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Press Contact:

Julie Walsh
Director of Public Relations
Tel: (856) 348-4006 Fax: (856) 216-0643

Erin Allsman
Brownstein Group
Tel: (215) 735-3470, ext. 121 eallsman@brownsteingroup.com

12.17.10 | Mom tells heartwarming story in new mailing

Carolyn Hodakowski looked at more than 60 programs before she chose Bancroft for her elderly uncle Freddy. Then she found Bancroft had an ideal program for her daughter Joselyn, too.

The family’s story of challenges and triumphs is featured in our latest fundraising letter, scheduled to hit mailboxes very soon.

Dont want to wait? View the letter online by clicking here!

12.16.10 | Wanted: Family Mentors

Remember when you first joined the Bancroft family? You may have been excited, but you also may have felt anxious or uncertain. You probably had questions, and knew you had a lot to learn about this new situation.

To help smooth this transition for new families, we're launching a Family Mentor Program, which will pair a new Bancroft family with a more-experienced family.

"It's a way to connect people with others who've been through the process," says Bancroft executive Dan Keating, Ph.D., who oversees the mentor program. "These kinds of relationships will provide new families with a real comfort level."

The program also enables families to "give back" to others, and to build more connections within the organization, Dr. Keating notes.

Mentor families are not expected to have all the answers, he emphasizes, but to share their experiences and insights.

If you are interested, please register for our Jan. 20 overview and training session, which will help you decide whether to become a mentor. This session, from 7 to 8:30 pm in Farrington Hall on the Haddonfield Campus, will provide Bancroft's expectations for mentor families, including:
• Call the new family and introduce yourself.
• Offer to answer any questions they may have, either at that time or later.
• Decide together how often you will talk to each other.
• Direct the new family to the appropriate Bancroft staff member, as questions or needs arise.

For more information or to register for the overview and training session, please call Dr. Keating at (856) 524-7366 or email dkeating@bnh.org.

If you are interested but unable to attend the overview session, please contact Dr. Keating to make alternate arrangements.

Thank you in advance to all Family Mentor volunteers!

12.15.10 ¦ Bancroft expert joins board of Brain Injury Association

The Brain Injury Association of New Jersey has appointed Bancroft's Cynthia Boyer, Ph.D., to its board of trustees. Dr. Boyer is senior clinical director of our brain-injury programs.

In this volunteer position, Dr. Boyer will help the BI A support and advocate for people affected by brain injuries, and raise public awareness through education and prevention efforts.

"A brain injury can happen to anyone at any time, and 175,000 New Jersey residents currently live with disabilities from traumatic brain injuries," says Dr. Boyer. "As a BIA board member, I look forward to helping more people cope with and avoid these devastating injuries."

12.15.10 ¦ 46 staff members receive performance awards

The 2010 Maggie Award recipients.

Bancroft honored 46 employees last week for their outstanding work, at our 20th annual Breakfast of Champions. Please join us in congratulating those who received a "Maggie Award," named after founder Margaret Bancroft.

This year's Maggie winners were chosen from 246 nominations – which demonstrates both the high level of competition, and the overall quality of our staff! Over the years, 777 employees have received Maggie Awards or their equivalent.

The same words were often used to describe many of this year's nominees: optimistic, awesome, calming, model workers, sense of humor, smiles a lot, indispensable. Many also demonstrate flexibility to meet the needs of those in their program, and most do things for the people they support even during non-work hours.

Forty-three percent of this year's winners have worked here for five or more years, including one winner – Nancy Costello – who has 31 years of service. Nancy, who works in our Finance Department (Accounts Payable) received a standing ovation for her longstanding commitment to Bancroft.

Thirty-seven percent of the winners received at least two nominations – including Curt Peoples of the Flicker Residences, who garnered seven nominations this year.

In her closing remarks, Bancroft President Toni Pergolin stated, "Some very remarkable stories were shared with us today. I always leave this event awe-inspired by the work you all do every day…I feel fortunate to have all of you on my team and am honored to be a part of your team. In closing, be sure you take a moment sometime today to reflect on the fact that you are a very special person and that you have impacted so many lives in a positive way…Thank you for helping to make this One World…for Everyone."

We also wish to thank everyone – families, co-workers and others – who took the time to nominate someone special for this prestigious award. There are many special staff at Bancroft, so let's all continue working together to ensure that everyone receives their due recognition and appreciation.

Again, congratulations to this year's Maggie Award winners!

12.15.10 ¦ Update on N.J. registry of offenders Many at Bancroft advocated for the protection

New Jersey recently published a fact sheet on its new Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. To view the fact sheet, click here. Launched in October, the registry lists offenders against whom the state has substantiated abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a person with disabilities.

12.14.10 ¦ Holiday tips for families

Holidays filled with traditions can be some of the most memorable moments that families have to cherish during a lifetime. Holidays can also be a time of anxiety, especially if a family member has an intellectual or neurological disability coupled with challenging behaviors. But, with some special planning and preparation, these bustling days of activity can go more smoothly and give everyone a chance to join in the festivities. Click here for some tips to help prepare your child and your family for a peaceful and enjoyable holiday season.

