One of the hottest locations on campus right now is Chapel Haven’s Fitness Center, located on the lower floor of the community center building.
If you attended our 2014 Bowlathon, bought tickets, bowled or donated prizes, thank you! Some of the proceeds from the $40,000 raised went to buying all-new equipment for the fitness center, including low-impact ellipticals, Cross Fit rowing machines, a recumbent bike for low-impact workouts and new treadmills.
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Chapel Haven is delighted to partner with Autism Services and Resources of Connecticut to offer two free workshops this winter at Chapel Haven that will be invaluable to families of teenagers with autism spectrum disorders. Learn about how autism presents in the teen years and how you can help your son , daughter or student gain some independence, become more self reliant and learn to self advocate. Both workshops are free. Chapel Haven will provide a light dinner and will offer an overview of our programs. In the event of inclement weather, we will email you on rescheduling. Pre-Registration is kindly requested to help us plan! Continue reading
Student Ambassadors look forward to greeting visiting families at our open houses.
Families of young adults with developmental and social disabilities are cordially invited to attend an open house Friday, March 6, 2015 at both our New Haven, CT and Tucson, AZ campuses. This is a great way to see this renowned and nationally accredited independent living program in action.
1040 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, 10 am to 12 noon (EST)
1701 N. Park Avenue, Tucson, Arizona
10 am to 12 noon (MST)Light breakfast, overview of Chapel Haven West, workshop on social communication facilitated by Chapel Haven West’s speech and language pathologist, tours with students who will share their experiences negotiating their paths toward independence.Register here:Register for March 6 Open House, Chapel Haven West, Tucson,
Founded in 1972, Chapel Haven is a nationally accredited transitional living program and approved private special education school founded in 1972 in New Haven, Connecticut, with a mission of teaching adults with cognitive disabilities and social disabilities to live independent and productive lives. Chapel Haven has grown to serve more than 250 adults (18 years of age and older) in the residence and the community with three distinct programs; REACH, Asperger’s Syndrome Adult Transition (ASAT), and Chapel Haven West (Tucson, AZ).
UArts Chapel Haven will celebrate a grand opening of its pioneering artisan workshop and training program Tuesday, January 20, 2015, 5-7 p.m. at Chapel Haven’s new satellite program, 335 Washington Avenue, North Haven.
This event is free, open to the public and press coverage is invited. People can view the works of Chapel Haven artists David Hogin and Vito Bonanno, meet the artists enrolled in the Uarts program, buy handmade products and enjoy refreshments.
Uarts is a unique artisan studio program launched in partnership with Chapel Haven and funded by a grant from the Connecticut Office of the Arts/DECD. This is the first program of its kind to receive a pilot arts grant targeted to adults with disabilities from the State of Connecticut and already, Chapel Haven is off to a great start.
“It is entrepreneurial programs and partnerships like this that will define a new creative job workforce” said Kip Bergestrom, Deputy Commissioner DECD/Office the Arts.
In just 90 days, Chapel Haven clients have produced artisan products that were showcased and received a popular reception at two holiday markets, in Hartford and at Whitney Center in Hamden. Workshop participants, guided by professional artists, produced hand painted silk scarves, textile products, unique bags and cards daily during the pilot phase. In the coming months many new products will be designed and produced. The studio will open to the public for classes and arts learning opportunities.
Chapel Haven is an award winning an award-winning, nationally accredited school and transition program serving 250-plus adults with a variety of abilities and needs.
“I am so proud of all that has been accomplished so quickly by our burgeoning artists,” said Cha
pel Haven President Michael Storz. “I encourage everyone to attend the open house, shop for some unique gifts and show support for this unique employment path for our individuals.”
The goal of this program is to provide training, opportunities, access and engagement and resources for populations who have challenges connecting to creativity, accessing studio space, materials and mentorship in the pursuit of creative careers.
The program also provides training for established CT artists who are interested in becoming teachers and studio managers.
Uarts Chapel Haven and the Office of the Arts plan to produce a conference this spring exploring creative work force development ,access and engagement and the role the arts can play in providing alternative routes to work for those who wish to explore creative career options.
