Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, Inc.

I can't say enough wonderful things about the residential education program at Chapel Haven. From the moment I enrolled my son, I have seen transformative growth that I never thought possible. Chaple Haven’s strong focus on promoting independence has been nothing short of life-changing. The dedicated teachers and staff create a nurturing, supportive environment where every student is celebrated for their unique strengths. They expertly teach essential life skills—like self-care, decision-making, meal preparation, and social navigation—while blending them seamlessly with academics and employment opportunities. My son has gained so much confidence, now handling daily tasks independently that once seemed out of reach. Watching him bloom into a more self-assured, capable individual has brought tears of joy to my eyes! The individualized plans, and emphasis on real-world preparation truly sets Chapel Haven apart. It's not just education; it's empowerment for a bright, independent future. I am forever grateful and highly recommend this gem to any family seeking the very best for their special needs child. Five stars aren't enough—thank you for giving our family hope and happiness!

After years of special education classes in Cherry Hill, NJ, my daughter graduated high school. She was 20. Understanding that she would require special support her whole life, I had searched for a school that could offer her the opportunity to gain the necessary tools for her to live as full and independent a life as possible … whether I’m here or not. It’s what all parents wish for their children. For special needs children in the late 1980s, it was especially challenging. My arduous search led me to Chapel Haven. Three years later, she graduated from the Chapel Haven School for Independent Living, which fulfilled its promise to provide my daughter with these priceless life skills, and continues to provide ongoing support for her. My daughter is now 57 and living close to the school, where she’s an active participant in the Chapel Haven community. Through the years, with the weekly support of Chapel Haven’s Life Skills Counselors and Job Coaches, she has built a life of relative independence, integrating into the rest of the world. She enjoys a supportive atmosphere at her long-time job at Stop ‘n’ Shop supermarkets, volunteers at a local soup kitchen, and participates in the organized and supervised entertainment, travel, and educational opportunities offered by Chapel Haven. For a few days almost every month, my daughter travels to Cherry Hill via Amtrak for a family visit. I left my daughter in the hands of strangers 37 years ago so that she could come home one day—not to my home, but to her own home. I am grateful to Chapel Haven for the peace of mind that comes with knowing my daughter is living a full and supported, independent life in New Haven.

Chapel Haven enabled us to see how much independence (a lot) our son, Andy could achieve. They were never defensive when we challenged their assumptions, nor did they push back on our ideas. Just the opposite, they showed Andy (and us) how independent he could be: Living in a non affiliated apartment/condo, working at Home Depot, commuting back and forth including home completely independently. We no longer have to worry what happens to him if (hopefully) he outlives us. He recently went with a group and climbed Mt Kilimanjaro without any staff from Chapel Haven nor us (his parents).That’s independence and his self worth has increased geometrically as well. None of this we could have dreamed of when Andy graduated from our high school.

My son James has been at Chapel Haven since his early 20’s and he is now 63 years old. It is a special challenge to do the best for a child who needs particularly special attention . The balance between meeting his needs and encouraging independence requires very special sensitivity. Chapel Haven bridged that divide very successfully. Continually aware of doing their best, and enlarging opportunities for the residents, they have been for me a role model of meeting current demands while also moving forward. As a parent I am very grateful that Chapel Haven have given my son a life and community that I could not offer him at home. He has his own friendships and functions as independently as I could expect. He has the supports and the space he needs. Chapel Haven has done right by us. I am very appreciative. Sincerely, Helene Spielman Torker

Chapel Haven transformed my son Who is in the high end of the autism Spectrum. Halfway through a program at Chapel Haven, he has gained enormous confidence, basic skills and importantly, friends in an environment where he has felt for the first time, comfortable and wanted.

Our 42 year old daughter, Caitlyn, returned to Chapel Haven in July of 2025 after a shortened tenure in 2020 due to the pandemic. In Caitlyn’s words, “Chapel Haven just feels like home to me. It is my happy place. The staff knows what I need and want and are always there to help me. And, Rec is THE BOMB!!” As her parents and guardians we see that Caitlyn is thriving at Chapel Haven. In addition to her active lifestyle on the campus, she is involved in Special Olympics CT and is continuing her 21 year tenure at Home Depot through the affiliation and support of Ken’s Krew, Inc. The Supported Living staff at Chapel Haven addresses Caitlyn’s unique needs which gives us peace of mind. It is our family’s intention that Caitlyn will live happily ever after at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center.