12.13.10 ¦ Holiday shopping deals support Bancroft

Please make every gift count this holiday season. You can find coupons at more than 1,600 top stores (including Amazon, Macy's, J.Crew, Toys R Us, Best Buy, Gap and more) AND a percentage of virtually every sale will be donated to Bancroft if you shop online using GoodShop!

Just go to GoodShop.com, then click over to your favorite store and shop away!

12.13.10 ¦ Shopping fundraiser at Five Below

Several Five Below stores will donate 10% of the money you spend back to Bancroft, now through December 24.

The following stores are participating:

• 1618 North Kings Highway (Ellisburg Circle shopping center)
• Deptford Crossing, 1800 Clements Bridge Road
• 42 Centerton Road, Mount Laurel
• Marlton Crossing Shopping Center on Rt. 73

Thanks to Lillian Wilson, a manager in the Pediatric and Adolescent Community Residential Program, for connecting us with this great opportunity!

To receive a flyer that you must present at the store, contact Deb Conner at 856-524-7023 or dconner@bnh.org.

Pictured above: Employer Peter Brown (second from left), owner of the South Jersey Guitar Shop, poses with employee Gavin Rodgers (third from left), and Bancroft executives Dan Keating and Caroline Eggerding, during Bancroft's employer-recognition event.

12.6.10 ¦ Bancroft honors employers

Bancroft recently honored more than 60 organizations that employ over 100 adults we serve.

The 16th annual employer recognition event, held by our Adult Supported Employment program, was one of the best, according to many guests.

From the setting - Pennsauken, N.J.'s beautiful Cooper River Boat House at sunset - to our guest speaker, to the three "focus employers" and many other special guests, to the music and the food...everything was exceptional.

The October event also marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month. And this year, our nation celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which established civil rights of people with disabilities.

Yet despite such advances, most firms are still not hiring people with disabilities, Bancroft executive Dan Keating noted in his remarks. In contrast, employers that partner with Bancroft to provide job opportunities truly help make it "one world for everyone," he noted.

The event singled out the following three "focus employers:" Haddonfield Child Care, South Jersey Guitar Shop in Collingswood, and Whole Foods in Marlton. All three employers spoke enthusiastically of their experiences with adults enrolled at Bancroft.

In addition, guest speaker Rosemarie Poverman, a psychotherapist and social worker, gave an entertaining talk on the positive power of humor. If we allow an angry person to affect our mood, we are giving away power, she noted, and it's important to remember we have other options.

At the event's conclusion, Program Director Rose Dougherty reinforced our appreciation of Bancroft's many employer-partners, stating: "Your connections to the business world are invaluable to our program, and we are most grateful."

Thanks to Anita Garcia and the other members of the Supported Employment team for coordinating the event, including Bancroft's Business Advisory Committee, and Thom Kent for the evening's music.

To view a special thank-you listing all of Bancroft's employer-partners, click here.
Click here for more photos from the event.

12.6.10 ¦ ABCD Winners

Left photo: Victoria Brown (center), a woman who is supported by Bancroft, poses with Bancroft President and CEO Toni Pergolin (left) and Dawn Apgar, deputy commissioner for the N.J. Department of Human Services, after receiving the Self-Advocate Award from the Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities (ABCD), a statewide advocacy group.

Right photo: Bancroft parent William Wills (center) stands with Kenneth Ritchey (left), assistant commissioner for the N.J. Division of Developmental Disabilities, Bancroft's Toni Pergolin, and Steve Proctor, president/CEO of Matheny Medical and Education Center, after accepting the Alex Gallione Family Advocate Award from ABCD, for his strong advocacy at the state and local level, and his deep commitment to people with neurological challenges.

Congratulations to all nominees and award recipients!

12.3.10 ¦ Playwright enjoys role at Bancroft

Staff member Richard Pierce likes making a difference – whether he's helping people with disabilities learn and lead fulfilling lives, or creating plays that entertain and enlighten.

A senior program associate at the Walker Center – Bancroft's program for adults in suburban Philadelphia – Richard is an established playwright and author, whose 40-plus plays have been staged everywhere from Broadway to Kenya.

"I'm really impressed when I write something and see it performed on stage – when it takes on a life of its own," says Richard, who has penned dramas, comedies, musicals and more.

His most successful work – "Sojourner," about the famous former slave Sojourner Truth – will be staged locally from Jan. 20 through Feb. 6 at the Hedgerow Theatre in Media, Pa.

Richard finds his literary skills are also useful at Bancroft. "When you're a playwright you have to tune into other people's emotions," he explains. "That gives me a lot of empathy."

And when disagreements emerge among the three men he supports at their home in the community, Richard teaches them to see each other's viewpoint.

"I tell them to switch roles when there's a problem. We work it out through role-playing."

For more information on "Sojourner" or to buy tickets, visit: http://www.hedgerowtheatre.org/subSeries.php

12.3.10 ¦ Funeral home shows extraordinary generosity, compassion

A Gloucester City, N.J., funeral home has gone "above and beyond" for people associated with Bancroft.