For more information, please call (203) 397-1714, ext. 198.
David Hogin is the Chapel Haven “Artist of the Month.” Born in Glendale NJ David graduated from Chapel Haven in 1989. He is a community member and lives in New Haven. David is also a member of our CH Art Guild and participated in the annual CH Art Show and Sale. He is an established watercolor artist and loves doing architectural paintings.
Recently David entered an art competition for the McLevy Building banner and had an honorable mention for his entry. David has many fans for his precise and beautiful work. Congratulations, David!
Chapel Haven is excited to announce that “Exploring Artism: A Program for Families,” run by the Yale Center for British Art, will continue off-site at Chapel Haven, located at 1040 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT 06515 during museum renovations.
Dates for the class are: Saturdays, February 21, March 21, April, 18, May 16 and June 20, 10:30-12:00pm.
This is a free program for families with children 5 to 12 years of age on the autism spectrum. Families learn to look and respond to art work in the museum’s galleries. Join us and engage in group conversations in the galleries, a follow-up art project in a museum classroom, and much more. While we have taken into account the needs of individuals with autism in designing this program, it is intended to be fun for parents, siblings, and other relatives too!
Free but pre-registration is required. Please e-mail: ycba.education@yale.edu or call 203 432 2858 with your name, number, and a good time to reach you on the telephone. A museum educator will contact you by phone to complete your registration.
Chapel Haven students and community members enjoyed a unique, British “tea party” last week with the help of docents and staff from the world-renowned Yale Center for British Art.
Click here to read a story in the New Haven Register about this unique partnership:
Since 2009, Art Teacher Tina Menchetti has worked closely with the museum to develop a cutting-edge museum educational program called Out to Art. Participants from Chapel Haven take part in a wide range of museum activities and sensory learning. They enjoy behind-the-scene tours, close looking at works of art and studio activities. Participants are able to build life skills while also developing theory of mind, memory and interpersonal connections. Continue reading
Chapel Haven had a huge turnout this weekend for the Special Olympics Bowling Holiday Classic at the Milford AMF Lanes.
Chapel Haven Rec Supervisor Michael Verzella reports 85 people bowled, both residential students and community members. Chapel Haven participated in both the Special Olympics “Traditional” games (teams made up of all athletes) and the “Unified” games (teams that were made up of athletes and volunteers/staff)
Many Chapel Haven families turned out to cheer on our bowlers, along with recreation staff and fraternity members from Southern Connecticut State University. Our teams competed against those of surrounding towns and everyone walked away a winner, with medals and ribbons.
Beth Sklar had the honor of giving the Special Olympics oath at the games. Congrats to everyone on a great job!
The SAIL Program recently experienced another travel adventure…this time to Ridin’-Hy Ranch in upstate New York.
Eleven individuals accompanied by two staff enjoyed the great outdoors and all the dude ranch had to offer; the group went horseback riding, fishing, boating, horse-drawn wagon rides, arts and crafts, BINGO games and much more! To see a photo album, click here: Continue reading
Chapel Haven’s 10th annual Bowl-a-thon raised a record amount of money – in excess of $41,000 – and drew participation from 140 bowlers.
Mike Verzella, supervisor of recreation and the key organizer behind this popular event, said he is grateful to all the major donors, to all participating bowlers and to parents Shelley Hartz and Barbara Doherty for helping organizing the events and the raffle items.
The 10th annual Bowl-a-thon took place Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, 1-4 p.m. at Amity Lanes.
Last year’s Bowl-a-thon raised $32,000 in funds, which were earmarked for technology. This year’s proceeds will help Chapel Haven update its fitness center. A barbecue at Chapel Haven followed the event, and a Halloween dance rounded out the day. To see photos from the day, click here:
Chapel Haven is rolling out its first Tennis Clinic!
