8.20.10 ¦ Bancroft Night at the Phillies
Even a heatwave couldn’t stop us, as more than 100 students and adults served by Bancroft and their staff enjoyed a special night at Citizens Bank Park, courtesy of player Greg Dobbs and the Philadelphia Phillies. This lively crowd — people we serve, staff and family members — cheered the Phillies on to a 6-0 win at the July 23 game against the Colorado Rockies. Another highlight of the evening: seeing our One World - For Everyone video play on the giant scoreboard — with tens of thousands of people watching.
Pictured above is the group that attended batting practice before the game with our new favorite Phillie, Greg Dobbs. Greg joined the Bancroft Board of Trustees in April, and was able to make this special event possible for Bancroft. Thank you, Greg Dobbs!
8.20.10 ¦ Bancroft in Main Line Times
We’re pleased to share this wonderful story on the Walker Center’s Parenting Program, which appeared this week in the Main Line Times. As you may know, the Walker Center became part of Bancroft last year. Special thanks to Kathy Hayes and her daughter for participating in the interview and sharing their special story, as well as proud Walker Center staff member Virgia Lemon. Click on the link below to read the story.
8.20.10 ¦ Our voices have been heard! N.J. eliminates R-word
N.J. Governor Chris Christie on Monday signed into law a bill that eliminates disrespectful words -- including "mental retardation" and "feeble-minded" -- from all state statutes and regulations. This is wonderful news for people at Bancroft and across the country who have been supporting the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. In fact, many self-advocates from Bancroft have been actively involved in efforts to remove the R-word, and Todd Emmons was even there to witness the signing. This was a proud day for Emmons, in particular, because he has testified at legislative hearings and spoken at rallies in support of this bill.
Christie says he regrets that it took so long to get the bill passed, and is proud to have signed it, according to NJ.com. "This is making sure each citizen in our state is treated with the respect they deserve...," the website quotes Christie. "It's their government, too." Congratulations to everyone involved for all their efforts in changing the R-word to R-E-S-P-E-C-T!!
8.20.10 ¦ Medical students lend a helping hand
More than 50 medical students and others from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Osteopathic Medicine spent a recent Saturday doing volunteer work at Bancroft's Judith B. Flicker Residences in Voorhees.
The first- and second-year students -- along with UMDNJ-SOM Alumni Association President Dr. Megan Riley and several other graduates -- landscaped flower beds and dug drainage ditches to help correct a chronic flooding problem on the property, which serves older adults with developmental disabilities or brain injuries.
8.2.10 ¦ Eggerding published in Arc newsletter
Healthy Times, a publication of the Arc of New Jersey, this month published an article by Dr. Caroline Eggerding, Bancroft’s vice president of clinical services and chief medical officer.
The piece gives an overview of our treatment philosophy in the Lindens program, and shares one family’s story. Its title: The Balancing Act: Uncovering the Most Effective Treatments to Decrease Severe Behaviors and Increase Life Skills.
Healthy Times is a medical newsletter for healthcare professionals and caregivers of individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
7.22.10 | Older adults ‘visit’ the islands
About 75 folks from the Flicker Residences for older adults felt like they were on a tropical vacation recently, thanks to staff members Linda Miller and Stephanie Young and our friends at Art-Reach. In a room decorated to look like the South Pacific — with audience members dressed to match — percussionist Daria kept everyone entertained for over an hour while she played some of our favorite tunes on some of the most unusual instruments.
7.20.10 | Bancroft in the news
CNN and NBC 10 news recently aired stories featuring Bancroft student Dalton Stilts and his journey to the Special Olympics National Games. To view the stories, click on the link below. For more information on Dalton's trip, see the article below.
7.16.10 | Bancroft Student heads to National Games
Dalton Stilts' skills on the football field have earned him a trip to Lincoln, Nebraska, starting this weekend, where he'll compete in the Special Olympics National Games. The 15-year old Bancroft student will represent New Jersey as a member of the state's Special Olympics flag football team.
We are all so proud of Dalton and will be rooting for "Team NJ" from here! Opening ceremonies will be broadcast live on Sunday at 4 p.m. (New Jersey time) on the Internet at the links below. The links will also broadcast games live, so we can all follow Dalton and his team as they compete! Go, Dalton and Team NJ!
7.16.10 | Students’ website wins international award
Photos, stories behind public art bring works to life
A group of 15 Bancroft students has won a second-place award in the international CyberFair competition, for their website on “roadside art.” The site, which competed in the Local Music and Art category, documents an extensive array of public artwork — from building-size murals to life-size statues, architecture and even live art (think Elvis impersonator!). The students took more than a dozen field trips, conducted interviews and researched the works for a thorough and visually stunning review of diverse pieces throughout South Jersey and Philadelphia.
