Chapel Haven Schleifer Center Clubs & Committees
Chapel Haven Schleifer Center offers a wide variety of campus clubs and committees where adults can participate, share feedback, and explore areas of interest. These opportunities foster community, independence, and inclusion.
The Art Guild welcomes all CHSC residential and community members interested in creating artwork, whether in classes or independently. Artists are invited to participate in exhibitions and community art events, including the annual Westville Art Walk, the JCC Holiday Fair, and CHSC’s own Art Show and Sale.
Contact: Tina Menchetti
CHSC hosts a large and active Best Buddies chapter in partnership with Southern Connecticut State University. Adults are paired with SCSU students to build lifelong friendships. Buddy pairs meet biweekly—either on campus or virtually—for activities such as trivia nights, arts and crafts, and dances. Monthly group outings include bowling and movie nights. Meetings are held Tuesday evenings from 7–9 p.m., following SCSU’s academic calendar.
Contact: Patricia Larson
Established in 2007, the Advisory Board gives community members a voice in CHSC’s service delivery, program development, and quality measures. Members have participated in Board of Directors meetings, advised on campus expansion projects, represented CHSC at local community management meetings, and assisted in staff hiring.
Contact: Sunny Richards
The Judaism Club hosts monthly events open to all students, regardless of faith. Activities include baking hamantaschen, trivia with local rabbis, and a campus Passover seder with a custom Haggadah. Members connect through music, food, discussion, and hands-on learning, while also building ties to the local Jewish community. The club helps coordinate attendance at temple services, holiday tickets, and campus celebrations of Jewish traditions.
Contact: Gina Apicella
The Pride Club provides a safe, welcoming space for students to discuss issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Members build friendships through games, movies, and discussions, while learning about different identities and how to be supportive allies. The club emphasizes ongoing education and inclusion, helping to foster a more understanding community.
Contact: Shaniya Jones
This agency-wide committee reviews safety concerns, develops action plans, and ensures compliance with OSHA, CARF, and DDS standards. Responsibilities include reviewing incidents and accidents, conducting facility and vehicle inspections, overseeing infection control, and coordinating ongoing staff training.
Contact: Sherry Robitaille
The Compliance Committee ensures CHSC adheres to laws, regulations, and best practices while maintaining the highest standards of care. Areas of focus include:
• Policies and procedures
• Documentation and record-keeping
• Staff training and development
• Health and safety
• Person-centered approaches
• Continuous improvement and accountability
Contact: Sherry Robitaille
A subcommittee of the CHSC Board of Directors, the Scholarship Committee oversees funds that provide financial assistance to current and prospective families. Scholarships help attract new students and support adults transitioning into the broader community after residential programs. Current funds include the Poole Scholarship Fund, Bershaw Temporary Scholarship Fund, Baker Family Scholarship Fund, and an Anonymous Scholarship Fund.
Contact: Catherine Sullivan DeCarlo
CHAMP works to identify and address accessibility issues related to physical and cognitive challenges. The committee includes staff, parents, CHSC adults, and consultant Renée East, MS. Formed through a generous bequest from the Kagler family, CHAMP ensures CHSC remains fully accessible, with a focus on aging and mobility. Recent projects include installing safety features in SAIL bathrooms and launching TechConnect: Smarter Living for All, an initiative to bring hands-on education about assistive technology to residents and staff.
Contact: Sarah Elsdon