This fall, students and community members have the chance to sign up and receive top-notch tennis instruction in October sessions from Chapel Haven parent and tennis pro Jerry Weil. Jerry has taught tennis at area programs, including Riverview School, on the Cape. With his son now enrolled in Chapel Haven’s REACH program, we are fortunate to have his expertise on board for our upcoming program. Continue reading
Chapel Haven President Michael Storz has been selected by Business New Haven as a “Rising Star” for 2014.
Mike is among a prominent group of 14 business and community leaders recognized for their leadership, innovative and dedication in the September 2014 edition of Business New Haven. Mike’s story appears here, on page 20. He will be honored at an event this spring. Continue reading
Jerry and Eva Rossman co-founded Chapel Haven in 1972 as a "next-step" in independence for their son, Peter.
Never underestimate the power of determined parents.
That is the lesson behind the founding of Chapel Haven, which started as the dream of a group of parents celebrating their kids’ graduation from Maplebrook School in Amenia, NY in the early 1970s. Continue reading
Chapel Haven and Chapel Haven West are everywhere!
Our staff, coordinated through our Admissions Office, are out and about presenting and talking to parents and professionals at conferences throughout the U.S. This is a great way to get to know the award-winning services Chapel Haven offers. Check the schedule below to see if we are coming to a conference near you! Continue reading
Congratulations to Artist of the Month, Barbara!
Congratulations to Barbara Doherty, who has been named Chapel Haven’s Artist of the Month because she showed great determination in creating 200 key chains to give to guests at her sister Maureen’s wedding this summer. Barbara and Maureen designed the pieces together and Barbara spent the summer making it a reality with her handiwork.
In related news, this summer, the
Chapel Haven Out to Art class, under the direction of teacher Tina Menchetti, worked with some exciting educators through the Yale Center for British Art. Clara Odell offered to teach the class while visiting in New Haven. Clara is the drama and French teacher at the American School of Milan in Milan, Italy. Clara is seen here talking to the students about acting out the scene depicted in the painting at the Center, infusing theater with paintings. Continue reading
Chapel Haven was pleased to be on hand with the Connecticut Community Providers Association (CCPA) when Governor Dannel Malloy and the General Assembly passed and signed a bill that will expand job opportunities for individuals with disabilities and economic disadvantages.
Present at the bill signing were Karin Frodel, Supervisor of Community Programs at Chapel Haven; community member Hope Morrison; and Terri Console, Community Programs Manager.
PA 14-188, signed into law in a recent state Capitol ceremony, will broaden the types of services already promoted under a pilot program established in 2006 and made permanent in 2013, from janitorial services to now include other types of services such as document management, data entry, food services, call centers and landscaping.
“Expanding this program will provide hundreds of individuals across Connecticut a wider range of opportunities to work and be self-sufficient,” Kirk Springsted, Vice President of Administration for CCPA said. “On behalf of those individuals, we thank lawmakers and the Governor for their support for this important legislation.”
The Preferred Purchasing program was first established in 1977 to promote employment through state contracts. It was intended to address poor employment rates for people with disabilities. In 2011, only 38 percent of people with disabilities in Connecticut were employed.
“Helping people with disabilities and economic disadvantages gain employment is good for the individuals, and it is good for the economy of Connecticut,” Morna Murray, President and CEO of CCPA said. “We are very grateful to the Connecticut legislators who have pushed this legislation, particularly Senator Anthony Musto and Representative Tony Hwang, and all supporters who know and understand the many advantages this programs has for people with disabilities and for our communities across the state.”
Vito is traveling widely with Truck'N with Vito
Chapel Haven graduate Vito Bonanno has taken his artistic talent on the road with a van transformed into an art gallery.
TRUCK’N WITH VITO is the name of his gallery on wheels and its purposes is to travel to venues around Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts to share his amazing art, while spreading the message that autism can be a gift accompanied by rare talent.
Since launching the van campaign, Vito has showcased his one-man show.
Vito, born in 1983, was diagnosed just before his 4th birthday as being on the autism spectrum, according to the biography on his website. Vito was language delayed and so his parents and teachers tapped into his high visual acuity, using storyboard styles to help him academically and socially.