7.9.10 | Bancroft team lends support in schools
For decades, students have come to Bancroft from near and far. Now, Bancroft is going to students – in their own schools across South Jersey.
A number of school districts – from Cherry Hill to Mount Laurel, West Deptford to Barrington – have hired Bancroft’s Consultation and Training Department to work with their students and staff members.
“It’s a way for districts to keep as many students as possible in their local schools, which the state strongly encourages,” says Sharon Jurman, Bancroft’s senior director of early childhood and outreach services. “We can provide the knowledge and the support districts need to do that.”
School districts especially seek Bancroft’s know-how in treating behavioral challenges among students on the autism spectrum, notes Jurman.
6.28.10 | Bancroft's Organizational Update
I am pleased to report many positive developments at Bancroft over the past six months. Although faced with many challenges, we remain focused on our important mission, and on securing Bancroft’s future for many years to come.
Click here to read the complete Organizational Update (covering the period January to June 2010) from Toni Pergolin, Bancroft’s President
Click here for a summary of our strategic planning accomplishments
6.25.10 | Introducing: The Bancroft Fund
Bancroft hopes to raise $1.2 million for The Bancroft Fund this fiscal year, which ends June 30th – $100,000 more than the previous year. That will require a
majority of Bancroft constituents to step forward, no matter the size of the gift. Gifts of all levels make a difference; people can change lives through their donations.
Click here to make an on-line gift today
Watch your mail for Jill McDowell’s letter in which she shares her family’s special story; or, click here to read now.
Click here to learn more about The Bancroft Fund
6.15.10 | Greg Dobbs joins Bancroft Board
Philadelphia Phillies infielder Greg Dobbs is teaming up with Bancroft – as a member of our Board of Trustees.
Dobbs, who’s been named to a three-year term, has developed a fond relationship with Bancroft over the past three years. He’s been charmed by Bancroft students during annual sports-skills events held on our Haddonfield Campus. And last fall, he served as Dinner Chair for our Butterfly Ball, helping to draw record support.
“Greg is a sincere and active advocate for the people we serve,” says Bancroft President Toni Pergolin.
Dobbs says he looks forward to helping “further the great cause and effort Bancroft has already achieved.”
6.15.10 | Bancroft’s Surprise Patrol Visits Petco!
Bancroft’s Supported Employment Surprise Patrol paid a visit to Petco of Cherry Hill on Monday, June 7th in honor of the company’s support of employing people with disabilities. In recognition of Brad Silberstein’s 15 year career at Petco—Mr. Silberstein is a person served in Bancroft’s Community Services for Adults Program—Bancroft recognized the company with a surprise lunch, cake and a special plaque recognizing Petco as an Employer with Vision.Bancroft’s surprise patrols are reserved for community businesses that truly understand that providing employment opportunities to those with disabilities is very often a “Win-Win.”
6.15.10 | Expanding our world – into Philly!
We were pleased to host a reception in Philadelphia, in recognition of our expansion into Pennsylvania through our merger with The Walker Center.
Bancroft President Toni Pergolin and Board Chairman Joseph Atkinson and other members of the Board of Trustees and executive staff welcomed new friends from the Philadelphia area and spoke about our "One World For Everyone" movement. This merger has introduced many opportunities for us all, and we were pleased to introduce ourselves to the Philadelphia community.
A special thanks to Dave Puyear, a longtime friend and supporter, who made the evening possible by sponsoring the event and providing the venue.
6.11.10 | Traveling this summer?
Keep these tips in mind so the trip is fun for all!
Traveling with children can be challenging. But by anticipating your child’s needs, you can help ensure a fun time for all. Caroline Eggerding, M.D., Bancroft’s Vice President of Clinical Operations and Chief Medical Officer, recommends the following strategies:
• Accept – Your child has special needs. Nothing will change that.
• Adapt – Adapting does not mean foregoing family fun times, but rather learning the triggers of negative behavior in your child with special needs, so that family celebrations do not dissolve into painful, chaotic experiences.
• Be flexible – Things will not always go the way you want, so be ready to shift gears quickly, if necessary.
See the link below for additional tips.
5.27.10 | Latest Issue of The Family Buzz Now Available
The latest issue of The Family Buzz is now available. The Family Buzz is an electronic newsletter sent to friends and family members of the organization.
5.24.10 | Passion for pets pays off for persons served, animal shelter
By Francine Menken, Toms River Animal Facility
The following piece has been edited for space and clarity.
