The film will be dedicated to the memory of Michael Bennett, a beloved member of the SAIL community.

Stay tuned for release dates and showings! Learn more about Horacio here

Milestones and Moments - Celebrating Achievements

Lucey, a first-year student in the REACH program, was honored as Budgeting Student of the Month! "Lucey has shown dedication and enthusiasm each week in budgeting class. She offers help to others and is eager to learn more about the budgeting process," says REACH Special Education Teacher Laura Akins. Learning to manage a fixed budget is an important skill, congrats, Lucey!

We are sending a special shout-out to Ron Guerrucci, who has retired.

After 15 years of wonderful service as a support coordinator, Ron has retired to babysit, enjoy family and friends and pursue his passions!

Shown here with CHSC community member Matt Baker, Ron was a favorite on campus. He will be missed!

In the News – CHSC Features & Mentions

CHSC publishes column, Autism Spectrum News

Christy Chandler, Senior VP of Admissions and Communications, has authored a column published in the winter 2026 edition of Autism Spectrum News entitled, “Preparing for Aging and Transitions into Senior Care.” The column shares Chapel Haven’s experience with maintaining health and social connections for adults with developmental and social disabilities as they age.

Read the column here

Telling our Story: Live on WTNH-TV

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center was featured on WTNH’s CT Buzz show. During the segment, Bill Angier, REACH special education teacher, shared how Chapel Haven Schleifer Center partners with employers across Connecticut-including Yale New Haven Hospital, the JCC of Greater New Haven, and CVS-to help students build real-world skills that prepare them for meaningful employment.

Second-year REACH student Rudy gave viewers a look into his hands-on experience volunteering at the JCC’s Café J, where he works the register, prepares drinks, and interacts with customers as part of developing confidence and independence.

View the segment here

The "Cliff" After High School Graduation

Dr. Eron Y. Friedlaender, a pediatric emergency medicine doctor, is also the mother of a son with autism who is nearing the age when he will transition out of high school. She recently published a heartfelt column in the Philadelphia Inquirer where she talked about the "cliff" families face as they leave the school system and special education. Dr. Eron is the daughter of Linda Friedlaender, our partner at the Yale Center for British Art. Dr. Friedlaender would love to hear from CHSC parents on how to better care for autistic patients in adult medicine. Reach her at Dr. Friedlaender

Read her column 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! Click below and leave your review!

Click here to write your Google Review

Tune in for Episode 4, Catchin' Up with Chapel Haven

Episode 4, Happy Holidays!

Catchin' Up with Chapel Haven is now on episode 4! Our monthly podcast on Spotify with Ashley Cavaliere Namnoum and Tina Menchetti continues to be loads of fun. Check out interviews and commercials as the students explore the rituals of Hanukkah, Andrew's family nickname, an interview with Senior VP Christy Chandler and New Year's resolutions. Click below to listen!

Catchin Up with Chapel Haven, Episode 4

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

Join us for CHSC Fun Fest April 2

Join us Thursday, April 2, 2-4:30 p.m. on campus for the CHSC Fun Fest!

Sponsored by the Chapel Haven Family Association, this is an ideal time for prospective parents to enjoy a campus tour, and for current families to reconnect just before spring break begins. Highlights include: