bancroft our world_spring2012web

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They fought for our country, and for freedom in other lands. Some were struck by brain injuries while they served, and others – in cruel twists of fate – got hurt after coming home. In either case, our veterans deserve the best possible care. And now, thanks to a new, VA- funded program at Bancroft and other sites nationwide, vets with brain injuries are living more successful and fulfilling lives. “It’s a good program; they help us,” says Navy vet Gary Schall, who came to the Assisted Living for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (AL-TBI) Pilot Program at Bancroft in late 2010. Gary survived an explosion in Iraq, and later a snowboarding accident at home that left him in a coma. “They help by making me do things,” reports Gary, 45, who also served in the National Guard. “They get me to go outside,” says the former website designer, who developed a fear of the outdoors after his brain injuries. Gary’s sister, Sandy Reilly, says “he’s accomplished so much” since coming to Bancroft. “We didn’t think he’d be able to go that far.” Within his first year at Bancroft, for instance, Gary re-learned how to cook, do his laundry, and manage his medications. He went from needing a wheelchair most of the time to walking almost everywhere. Bancroft is also helping Gary regain vocational skills, which earned him a volunteer position at an animal shelter. Plus, his mood has vastly improved. Innovation: Bancroft leading the way Staff member creates homes – sweet homes App store and more: our digital revolution Making your mark – how your gifts help INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2 2 3 (continued on p. 3) “The staff here are very good… I’m enjoying life,” says Ray Mannion (pictured), who recently enrolled in Bancroft’s VA-funded program for veterans. New daycare program ‘amazing,’ parents report Our World VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1: SPRING 2012 | THE BANCROFT NEWSLETTER Special Feature Pull-out resource on pages 4 & 5 6 Kristi Gonzales tried other daycare centers for her toddler, A.J., but “nothing was fitting what he needed.” Then she discovered Little Butterflies, Bancroft’s new, inclusive daycare program, and “that was it. Little Butterflies has been amazing,” says Gonzales, citing the low child-to-staff ratio, warm environment, small size and expert staff. “We’ve seen a huge difference in A.J. He’s happier; he’s walking; he’s talking [a bit].” A.J., who has developmental delays, used to throw frequent tantrums, says Gonzales. But since starting at Little Butterflies this year, his meltdowns have virtually melted away. “The staff taught him sign language, so he can tell us what he wants,” explains Gonzales. “He’s less frustrated now.” Such progress is typical at Little Butterflies, notes its supervisor, Amanda Bramble. “Our staff knows how to help children – both with and without delays – to learn, play, communicate and socialize. We get great results, in a very nurturing environment.” More good news: a $1,500 discount is now available on annual tuition. For details, call (800)774-5516 or email [email protected]. 2012 Guide to Bancroft’s Continuum of Programs A.J. Gonzales enjoys an activity at our Little Butterflies daycare, with teacher Cassie DiOrio. A different kind of battle After brain injuries, military veterans gain better lives at Bancroft $ 1,500 discount now available

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Page 1: Bancroft our world_spring2012web

They fought for our country, and for freedom in other lands. Some were struck by brain injuries while they served, and others – in cruel twists of fate – got hurt after coming home.

In either case, our veterans deserve the best possible care. And now, thanks to a new, VA-funded program at Bancroft and other sites nationwide, vets with brain injuries are living more successful and fulfilling lives.

“It’s a good program; they help us,” says Navy vet Gary Schall, who came to the Assisted Living for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (AL-TBI) Pilot Program at Bancroft in late 2010. Gary survived an explosion in Iraq, and later a snowboarding accident at home that left him in a coma.

“They help by making me do things,” reports Gary, 45, who also served in the

National Guard. “They get me to go outside,” says the former website designer, who developed a fear of the outdoors after his brain injuries.

Gary’s sister, Sandy Reilly, says “he’s accomplished so much” since coming to Bancroft. “We didn’t think he’d be able to go that far.”

Within his first year at Bancroft, for instance, Gary re-learned how to cook, do his laundry, and manage his medications. He went from needing a wheelchair most of the time to walking almost everywhere.

Bancroft is also helping Gary regain vocational skills, which earned him a volunteer position at an animal shelter. Plus, his mood has vastly improved.

Innovation: Bancroft leading the way

Staff member creates homes – sweet homes

App store and more:our digital revolution

Making your mark –how your gifts help

InsIde thIs Issue

2

2

3

(continued on p. 3)

“The staff here are very good… I’m enjoying life,” says Ray Mannion (pictured), who recently enrolled in Bancroft’s VA-funded program for veterans.

New daycare program ‘amazing,’ parents report

Our WorldV o l u M e 3 , I S S u e 1 : S P R I N G 2 0 1 2 | T H e B A N C R o F T N e W S l e T T e R

special Feature

Pull-out resource on pages 4 & 5

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Kristi Gonzales tried other daycare centers for her toddler, A.J., but “nothing was fitting what he needed.” Then she discovered little Butterflies, Bancroft’s new, inclusive daycare program, and “that was it. little Butterflies has been amazing,” says Gonzales, citing the low child-to-staff ratio, warm environment, small size and expert staff.

“We’ve seen a huge difference in A.J. He’s happier; he’s walking; he’s talking [a bit].”

A.J., who has developmental delays, used to throw frequent tantrums, says Gonzales. But since starting at little Butterflies this year, his meltdowns have virtually melted away.

“The staff taught him sign language, so he can tell us what he wants,” explains Gonzales. “He’s less frustrated now.”

Such progress is typical at little Butterflies, notes its supervisor, Amanda Bramble. “our staff knows how to help children – both with and without delays – to learn, play, communicate and socialize. We get great results, in a very nurturing environment.”

More good news: a $1,500 discount is now available on annual tuition. For details, call (800)774-5516 or email [email protected].

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Guide to Bancroft’s

Continuum of Programs

A.J. Gonzales enjoys an activity at our Little Butterflies daycare, with teacher Cassie DiOrio.

A different kind of battle After brain injuries, military veterans gain better lives at Bancroft

$1,500 discount now available

Page 2: Bancroft our world_spring2012web

Page 2

I was recently invited by SmartCeo magazine to speak at an event that drew 200 high-level executives from the Philadelphia region. The subject: Innovation.

It’s a word on every leader’s mind these days. Innovation helps us provide the best possible services, and ensures our success and survival. It’s something that I’m dedicated to, here at Bancroft. And you’ll be seeing more innovation as we strengthen the organization and work toward our vision for 2014: to be the region’s elite service provider in our field.

everyone wants to learn how to innovate. And I’m proud to say, Bancroft is one of the leading innovators in our field. A few examples:

• We’re embracing new technology, which holds limitless potential to help the people we support. Plus, we’re sharing our tech know-how with others, so even more people can benefit. See page 3.

• We recently opened one of the first daycare programs for children with and without autism and other developmental issues. See page 1.

• We’re one of a limited number of programs serving military veterans with brain injuries through a contract with the VA. See page 1.

• We offer a uniquely rich continuum of services, enabling people to get the help they need at any point – from birth through old age – and at virtually any level of need, from intensive behavioral support to highly independent living. See our program guide on pages 4 and 5.

These are just a few of the innovations at Bancroft today. others involve key partnerships, strategic planning and staff accountability, to name a few. To support these initiatives and help us stay innovative, please use the enclosed envelope to give today!

Innovating to improve lives

Making it One World. For everyone.

If you’ve visited a Bancroft group home or apartment in recent years, you’ve probably seen the work of Carol Martella. Although Carol doesn’t work in any one home, she works on all of them.

As director of housing and facilities, Carol identifies and purchases or rents all of Bancroft’s residences in the community, directs their renovation, furnishes and outfits them. She has similar responsibilities with Bancroft’s campus dwellings.

This role gives her a profound effect on the daily lives of hundreds of people we support each year.

“Carol makes them part of our world,” says Jack Seymour, senior director of facilities. “She really takes the time to listen, and translates people’s needs into the physical environment.”

For instance, Carol recently designed extensive renovations to a new group home in Cherry Hill, N.J., making it accessible for two residents in wheelchairs.

“My goal is to create places where anyone would like to live,” she says. “Nice environments in nice, safe neighborhoods; places where you can bring your family.”

Carol is also a terrific ambassador with our neighbors, who often contact her with questions or concerns prior to our move-in. With her professional, compassionate demeanor, she calms even the most negative callers, educating them and opening their hearts and minds.

“This job is so rewarding,” says the ten-year Bancroft veteran. “It’s wonderful when a home is completed, and I see how excited everyone is to move in.” Carol Martella (right) designed this indoor ramp at

a new Bancroft group home. It’s one of many ways she helps people like Duane Wong (left) live more independent, fulfilling lives.

Spotlight on: Carol Martella

Message fromour president,

Toni Pergolin

Page 3: Bancroft our world_spring2012web

Bancroft student Giovanni Antinoro can’t talk due to his autism. But technology like the iPad can literally speak for him – opening a world of possibilities, from friendships to jobs.

For student William Freeman, the iPad is a key to independence. It enables him to create and follow a schedule. It’s helping him learn self-care skills like shaving, through step-by-step videos. And the iPad reduces William’s behavioral outbursts by holding his attention with fun, engaging “apps” (short for applications – software programs for iPads and other devices).

“Technology enables us to bring the world to the people we support through the Internet,” says Dennis Morgan, executive director of Bancroft education Programs. “And apps help us make enormous leaps in learning and independence.”

For these reasons and more, Bancroft is embracing technology – even innovating its use in the disabilities field.

For instance:• We’re creating a technology

infrastructure to support virtually unlimited use of iPads, SmartBoards, and other Internet-connected devices throughout the organization.

• We’re building a Bancroft App Store, which will provide a wide selection of Bancroft-tested and strategically chosen apps, available on all Bancroft devices. We already have about 250 apps in our “store.”

• Our Education Programs (for students ages 3 – 21) recently

purchased 70 more iPads for use by students and staff, starting in September. (Bancroft encourages families / school districts to purchase iPads for their students, so they have ongoing access to the device, which can serve a multitude of purposes throughout the day. Bancroft pays for any apps used in our classrooms.)

• Within 18 months, every Education Program classroom will have a SmartBoard – a giant, interactive computer touchscreen with Internet access.

• We now offer a “technology infusion” package to other private schools and public districts, which includes technology infrastructure design, training, service and support.

one current challenge: to secure funding for more technology in Bancroft’s adult programs. Says Morgan: “As people see what technology can do for those with disabilities and get excited about it, it will become a must-have. It’s the wave of the future.”

“He can manage his anger better,” says Sandy. “Before, he wouldn’t say anything nice. Now he thanks me for the things I do. He says ‘I love you.’ He did not do that prior to coming to Bancroft.”

Gary’s housemate Ray Mannion, also a veteran, faces different issues from his brain injury. But he too has made good progress – even after just a few weeks in

the Al-TBI program.Before coming to Bancroft, Ray lived

in his twin sister’s home, where he slept away most days.

“Things would overwhelm him,” recalls the sibling, Rose licata. “He would constantly retreat to his bed. He had no life.”

Now, Ray joins Gary and other peers daily at Bancroft’s Day Treatment Services

site in Cherry Hill, N.J. There, they take part in structured rehabilitation activities – everything from physical therapy to memory-strengthening tasks to social-skills groups. At the

end of the day, they return to their Bancroft-supervised apartment in nearby Voorhees, where they re-learn daily-living skills.

“I’m just relaxing and enjoying life,” says Ray, 67, downplaying the effort required by daily rehabilitation. “The staff here are good people; they keep me company 24 hours a day.”

“The staff’s patience and kindness are remarkable,” adds sister Rose. “I’m so grateful for Bancroft. It’s not only helped Ray; it’s helped my husband and I.”

Technology: Huge benefits for students, adults

Vets with brain injuries rebuilding lives at Bancroft (continued from cover)

Navy vet Gary Schall shares a laugh with staff member Jennifer Travaligone.Our VA-funded services are available in both South and Central New Jersey.

Page 3

Bancroft student Giovanni Antinoro completes a school assignment on an iPad, as teacher Amy Hunsberger observes.

For more information on the VA-funded Assisted Living for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (AL-TBI) Pilot Program or other brain-injury services at Bancroft, please call (800) 774-5516 or email [email protected].

Page 4: Bancroft our world_spring2012web

Guide to Bancroft’s

Continuum of Programs

nEarly Intervention n Program Ages 0-3

nChildren and Youth Residential Services • Community | ages 7-21 • Transitional Campus | ages 5-21 • lindens (intensive behavioral) | ages 5-21

nThe Bancroft Schoolnat Voorhees Pediatric Facility Ages 3-21

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nThe Bancroft nSchool Ages 5-21

nLittle Butterflies nInclusive Daycare Ages 0-7

nEarly EducationnProgram Ages 3-9

Services for all ages and every level of need

education and therapies for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities

Regional

nConsultation n and Training Ages 3-21

Hands-on services for public schools, private agencies and families, provided on-site and in-home

Regional

Comprehensive special education and behavioral intervention, emphasizing functional skills, communication, community participation, vocational training and career exploration

Haddonfield, N.J.

Intensive school for children with autism, enabling most graduates to return to their home school district

Cherry Hill, N.J.

Special-education school located within a leading pediatric care facility, for students with complex medical needs

Voorhees, N.J.

educational, therapeutic daycare program for young children with and without autism and other developmental delays or disabilitiesHaddon Heights, N.J.

A range of therapeutic, supervised homes and apartments on-campus and in the community

Southern N.J.

Age 0-7 3-9 5-21

Page 5: Bancroft our world_spring2012web

since its founding in1883, Bancroft has grown from a tiny school to a multifaceted organization serving people of all ages, at sites in new Jersey, Pennsylvania and delaware. Please keep this guide for convenient reference to all major Bancroft programs.

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nBancroft programs for people with autism or other intellectual or developmental disabilities

nBancroft Brain Injury Services (BIS)nSpecial education Services and Support

B A n c r O F t P r O G r A M K e y

nCommunity Vocational Services/Employment Support Ages 21+

A range of instruction and supports that help adults obtain and maintain jobs in the community

Regional

A menu of highly individual-ized services, such as be-havioral support, life-skills instruction, companionship, and respite care for families

Regional

nIn-Home Services Ages 21+

nJudith B. Flickern Residences Ages 40-80+

A residential and day program for older adults, emphasizing recreation, socialization and overall quality of life

Voorhees, N.J.

nAdult Residential Services Ages 21+

Southern N.J. | Central N.J. Delaware | Southeastern Pa.

An array of therapeutic, supervised homes and apartments, on campus and in the community. Support ranges from 24-hour awake staffing, to highly independent living with periodic staff check-ins.

nBIS Home and Community Ages 21+

Individualized rehabilitation programs at one’s home, job site or other community location. Focus on maximizing independence and community re-integration.

Regional

nBIS Residential Rehabilitation Ages 21+

Full range of campus- and community-based homes and apartments designed for varying levels of independence and offering an array of rehabilitation services

Southern & Central N.J.

nBIS Day Treatment Services Ages 21+

Coordinated rehabilitation services including physical, occupational and speech therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, individual and family counseling, vocational support

Brick | Cherry Hill | Plainsboro, N.J.

Toll-free: (800) 774-5516Email: [email protected] Online: www.bancroft.org

Age 21+ 40-80+

nCampus/Satellite Day Programs for Adults Ages 21+

Structured learning programs featuring a variety of functional, meaningful and therapeutic activities, from job sampling to volunteering, social-skills instruction to computer classes

Brick | Cherry Hill | Mullica Hill, N.J.

Page 6: Bancroft our world_spring2012web

www.bancroft.org/development

If you have not yet made a gift to the

Margaret Bancroft Annual Fund this

year, please use the enclosed envelope

or make a gift online at

Page 6

Making your mark at Bancroft

Margaret Bancroft Annual Fund changes livesyour contributions to our Annual Fund make a big difference in the lives of those we support. The fund helps us provide the highest quality programs, modern facilities, and the best training for our skilled staff.Margaret

BANCROFTAnnual FundMAKE YOUR MARK

improve the homes of the people we support, assuring their safety and enhancing their quality of life every day.