The McCann-Healey Funeral Home has helped fund and arrange the funerals of two older adults this year from Bancroft's Judith Flicker Residences, when no family members or resources were available.

"They were so generous and kind, providing everything from a mass in a lovely church to the grave and headstone," says Flicker Program Director Bet Kinney, recalling McCann-Healey's assistance on behalf of a woman from her program this spring. "All costs were covered by them.

"Many of us tried to thank them, but they kept thanking Bancroft for the care that we provide," she notes.

Three weeks ago, Ms. Kinney's program experienced another shock -- the unexpected death of a man who had just transferred to Flicker in September from a Bancroft home in the community. (The man's name is withheld for privacy.)

"He stole our hearts with his big blue eyes and tough guy exterior. He worked so hard to walk and regain his independence. He joked that as soon as we got him strong again he was 'breaking out of here.'

"He passed away suddenly on November 11th, one week short of his 69th birthday," says Ms. Kinney. "There was no prior planning, as he had no parents or siblings.

"My first thought was to contact Patrick Healey. His only question was 'When do you want me there?'"

Mr. Healey and his staff met the Bancroft team in the man's room. "They were, as always, supportive and respectful," says Ms. Kinney. "Patrick worked with Flicker and the man's previous staff to provide a beautiful graveside service."

When asked if the man had any wishes about where to be buried, a former staff member mentioned that the man's best friend was buried in Colestown Cemetery in Cherry Hill. Mr. Healey made many phone calls to arrange for the man to be buried in the plot with his old friend. Once again, the cost for all services was covered by McCann-Healey.

Mr. Healey also arranged for a pastor to provide a personal tribute to the man.

"They took the time to reach out to all of us and learn who this man was," says Ms. Kinney. "Stories were shared, with much laughter and a few tears. I think we all walked away realizing how many good people there are in the world…and being very thankful."

Mr. Healey's parting words to Ms. Kinney: "I will always be here to provide for your residents."

And for that we give many, many thanks.

12.3.10 ¦ Residential students score weekly soccer night

A group of Bancroft students is getting a kick out of Tuesday nights this fall.

Thanks to Coach Bob Cooper and Highland Youth Soccer Club -- and their wonderful high-school volunteers – five students who live on Bancroft's Haddonfield Campus participate in weekly soccer workouts.

These sessions are adapted specifically for Bancroft students and their peers from the community, says staff member Sue Whited, who initiated the outings.

Each week, four younger Bancroft students attend a 90-minute practice. They complete a four-lap warm-up of various exercises, followed by a core workout of crunches and jumping.

The younger kids do various drills to develop physical skills, which eventually can be generalized to the soccer field. For example, the boys lay on scooters and roll the soccer ball back and forth, or complete games of "tag" while dribbling a ball, notes Ms. Whited, operations director for Bancroft's Pediatric & Adolescent Campus Program.

Clinical Manager Kim Fenton and several other staff members attend the practices with the boys. "The structure and constancy of the program helps the boys to stay on task and complete various different physical exercises during their nonstop, fun-packed class," she says.

An older group has a separate session, in which one Bancroft student participates. This group performs many of the same exercises, and also works on more directly adaptable ball-handling skills, Ms. Fenton explains.

The older Bancroft student (whose name is withheld for privacy) "is a natural when it comes to his Tuesday night drills," says Ms. Fenton. "He has quickly become an amazing asset to the team with his constant enthusiasm and positive encouragement for his peers.

"But no matter their skill level," she adds, "all the kids really have a good time."

Pictured above: Bancroft student Andrew Raymond shows good balance.

12.2.10 ¦ Wawa celebrates with gift to Bancroft

Bancroft was a special guest at the "Wawaversary" celebration at the Collingswood Wawa last week, where staff member Debbie Ford and student Michael Smith represented Bancroft and joined in the celebration.

The festivities included a whimsical wedding ceremony, music, and dancing with the big Wawa goose, Wally. Bancroft was recognized in a big way, including receiving an oversized check for $135,830 during the ceremony. The gift came from Wawa store owners and customers who donated change in the coin-drop containers in New Jersey stores last year.

This was a high-energy appreciation event, and we were glad to be represented and honored in such an enjoyable way. We appreciate Wawa's generous support of our efforts to raise unrestricted revenue, which will help a wide range of Bancroft's programs and services. Wawa is clearly helping to make it One World. For Everyone.

Pictured above:Bancroft employee Debbie Ford (right) accepts a giant donation from Wawa with Michael Smith (left) and a Wawa representative (center). The supersized check was presented during the Collingswood, N.J., store's 25th anniversary celebration.

Enjoy more photographs

12.2.10 ¦ Dec. 8 workshop postponed

Bancroft's free workshop on fetal alcohol syndrome, scheduled for Wednesday Dec. 8 on the Haddonfield Campus, has been postponed until further notice. The workshop is part of Bancroft's ongoing series on various topics related to developmental disabilities.

We are working to reschedule the workshop this spring. Please check our website, www.bancroft.org, for updates as well as other workshops in the free series.

For more information or to register for future workshops, call Pat Reid at (856) 524-7453 or email preid@bnh.org.