Letters fom Parents

Ned and New Beginnings for Life

Our son, Ned is a member of the New Beginnings for Life Program in Moodus Ct. The program is directed by Ellen Young and Karen Hudson and has been an oasis for our son.

He has gained a new confidence in himself. The encouragement and instruction has been wonderful and has helped Ned grow as a person and find areas in which he can be successful. The attention and support that Ellen and Karen give is outstanding and our son has never been happier. The program has helped him to focus on appropriate goals, life skills, problem solving, and most importantly given him a wonderful peer group, which he lacked growing up. We are so thankful for the New Beginnings Program and the energy, support, and love that Ellen and Karen and the entire staff bring to the program.

Ann & Matt Corkery

Salisbury, CT.

My daughter, Jen

"The program is an enhanced and much improved adaptation of the Allen Institute Model. It is exceptional and unique due to the caring and warmth of the founders and staff; some of whom were at A.I.  My daughter has flourished and grown in many ways, becoming more responsible and independent because of the program that has been developed.  More importantly, my daughter has grown as a person."

Joseph Patuleia--Retired educator, current

Executive Director, Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Inc.  and Jennifer's dad, forever.

350 Fifth Ave.

New York, New York 01008 

Erica

Our daughter, Erica is making great strides in her first few months at New Beginnings for Life. A major goal for her is the acquisition of skills needed for independent living. Toward that goal, Erica has adjusted well to living away from home, developed meaningful relationships with peers and is learning to rely less on the support of adult mentors and teachers.

With the help of New Beginnings staff Erica has secured paid employment. She started out with a full time job coach and is now working independently. New Beginnings staff are also helping Erica to improve her driving skills and hopefully she will be able to drive herself to and from work.

 We are very happy with New Beginnings for Life. Ellen and Karen have the knowledge and background to know when a student may need some extra nurturing and when they need a little push to "leave the nest". Erica calls home a lot less now-at first we were a little sad about that-but we now see that she is busy forging ahead with new life, away from the safety and security of her family, but certainly not without plenty of support and encouragement. And love!

Very Sincerely.

Steve & Marcie Bull

Higganum, CT 

Adrienne

New Beginnings for Life provides the supportive environment, peaceful location, flexible programming and most importantly, the dedicated and caring staff required to help young adults with special needs transition to independent living. My daughter has benefited from the sense of community within the program and the willingness of the staff to address her special needs. She works 20 hours per week, attends driving instruction, shares in household chores and enjoys a variety of social and recreational opportunities. Few programs of this type exist for higher functioning students who require support. The Directors of New Beginnings have created a unique program which fills some very important needs.

 Carol Sielaff

Wallingford CT