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Aspire Living & Learning is launching community-based transition and employment services in Guilford, Connecticut, beginning 6 September 2026. The new location at 89 State Street will offer two programmes: a Transition Programme for students aged 18 to 22 receiving services through Individualised Education Programmes, and Adult Community & Employment Services for young adults aged 22 to 30. The programmes focus on workplace skills, independent living, and career exploration through community-based learning. Tara Beatty, director of transition programmes and former Guilford Public Schools educator, will lead the initiative. Construction is underway, with the location expected to open in October 2026. Participants will initially engage through community partnerships, including vocational experiences at The Wave, an inclusive gelato café.

Aspire Launches First Standalone Transition Program, Strengthening the Bridge Between School and Adult Life

Orange approved Aspire's school proposal, an elderly apartment conversion and land donation referrals. Rich kirby, patch staff. Posted Wed, Jul 1, 2026 at 6:34 pm ET ORANGE, CT - The Town Plan and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a zoning text amendment and special permit June 16 clearing the way for Aspire Living & Learning Inc. to open a nonprofit school at 584 Derby Milford Road and also approved an application to convert a single-family home into an elderly apartment. The commission voted 5-0 to amend the Orange Zoning Regulations to allow nonprofit schools serving students and adults with emotional, intellectual and developmental disabilities as a special permit use in the Office Park District. The amendment, which took effect June 26, was followed by a second 5-0 vote approving Aspire's special permit application for the former University of New Haven campus at 584 Derby Milford Road. Commissioners also approved waivers of site plan, architectural design plan and soil erosion and sediment control plan requirements because no exterior construction is proposed. Attorney Joe Williams, representing Aspire Living & Learning, told commissioners the organization plans to use the existing campus as its primary Connecticut school serving students in kindergarten through 12th grade with emotional, intellectual and developmental disabilities, while also providing transition programs for young adults. Williams said the property, which previously housed the University of New Haven's graduate business school, is already configured for educational use and requires only interior renovations. "The site is already set up for a school use," Williams said, adding that Aspire does not anticipate changes to building footprints, lighting or other exterior features. He said students would primarily arrive in small vans rather than full-size buses and that traffic impacts would be comparable to the previous university use. Commission members said the narrowly tailored zoning amendment was consistent with the town's Plan of Conservation and Development and would allow productive reuse of a property already functioning as an educational campus. Chairman Oscar Parente and Commissioner Kevin Cornell both said the amendment was intentionally limited to nonprofit schools serving students and adults with disabilities rather than broadly expanding educational uses in the district. Find out what's happening in Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch. The commission also unanimously approved an application from Jason and Daniela Roseman to convert a single-family home at 512 Kanuga Trail into an elderly apartment. The application had been continued from the commission's June 2 meeting while the property owners completed the merger of two adjoining lots. Commissioners reviewed an updated survey showing the merged parcel and approved the application subject to any additional land records filings recommended by town counsel. Commissioners said the proposal met zoning requirements and was consistent with the commission's longstanding support for elderly apartment conversions that allow older residents to remain in the community. Earlier in the meeting, the commission unanimously approved the release of performance bonds for site improvements at 449 Boston Post Road after staff confirmed that required inspections had been completed. The commission also issued favorable referrals under Connecticut General Statutes Section 8-24 for the town's proposed acceptance of two donated undeveloped properties at 990 Orange Center Road and Diana Street. Town counsel said both landowners had approached the town about donating the parcels, and commissioners found the acquisitions to be consistent with the town's Plan of Conservation and Development. During the zoning enforcement officer's report, Zoning Enforcement Officer Stephen Hotchkiss said Big Y is preparing to submit an application for a new store at the former Christmas Tree Shops location, 220 Indian River Road. He said the proposal is expected to include facade improvements and minor site plan changes, with an application anticipated in August. Hotchkiss also reported that Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church is expected to return before the commission to discuss this year's Odyssey Festival and that Great River Country Club has posted a bond for planned site improvements, including construction of a gazebo. SEO-Friendly headline (<=109 characters) Orange Zoning Commission approves Aspire school, elderly apartment conversion. Orange Zoning Commission approves Aspire school, elderly apartment conversion. Meta Description (<=136 characters)