The storyboard grid stuck, remaining prominent in his work. Through the help of his dedicated family and the “tireless work of professionals,” Vito defied the odds to become a high-functioning man who, according to his biography, “has learned to take the information trapped in his head and transform it into art that contains the essence of his life, feelings, thoughts and dreams.”
Vito says his disability helps him remember dreams, but also doesn’t let him forget the unpleasant aspects of life. It’s those vivid memories and feelings that often end up on canvas. “Drawing these things helps me get this stuff out of my head for a while,” Vito has said. Continue reading
NEW HAVEN – This year’s graduates of Chapel Haven’s REACH program were spirited as they took the joyous walk down the aisle in their caps and gowns on June 20, thanking family, staff and most of all the friends who helped get them through.
In his graduation speech, Jonas Belon, who came to Chapel Haven from Denver, said the most important thing he learned was how to solve problems.
“I learned to solve them without getting me or my friends in trouble. I learned how to be a better friend,” he said. “Graduating REACH means a lot to me.”
Congratulations to Jonas, Joe, Allan, Hannah, Dylan, Justin, Ben, Juliana and Nick on their graduation! To see a photo album, click here.
Successful internships, jobs, college, life skills and lasting friendships celebrated at Chapel Haven West graduation
Chapel Haven West Class of 2014
Eight students graduated from Chapel Haven West’s two-year residential program on June 8. The graduation ceremony, held at the Tucson Marriott, was attended by parents, family members, friends and staff. Each student gave a speech and received a graduation certificate from Director Kenneth Hosto and President Michael Storz. All eight graduates are remaining in Tucson.
Graduation day!
“At Chapel Haven West, I learned that if you really put effort into what you do, you will be a success,” Daniel Stafford said. Daniel works at the Home Depot. He hopes to live in Florida or England someday.
“I’m taking Pima Community College classes, working at Home Depot, and living life to the fullest,” Jonah Sabol said. Jonah said he learned how to “keep a conversation going” at Chapel Haven West and that he’s a much better person to talk to.
“I plan on getting my AA at Pima Community College to become a veterinary technician, hopefully in the near future,” Ryan Urban said. Ryan said her greatest accomplishment at Chapel Haven West was volunteering at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. Continue reading
Eight Project SEARCH interns from Chapel Haven were lauded at a joyous graduation ceremony June 19 at Yale-New Haven Hospital, thronged by hospital supervisors, Chapel Haven staff and proud, beaming parents.
“I remember when you started,” said Lynelle Abel, Director of Volunteer Services at YNHH. “There were lots of nervous faces, concerns about ‘how are we going to learn this new job and navigate this big medical center.’ But you did it. You have become really important members of our health care team.”
Congratulations to:
To see a photo album, click here Continue reading
Rubin Levinson, shown here with his father, gave an eloquent speech about the independence he has gained at Chapel Haven.
Rubin Levinson said at one time he spent so much time in front of a computer that his mom would say when Rubin went away to college, he was going to find, “a skeleton with a baseball hat.”
But the skeleton prediction is off the table since the Levinsons found Chapel Haven’s Asperger’s Syndrome Adult Transition Program.
Speaking at the ASAT graduation June 14, Rubin told fellow graduates and their families that Chapel Haven has given him a solid foundation to build upon in life. He can now socialize and perform practical chores for independent living.
“This is the end of my foundation. Now, I’m getting ready to build the pretty stuff,” he said.
Read more about the graduation in the New Haven Register here
Eight graduated this year from ASAT and among the performances were a song in Japanese, a reading of a creative writing piece and a song. Continue reading
Left to right, Michael Storz, president of Chapel Haven, with Andy Schlessing, Eric Kay and Towers' CEO Mark Garilli
Two Chapel Haven community members received special awards on May 29 for bringing sunshine and joy to the residents of Tower One/Tower East, an apartment and assisted living community in New Haven.
Honored were Andy Schlessinger and Eric Kay, who for two years, have operated the “Sunshine Cart” at Tower One, dispensing with snacks, novelties and other items.
