Supported Living Program

Chapel Haven's Supported Living Program assists individuals, graduating from the REACH Program take up residence in the greater New Haven community. Each new member of the community meets with her or his supporting team comprised of professionals and family to create a plan to reach her or his long and short-term goals.

The Supported Living Program also accepts individuals (Community Members) moving to New Haven or residing in New Haven who have mastered skills to live independently with limited professional support. The Employment Program, Continuing Education Department and Recreational Programs often work with Supported Living clients to provide a broad and holistic service plan tailored to individual needs.

All Supported Living Community Members receive 24-hour emergency assistance and can participate in the Spare Key Program. Additionally, all Community Members have access to Chapel Haven's Program Supervisors.

The Support Coordinator

Each individual is assigned a Support Coordinator, who provides ongoing life skills instruction, case management and advocacy.

A Holistic Approach

The Supported Living Program takes a holistic approach to the individual, carefully monitoring financial, housing, vocational, relationship, and health needs on a one-to-one basis. We also promote self-determination which not only places the served individual at the center of a plan but as the driver of her or his service plan. Community Members, with the assistance of the Support Coordinator, plan their Annual Review meetings and invite their parents, peers, with staff input to enhance their goals and progress.

Relationships and Community Involvement

The Support Coordinator acts as a guide, helping individuals lead full and productive lives. Employment, healthy relationships, a network of friends and family, and options for exploring interests and hobbies are our priorities.

Health and Wellness

The Support Coordinator monitors clients’ medical, nutritional, and fitness needs. We provide assistance with shopping and meal planning, exercise programs, and a selection of pharmacies, physicians, and nutritionists.

Finance and Benefits

The Support Coordinator assists with budgets, banking skills, and scholarships. The Benefits Coordinator provides specific assistance with entitlements including Social Security Disability and Connecticut State DSS assistance.

Home Services

The Resource Assistant helps find housing and roommates, oversees superintendent/landlord relations, and assists those who own condominiums find contractors or other service professionals. She can be present when repair personnel evaluate problems to ensure fair services and reasonable prices.

The Support Coordinator works with individuals in their homes to master and maintain cleaning skills, personal grooming skills and to find other professional caregivers such as private cleaning services, homemaker/health aide providers and physicians.

Mentor Program

The Mentor Program matches participants with veterans of the Supported Living Program to assist them during community integration.

Advisory Council

The Advisory Council, comprised of Community Members, shares opinions and gives feedback on various Chapel Haven topics including new policies and programs. The Advisory Council assists in the evaluation of existing programs.

The Office of Volunteerism

Operated by Community Members, individuals can be assisted in finding volunteer opportunities or join with others in fundraising for charities such as the MS Walk-a-thon.

The Transition from the Residential Program to Supported Living

Many Residential Students remain in New Haven after graduation. Therefore, Supported Living staff work closely with Residential Life Skills Staff to ensure that graduating students receive careful attention during the transition into the community.

Benefits Coordination

Chapel Haven also offers a service which helps clients and their families understand and apply for second- and third-party funding that may be due to them through state or federal resources.

The Benefits Coordinator explores sources such as Social Security Disability Income, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare, and others as applicable. Application, follow-up, and monitoring income compliance can also be part of the service, which is accessible for a nominal fee.