Relaxing in a newly remodeled Bancroft home are Liz Tropea (left) and Duane Wong, with Brain Injury Services staffer Cheryl Rubba.

you

bring technology into our classrooms and help children communicate and learn.

Bancroft student Jaden Whelan uses an electronic “SmartBoard” with teacher Amy Zambotti. Such new technologies are revolution-izing learning and greatly enhancing our students’ abilities.

you

sustain the excellence of Bancroft’s employees, providing funds for their professional development.

Staff member Pinky Sarin and student Brazil McFadden share a warm moment. Thorough staff training fosters a positive, caring environment here at Bancroft.

you

See how your gift makes a difference…

Page 7: Bancroft our world_spring2012web

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Bancroft newsmakers: noteworthy people, events, achievementsClockwise from top left:

• Fun raiser: employee Jennifer Rodgers competes in the annual “Bancroft Classic,” a wacky competition that raises funds for employee-recognition programs. Hundreds attended the spring games and cheered for their favorite staff teams.

• Visiting expert: Renowned brain-injury authority James Malec, Ph.D., (center) spoke at Bancroft’s york lecture this spring. He discussed how to use a key assessment – which he co-authored – to plan a person’s rehabilitation program.

• Award winner, I: Staff member Michael Rogers was named Advisor

of the year by the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project, a special project of The Arc of N.J.

• Working it: Bancroft receptionist Carolyn Benasuti (left) reviews an assignment with her boss, Kathy Nazarok. Benasuti gets support from our brain-injury program, while hold-ing a job and living in the community.

• Award winner, II: Bancroft Presi-dent and Ceo Toni Pergolin (in checked jacket) recently received two awards for her outstanding leadership: The Alice Paul equality Award, and the Brava! Award from SmartCeo magazine. Here, Pergolin visits our

early education Program, which provides intensive therapies for young children with autism.

• Inspiring words: Adults with brain injuries spoke at three “Bancroft unplugged” events marking Brain Injury Awareness Month in March. Shown here are participants in the Plainsboro, N.J., unplugged. The event was held in Brick and Cherry Hill, too.

• College milestone: The Bancroft School Transition Program at Camden County College wrapped up its first school-year this spring. Here, students work on job skills, as part of the program.

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Bancroft425 Kings Highway eastP.o. Box 20Haddonfield, NJ 08033-0018

Non-Profit org.u.S. Postage

PAIDBellmawr, NJPermit 482

Clarence YorkL e c t u r e S e r i e s

Graduating to adulthood: National expertto speak on effective transition planningPreparing students with disabilities for adult lives is challenging for families, educators and clinicians. In order for this transition to be successful, well-designed programming is required.

on Nov. 9, Bancroft will host a national expert on this subject, as part of our Clarence york lecture Series. Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D., will discuss evidence-based practices in transition planning and adaptive behavior, including employment and community participation.

Gerhardt is director of the upper School at The McCarton School in New york City, a renowned education program for children with autism. He has written extensively on the needs of adults with autism spectrum disorders, the school-to-work transition process, and effective interventions for problem behaviors. He has also served as the director of the Division of Transition and Adult Services at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers university.

Watch for more information on this lecture at www.bancroft.org. To pre-register, please call Sue Crouse at (856) 348-4010 or email [email protected].

For information on Bancroft programs, including The Bancroft School Transition Program at Camden County College, please contact our Admissions office at (800) 774-5516 or [email protected].

Our World our World is published twice a year by Bancroft, a private, nonprofit organization.

Our MissionBancroft’s mission is to ensure that every person is given opportunities for lifelong learning and fulfillment. We do this by altering perceptions, and by supporting those with intellectual and developmental challenges and acquired brain injuries in achieving their life goals as valued and respected members of our world.

To contact us, call:1-800-774-5516Bancroft, a New Jersey Non-profit Corporation425 Kings Highway east P.o. Box 20Haddonfield, NJ 08033–0018bancroft.org

11.9.12

Helping veterans with brain injuries

New daycare center winning praise

Little ButterfliesA Bancroft Inclusive Daycare Program

InsIde thIs Issue