CEO Mark Garilli gave each young man an inscribed glass award and commended the duo for showing up through rain, snow and sunshine, “brightening our day with goodies from their Sunshine Cart. They inspire us to smile and remind us of how insignificant our worries may be.”
Barry Vine also took to the podium to announce a legacy gift in which Eric and Andy will have bronze leaves inscribed and added to Tower One’s Tree of Life in the center’s lobby “in lasting tribute to both of you.”
“Rushing into the Towers, I am often met by Eric and Andy. Their smiling faces calm me down completely from a hectic day at the office. Their kindness and eagerness to please, and their passion for their work, is evidencet in everything they do,” Barry said as the many seniors gathered in the dining hall nodded and smiled.
Chapel Haven President Michael Storz commended Tower One for taking the time to honor its many volunteers, including Eric and Andy. “My message today is very simple: Chapel Haven’s success depends on open doors like this one, at the Towers. I am delighted to hear that Eric and Andy have brought so much enjoyment to your residents as they make their rounds. These young men have been given an opportunity, by you, to make a real difference through volunteerism. I am proud of both young men for representing themselves and Chapel Haven with such distinction.”
Eric Kay with his parents, David and Linda. Linda helped start the partnership at Tower One.
Andy and his mother, Monica, who was instrumental in starting a partnership with Tower One/Tower East
Monica Schlessinger, mother of Andy, and Linda and David Kay, parents of Eric, attended the event. Storz credited both families with helping to get a partnership started at Tower One, along with Richard Wurtzel, a consulting speech-language pathologist at Chapel Haven.
“The result – the Sunshine Cart – is, as Mastercard would say, priceless,” he said. In addition, Tower One/Tower East is one of nine Working Partnership internships for students, who help set the tables during lunch. “On a bigger level, our students are learning about what it takes to be successful in the workplace,” Storz said.
The festive event included a performance by the Towers’ Gospel Choir and Chorus. Afterward, the seniors thronged Eric and Andy to thank them in person for being such a great presence. The door remains open for Chapel Haven at Tower One!
Chape
l Haven celebrated its 42nd anniversary on Sunday, April 27 with a showing of nearly 500 friends and family members at Woodwinds in Branford.
Stay tuned for more photos to come from the wonderful day!
The festive event included a silent auction, buffet luncheon, a keynote speech by community member Diana Bilezikian, who has just published a new book, and the honoring of three community members who have lived at least 30 years independently in the Chapel Haven community. Laura Mintz, who was honored at last year’s brunch for her 30-year achievement, introduced the three honorees. Those three individuals are:
“We were honored to recognize Claire, Paul and Chris,” said Chapel Haven President Michael Storz. “We have a growing group of individuals that we are proud to welcome into what we fondly call our ’30-plus’ club. Having maintained independence and happiness in the Chapel Haven community for 30 years is indeed, a milestone.”
Chapel Haven Community member Diana Bilezikian was honored for publication of her book, “Dear Diana…A Guide to Help Those with Special Needs Negotiate Everyday Situations,” published by AAPC Publishing. Nearly 100 signed copies of the new book were purchased by interested families and friends at the brunch.
Jonathan Slifka, Governor Dannel Malloy’s newly appointed liaison to the disability community, attended the event and presented Diana with a proclamation in honor of her achievement.
Chapel Haven President Michael Storz also honored Diana by presenting an engraved clock on behalf of Chapel Haven.
Diana’s book is getting rave reviews in the autism and special needs community. Reviewer Merri Rosenberg, of Education Update Online calls the book “poignant, brave, touching and incredibly practical.”
The book is published by AAPC Publishing. To learn more or order the book visit: https://www.aapcpublishing.net/
Jennica Harris, soon to graduate from Chapel Haven’s Asperger Syndrome Adult Transition program, drew a standing ovation for her remarks about how much Chapel Haven has changed her life.
“In my time in the program, I have built strong friendships with some of the graduates, and I am acting as a friend and mentor to the first-year students,” Jennica said. “I have been in Southern CT State University’s choir for two semesters building music skills and friendships…I am thankful that ASAT has helped me prepare for my career, and I’ve had success in jobs.”