There are many things in this world that wouldn't be possible without volunteers. They have a special way of caring, helping and dedication to really make a difference. With a small staff for such a large town, and a volunteer roster of about 30, the Toms River Animal Facility (TRAF) relies heavily on their volunteers. Jen and Carol are among these volunteers—and are also persons served by Bancroft's Brick, New Jersey, program.
For the last two years, Carol and Jen have been volunteering an hour each Friday from spring through fall. The staff and volunteers work closely with Carol and Jen, who agree it's one of the best parts of their day program and why they love coming to TRAF...
5.7.10 | Volunteers recognized for their contributions
Bancroft hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner recently to thank the numerous volunteers who support the organization with their time and talents. Part of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, the dinner celebrated the more than 100 volunteers who serve in varying positions throughout the organization. From Special Olympics coaches to clerical assistants, from volunteers who serve on the organization’s Board of Trustees to volunteers who assist in the classroom—all play a vital role in helping Bancroft fulfill its mission to provide opportunities for lifelong learning and fulfillment to those it serves.
Debra Conner, manager of volunteer services for Bancroft, expressed her personal appreciation to everyone and honored Colleen Gross as Volunteer of the Year, for her continuous support of the organization’s fund-raising efforts. Also recognized was May Moore, who has been a Bancroft volunteer for 25 years, as well as Eleanor Baud and Matilda Benedetti for 10 years of service.
5.7.10 | Latest Issue of The Family Buzz Now Available
The latest issue of The Family Buzz is now available. The Family Buzz is an electronic newsletter sent to friends and family members of the organization.
5.7.10 | Bancroft in the news
Sharon Jurman, senior director of Early Childhood and Outreach Services for Bancroft, was recently interviewed by Suburban Family magazine. What Autism Spectrum Disorder is, possible causes, and how parents can cope were discussed. Ms. Jurman offered practical insights on how to communicate with someone affected by autism. To download the full article, click on the link below.
4.23.10 | Bancroft’s Clarence York Lecture Series
May 12, 2010 — International expert Rune J. Simeonsson to discuss new classification system he helped develop for World Health Organization
The system provides universal language for characteristics of children and youth
Global disabilities authority Rune J. Simeonsson, Ph.D., MSPH, will visit Bancroft for two days in May, and speak at our spring Clarence York Lecture on May 12.
Dr. Simeonsson’s presentation is especially timely, as he will discuss recent changes to the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning. A professor at the University of North Carolina, Dr. Simeonsson chaired the international working group that developed the revised classification. These important changes represent a new, shared language of child functioning for social, educational, legal and mental health services.
Download Bancroft’s Clarence York Lecture Series brochure here
4.23.10 | Latest Issue of The Family Buzz Now Available
The latest issue of The Family Buzz is now available. The Family Buzz is an electronic newsletter sent to friends and family members of the organization.
4.22.10 | CARF renews accreditation, offers glowing report
The international agency that accredits rehabilitation facilities has issued a report praising Bancroft’s Brain Injury Services and Community Employment Services for adults, and continuing accreditation of those programs for three more years – the maximum term. (Bancroft only sought re-accreditation of these programs this year.)
“Bancroft demonstrates a strong commitment to a person-first environment, with a conscious effort to remove barriers to inclusion,” wrote CARF in its recent report on Bancroft. “Persons served are treated with dignity and respect.”
4.12.10 | Latest Issue of The Family Buzz Now Available
The latest issue of The Family Buzz is now available. The Family Buzz is an electronic newsletter sent to friends and family members of the organization.
4.9.10 | Bancroft Holds Eighth Annual Interdenominational Inclusive Ministry Workshop on April 18th
Haddonfield, NJ—April 18, 2010— Bancroft will hold its Eighth Annual Interdenominational Inclusive Ministry Workshop on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at The Bancroft School- 425 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ.
The event is a way to meet new friends and share ideas about what congregations are doing or could do to welcome people with disabilities. The workshop is geared toward the general public, families, parish and congregation leaders, priests, rabbis, ministers, religious instructors, youth group leaders, recreation and activity coordinators.
4.8.10 | Bancroft expert offers tips on autism and sleep disorders
Caroline Eggerding, MD, Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Medical Officer of Bancroft, recently authored an article on advice for parents on autism and sleep disorders, which was featured in the April print and online issue of Exceptional Parent. In the article, Eggerding discusses what causes sleep difficulties in children with autism, steps to take to help children sleep better at night, and when to seek a specialist.
4.8.10 | Free Developmental Disability Workshop: Functional Communications Systems
Bancroft will be holding its next workshop in its free Developmental Disabilities (DD) Workshop Series on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 from 6:30PM-8:30PM.
This workshop is designed for families and professionals and anyone else who is interested in learning about the development of systems that can enhance language and communication for people with developmental disabilities.