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REACH (Residential Education at Chapel Haven) is the flagship program of Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, utilizing a life skills model that has helped hundreds of graduates master the art of living independent and productive lives.

Housed in a brand-new, four-story, state-of-the-art residential and classroom campus, our students enjoy 24/7 staff oversight as they navigate the beginnings of a truly adult, truly independent life.

Learning happens in our classrooms with our experienced teachers, in our apartment setting with the caring guidance of life skills instructors, in the village of Westville, where we are located, and out in the community.

REACH Calendars

Chapel Haven’s REACH program is an ideal transition program for young adults with developmental disabilities, guiding them beyond the school years into a more fulfilling and independent adulthood

The REACH program is designed for young adults 18 years of age and older, with diagnoses including:

 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
 Autism Spectrum Disorders
 Down Syndrome
 Cerebral Palsy

REACH is typically a two year program which builds a strong foundation by addressing key challenges faced by our clients. Together, we guide them to overcome many of these challenges by building confidence, and equipping our young adults with the necessary coping strategies and skills that lead to wonderful, self-determined futures.

Some of the typical challenges addressed by our experience-rich curriculum:

Executive functioning and organization

Time management & follow through

Self-advocacy and self-awareness

Understanding the perspective of others and hidden social rules

Appropriately starting and ending conversations

Personal safety and social naiveté (how to differentiate between complete strangers, acquaintances, friends and family)

Managing the online world (cyber safety and limiting electronics)

Navigating the working world
(finding and keeping the right job)

Managing daily living (eg: cooking, budgeting, hygiene, maintaining an apartment, shopping, budgeting,)

Managing one’s health – fitness; doctors’ appointments; exercise; sensible eating; wellness regimen

Navigating and problem-solving in community settings

REACH is a two year program which builds a strong foundation by addressing key challenges faced by our clients. Together, we guide them to overcome many of these challenges by building confidence, and equipping our young adults with the necessary coping strategies and skills that lead to wonderful, self-determined futures.

Some of the typical challenges addressed by our experience-rich curriculum:

Executive functioning and organization

Time management & follow through

Self-advocacy and self-awareness

Understanding the perspective of others and hidden social rules

Appropriately starting and ending
conversations

Personal safety and social naiveté (how to differentiate between complete strangers, acquaintances, friends and family)

Managing the online world (cyber
safety and limiting electronics)

Navigating the working world
(finding and keeping the right job)

Managing daily living (eg: cooking, budgeting, hygiene, maintaining an apartment, shopping, budgeting,)

Managing one’s health – fitness; doctors’ appointments; exercise; sensible eating; wellness regimen

Navigating and problem-solving
in community settings

What can you hope to gain by becoming
part of the REACH program?

By the time you graduate from the REACH program, we expect that you will…

…be able to live with independence and the appropriate supports and adaptive technologies

…effectively access basic community resources

…have a thriving adult social network

…gain and keep meaningful employment

…manage a budget

…pursue a healthy lifestyle that includes fitness, a sensible diet and an awareness of medical needs

…learn how to be safe in a community

What can you hope to gain by becoming part of the REACH program?

By the time you graduate from the REACH program, we expect that you will…

…be able to live with independence and the appropriate supports and adaptive technologies

…effectively access basic community resources

…have a thriving adult social network

…gain and keep meaningful employment

…manage a budget

…pursue a healthy lifestyle that includes fitness, a sensible diet and an awareness of medical needs

…learn how to be safe in a community

To enrich the lives and the experience of our REACH clients, Chapel Haven offers a wide selection of extra-curricular activities

Additional Services:

Arts Education at Chapel Haven
Recreation
Social Communication Therapy
Workshops each quarter on relevant topics
Employment services
Individualized non-residential supports,
including case management, apartment
maintenance, budgeting transportation
College supports
Individual coaching
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
REACH Day (State Department of
Education Approved)
Transition Program for IEP students

To enrich the lives and the experience of our
REACH clients, Chapel Haven offers a wide
selection of extra-curricular activities

Additional Services:

Recreation
Social Communication Therapy
Workshops each quarter on relevant topics
Employment services
Indivudalized non-residential supports,
including case management, apartment
maintenance, budgeting transportation
College supports
Individual coaching
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
REACH Day (State Department of
Education Approved)
Transition Program for IEP students

How is REACH different?

1. This flagship program utilizes a life skills model that has helped hundreds of graduates master the art of living independent and productive lives.

2. Our curriculum has been honed over nearly 50 years of experience in the field, finetuned by international experts in autism and developmental disabilities.

3. We are evidence-based and measure student progress every step of the way, in four different settings – residential, classroom, community activities and employment.

4. 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.

5. 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.

How is REACH different?

1. This flagship program utilizes a life skills model that has helped hundreds of graduates master the art of living independent and productive lives.

2. Our curriculum has been honed over nearly 50 years of experience in the field, finetuned by international experts in autism and developmental disabilities.

3. We are evidence-based and measure student progress every step of the way, in four different settings – residential, classroom, community activities and employment.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Upon “graduation” from REACH, Chapel Haven subsequently provides a number of follow-on options, as determined by the strengths and needs of each client

CHAPEL HAVEN’S “NEXT STEP” OPTIONS FOR LIFELONG SUPPORT

SUPPORTED LIVING PROGRAM

Our Supported Living Program then steps in as our adults become community members in order to provide those supports.
LEARN MORE…

COMMUNITY LIFE PROGRAM

The Community Life Program (CLP) is designed to offer a structured, community-focused day for individuals who are either not working or working a limited number of hours. Chapel Haven’s CLP provides participants with opportunities to explore, interact and volunteer in the Greater New Haven community.
LEARN MORE…

SAIL PROGRAM

The Schleifer Adult Independent Living (SAIL) program provides oversight and structure for individuals who need to remain on campus in a new, state-of-the-art facility. Includes housing and 24/7 staff oversight with all aspects of daily life.
LEARN MORE…

Contact Info:
Christy Chandler
(203) 397-1714, ext. 185