New Heights Program Partners with Next Chapter Book Club

Pawcatuck, CT – Vista Life Innovations is proud to announce a new partnership between its New Heights program and the Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC), aiming to enrich the lives of neurodiverse adults through the joy of reading and community engagement. Starting this month, New Heights participants will meet bi-monthly with NCBC members to explore literature, foster friendships, and enhance social inclusion.

The Next Chapter Book Club is a community-based initiative that provides weekly opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to read, learn, and make friends in a relaxed setting. With hundreds of clubs meeting globally, NCBC is the largest program of its kind, emphasizing that everyone, regardless of reading ability, can enjoy books and share their stories.

Jane, the Associate Director of New Heights, shared insights on the impact of this partnership: “The book club started in December and has grown in participants as word spreads that it is available. There has been noted improvement in reading skills and comprehension. It has also created strong peer interactions, where members support one another in pronunciation and understanding plot points. This collaboration aligns with Vista’s mission to support individuals in achieving personal success. By participating in NCBC meetings, New Heights members will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, improve literacy skills, and build lasting relationships within the community.

Members of New Heights participating in the club have expressed their excitement:

"I like getting to know other people that live around here and helping them with their reading."

"I show everyone that I have been working on my reading."

"We are reading Stuart Little. It is fun to read about all the things the mouse does. I go sailing for the Special Olympics, like Stuart does."

For individuals with disabilities, this partnership offers numerous benefits, including enhanced communication skills, increased self-confidence, and greater community involvement. By creating an inclusive environment where members can share their love for books, both organizations aim to break down barriers and promote understanding.

About the New Heights Program

New Heights, located in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, is a post-secondary training and day services program designed for neurodiverse adults aged 18 and above. The program offers curriculum-driven instruction Monday through Friday, focusing on vocational training, life skills, and community integration.

For more information about Vista Life Innovations and its programs, visit www.vistalifeinnovations.org.

Vista Life Innovations is a 501©3 nonprofit organization with campuses along the Connecticut shoreline. Vista’s mission is to provide training, support, and resources that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve personal success and belonging throughout their lives.