Bancroft’s Clarence York Lecture Series
May 12, 2010
9:00AM to 12:00PM
Cherry Hill Public Library
Cherry Hill, NJ
Learn more
News and Events
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.”
6.11.10 | 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.
5.24.10 | 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...
5.5.10 | 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.
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.”
4.8.10 | 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.