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Years of Experience
Our curriculum has been honed over nearly 50 years of experience in the field, by international experts in autism and developmental disabilities.
Residential Education at Chapel Haven (REACH)
Chapel Haven’s REACH program is an ideal transition program for young adults with mild developmental and intellectual disabilities. Our residential, day and alacarte programming guides them beyond the school years into a more fulfilling and independent adulthood.
Candidates are 18 years of age and older, with diagnoses including:
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Down Syndrome
Four Foundations of REACH
Chapel Haven’s year-round Functional Academics Program is second to none. We offer a wide range of coursework through a curriculum that encompasses blended subject areas:
• Banking and Budgeting
• Clothing Management, Cleaning
• Reading Directions
• Music
• Ceramics
• Drawing
• Athletics
• Yearbook
• Social Communication
Career Exploration, Resume Writing, and Workplace Social Skills classes are followed by rotating work internships in authentic employment settings.
Utilizing Public Transportation
A Community Integration Approach: We draw on our extensive local resources by bringing professionals from the Greater New Haven community to our site to offer classes, workshops, and seminars. Whether it’s a local artist teaching painting, a retired pediatrician teaching classes in human anatomy, a New Haven professional conducting human sexuality seminars, or a human resources manager from a local corporation speaking on interviewing techniques, we endeavor to expose our students to as many community resources as possible.
Chapel Haven Schleifer Center goes far beyond the traditional dormitory model by offering a true apartment‑style living environment where adults can learn, practice, and master the full range of skills needed for independent living. Our experienced teachers and life skills instructors work closely together to integrate classroom learning with hands‑on instruction in each student’s apartment, creating a seamless and practical learning experience.
Over a 24‑month period, students reside in fully furnished and well‑equipped apartments on our modernized campus. This setting allows for individualized attention and consistent coaching in essential daily living skills. From managing personal care and household responsibilities to navigating community life, young adults gain the confidence and competence needed to live with greater independence after graduation. Many students continue their journey through our Supported Living Program and other community‑based options, building on the strong foundation developed during their residential experience.
Chapel Haven Schleifer Center provides a rich and supportive environment for adults to explore, develop, and strengthen the skills needed for meaningful employment. Our location in a small yet vibrant cosmopolitan city offers access to a wide range of businesses, community organizations, and volunteer opportunities, giving individuals real‑world exposure to the world of work.
Through structured vocational programming, adults participate in hands‑on learning experiences that build confidence, independence, and workplace readiness. Under the guidance of skilled instructors and employment specialists, individuals learn essential skills such as punctuality, communication, teamwork, problem‑solving, and responsibility. These experiences help adults discover their interests, understand workplace expectations, and prepare for future employment opportunities through CareerAbility and other vocational pathways.
Our vocational curriculum emphasizes practical learning, community engagement, and individualized support—ensuring that each person gains the tools they need to pursue meaningful work and contribute to their community with pride and purpose.
REACH is typically a two year program which builds a strong foundation by addressing key challenges faced by the adults at CHSC.
Together, we guide them to overcome many of these challenges by building confidence, and equipping our young adults with the necessary strategies and skills that lead to wonderful, self-determined futures.
Historically about 80% of REACH graduates choose to transition into one of the graduate communities and on average maintain their independence with about 3 hrs/wk of supports.
By the time you graduate from the REACH program, we expect that you will:
01. Achieve Independence
Be able to live independently with suitable supports and adaptive technologies
02. Branch Out
Effectively access basic community resources
03. Become Your Best Self
Have a thriving adult social network
04. Cha-Ching!
Gain and keep meaningful employment
05. Manage A Budget
Strive to be independent while managing some day-to-day finances
06. Have It All
Pursue a healthy lifestyle that includes fitness, a sensible diet and an awareness of medical needs
07. Be Comfortable
Learn how to be safe in a community
To enrich the lives and the experience of our REACH students, Chapel Haven offers a wide selection of extra-curricular activities and additional services.
- Arts Education at Chapel Haven
- Recreation
- Social Communication Therapy
- Workshops each quarter on relevant topics
- Employment services
- Transition Program for IEP students
- REACH Day (State Department of Education Approved)
- Individual coaching
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
What makes REACH unique?
01. Flagship Program
This program utilizes a life skills model that has helped hundreds of graduates master the art of living independent and productive lives
02. The Path To Independence
By the time a student is ready to graduate into a more independent life at Chapel Haven, the adult, their team at Chapel Haven and their family have a detailed understanding of the student’s strengths, challenges and supports needed to continue an independent life
03. Evidence-Based
We are evidence-based and measure student progress every step of the way, in four different settings – residential, classroom, community activities and employment
04. Continuous Support
We then provide a number of options upon REACH graduation which step in as our adults become community members in order to provide those supports
Who Should Apply?
REACH is designed for adults who are:
- 18+ Years of age, with mild developmental and intellectual disabilities
- High school graduates or still enrolled in transition programming on an IEP
- Emotionally and behaviorally stable
- Motivated to eventually transition into independent, productive lives, make friends, acquire social competency and adaptive skills and work toward individual goals
Admissions Process
Interested families can begin by contacting our admissions team at admission@chapelhaven.org or 203-397-1714 ext. 185
Steps Include:
- Review of recent psychological/neuropsychological testing, IEPS/school or program reports, and vocational assessments
- Virtual Interview
- Online Application
- Sample day
- Week visit assessment
REACH Calendar
REACH Catalog
Upon graduation from REACH, Chapel Haven subsequently provides a number of ongoing support options, as determined by the strengths and needs of each student
Social & Recreational Life
Chapel Haven Schleifer Center’s location in a small yet vibrant cosmopolitan city provides our adults with access to a rich variety of cultural, recreational, and sporting events. This setting offers meaningful opportunities for community engagement, social connection, and volunteer involvement.
Our structured recreation program takes place on evenings and weekends and is an essential part of the Chapel Haven experience. With an average of 25+ activities each month, participants can explore new interests, build friendships, and enjoy the many resources our community has to offer.
Through recreation, adults learn to manage free time, practice social etiquette, nurture long‑lasting friendships, handle money responsibly, and follow a structured schedule. These experiences support personal growth, confidence, and independence—core values of the Chapel Haven mission.