Chapel Haven Schleifer Center (CHSC) in New Haven is home to five married couples—all adults with a range of developmental and social disabilities—who are thriving in relationships built on love, independence, and community support. In a world where adults with disabilities are often underestimated or overlooked when it comes to dating, marriage, and long‑term partnership, these couples are living proof that love has no limits.
One couple, Rich and Kim Lamanna, met at CHSC, work for the nonprofit and have been married for 22 years!
“Rich came out of nowhere and was waving at me,” Kim said. “And my sister said, ‘How cute is he? I think you should date him.’” They’ve now been married for 22 years.
Kim’s family loves Rich, and just this week, Rich surprised Kim with flowers. This Valentine’s Day, he has one goal. “Just be with her as long as I can, because she means the world to me,” Rich said.
Check out coverage by WTNH News Channel 8 and the television station News 12.
“Married Couples at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center Prove Love Has No Limits, News12 Connecticut
“New Haven Center Highlights Loving Relationships Among Adults with Disabilities, WTNH-TV, News 8
Michael Storz
The story was also picked up on Yahoo News
Michael Storz, President of Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, said “Our adults want a life no differently than any of us. And they have the absolute ability and capability to have a life of love and friendships and and fulfilled their dreams with the adequate support and education.”
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