“In my time in the program, I have built strong friendships with some of the graduates, and I am acting as a friend and mentor to the first-year students,” Jennica said. “I have been in Southern CT State University’s choir for two semesters building music skills and friendships…I am thankful that ASAT has helped me prepare for my career, and I’ve had success in jobs.” Read her full remarks Jennica’s Brunch Speech
A big congratulations to Chapel Haven Community Member Sam Shwartz, who hosted his own Seder in his apartment at Chapel Haven.
Sam hosted a Passover Seder for 13 friends. The conversation was brisk, the laughs were plenty and they ate matzo ball soup, beef brisket, broccoli casserole, grape juice and mandel bread for dessert. Sam did a great job reading the story of Passover and leading blessings and prayer. Hebrew music was provided through recordings of the cantor from his family synagogue in the Boston area. Way to go Sam! This was no easy task!
The New Haven Register captured the celebration for a front page story on April 15. Check it out here.
Chapel Haven President Michael Storz said the fact that Sam organizes and holds a seder in his apartment at Chapel Haven is a true indicator of independence. Storz said he’s especially pleased that Sam continues to honor the traditions of his faith even as he pursues a life of independence.
“Sam considers Chapel Haven his home and his parents fully support that,” Storz said. “Our staff helped Sam organize his invitations, plan the meal and shop, but for the most part, Sam is in the lead and that is wonderful. We recognize how important it is for clients to find fellowship here, in our community. That’s what adult life is all about.”
Chapel Haven also has been privileged to have its own unique Jewish Students Organization, with the help of Jewish Family Services of New Haven’s Shalom Group, which serves Jewish individuals in the New Haven area who have developmental needs. The Shalom Group helps individuals experience holiday observance, Torah study and shared fellowship. Rabbi Hesch Sommer of Jewish Family Services and JFS social worker Rachel Scolnic Dobin teach sessions twice a month at Chapel Haven and the group is a popular option for clients at Chapel Haven. While Sommer focuses on religious teaching, Dobin handles etiquette, daily living, holiday observances and activities through the Jewish Community Center.
Chapel Haven has an author in the house!
Diana Bilezikian, a graduate of Scarsdale High School and a longtime Chapel Haven community member, is the author of the just-published book, “Dear Diana…Diana’s Guide to Independent Living – For Adolescents and Young Adults with Different Learning Styles and Special Needs” (AAPC Publishing).
The book is chock-full of advice and tips on how to navigate practical aspects of daily living. Diana will sign and sell copies of the book at Chapel Haven’s upcoming Family Weekend Brunch on April 27. The book is also available for sale by logging onto https://www.aapcpublishing.net.
Diana’s book is an outgrowth of a series of Diana’s emails, sent to relatives and friends about her life and the skills she was learning as she negotiated daily life at Chapel Haven. Backed by Michael Storz, president of Chapel Haven, Diana’s original ideas were expanded into a helpful collection of advice and support for how to live an independent and meaning life.
She is already attracting wonderful reviews! Reviewer Merri Rosenberg, of Education Update Online, calls the book “poignant, brave, touching and incredibly practical.”
Proceeds from the sale of the books will benefit Chapel Haven.
Way to go, Diana!
Kimber and Hannah work on a mural, to be displayed at Yale
Chapel Haven students and community members collaborated with students from Yale University to create artwork together in advance of World Autism Awareness Day.
Chapel Haven’s new class, “The Weigh to Live,” in partnership with the Cornell-Scott Hill Health Center, is not only resulting in significant weight loss for clients, it’s also gaining media attention.
First, News Channel 8 came to campus and filmed the class for an Oct. 22 feature on their evening broadcast. Among students interviewed, Rose Randall did a great job talking about healthier food choices and her fitness regimen. Health reporter Jocelyn Maminta attended the class and interviewed students, the wellness educator from the Hill Health Center and Chapel Haven President Michael Storz.
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