Robbie Davis isn’t your average 9-year-old. A top student and talented athlete, Robbie is above average in lots of ways.

But just a few years ago, Robbie faced many challenges. Diagnosed on the autism spectrum at about age 3, the sandy-haired boy could only speak a few words. He couldn’t hold crayons or utensils, for lack of fine-motor abilities. And he didn’t make eye contact or interact with others.

“Robbie couldn’t request anything,” says his mom, Colleen Davis. And he would “kick, scream and tantrum” in frustration. “He was beating me every other day.”

Such struggles led the Davises to Bancroft’s preschool program (now the Early Education Program, for kids ages 3 - 9). And there, Robbie blossomed. So much so, that he was able to start kindergarten at his community elementary school at age 5, after just two years at Bancroft.

Today, Robbie is in a standard third-grade class, and requires no special assistance. He has four or five “good buddies,” says his mom — typical kids

from the neighborhood. He’s on the “Principal’s List” for his good grades. And he plays soccer and street hockey, and competes in quarter-midget car racing.

When he first arrived at Bancroft, staff members knew Robbie had a lot of potential. And they were quickly proven right.

“After four weeks at Bancroft, Robbie said ‘More juice please, Mommy.’ I almost fell over!” recalls Colleen.

“Once he started talking, his language really took off,” says Bancroft teaching assistant Colleen Biemiller. “Communication made a huge impact in Robbie’s life — with his peer interaction, his teachers and his family.”

Mom spearheadsadvocacy efforts

Events reveal life after brain injury

Insidethis issue

Residential optionsfor adults abound2 3 4

(continued on p. 3)

Martin Bieber (right) accepts the chairman’s gavel from Joe Atkinson (center), former head of Bancroft’s board, and Bancroft President Toni Pergolin.

Overcoming autismFormer Bancroft student Robbie Davis fits right in with his public-school peers.

Hospital leader is new board chairmanBancroft has named a top healthcare executive as chairman of our board of trustees.

The president and CEO of Kennedy Health System, operator of three South Jersey hospitals, Martin A. Bieber has more than 30 years of experience as a healthcare executive and administrator.

He succeeds Joseph Atkinson, board chairman since 2007.

“We are so fortunate to be passing the gavel from one superb leader to another,” says Bancroft President Toni Pergolin. “Martin will help us continue strengthening Bancroft for today and the future.”

Our WorldVolume 2, Issue 3: Spring 2011 | THE BAnCROfT nEWSLETTER

Robbie Davis poses after a car race, with his award and his dad Robert. Robbie received life-changing services at Bancroft several years ago.

Page 2

At Bancroft, we don’t just accept things the way they are; we seek ways to make them better. Through hard work and perseverance, we help people achieve amazing things. We’ve seen this time and time again.

Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting a series of events marking Brain Injury Awareness Month. Three special evenings — called “Bancroft Unplugged: One world, many stories” — spotlighted people we’ve helped through our brain-injury programs. They spoke about overcoming major obstacles to lead full lives (see coverage on next page).

Their stories were both heart-rending and inspirational. Many used the opportunity to thank staff members, family and others for their support. One woman even thanked Margaret Bancroft for founding the organization!

The audiences gained a fuller understanding of both the difficulties and possibilities after such life-altering injuries. How very motivating this was for everyone — and a reminder that we take so much for granted.

Our mission states that we help people achieve “their life goals as valued and respected members of our world.” It’s a simple yet powerful message. As we conquer each challenge we face, we become stronger and energized to do more.

Bancroft’s mission is ongoing. Each day, we rely on the dedicated service, financial support and assistance of families, staff members and other friends to conquer challenges. Please join us as we work to transform our world for the benefit of so many.

Seizing the possibilities

Making it One World. For Everyone.

Spotlight on: Donna IcovinoDonna Icovino is making the world a better place for people with disabilities, especially those with “dual diagnoses” — developmental and mental-health issues.

Since her son Michael had a severe behavioral crisis seven years ago — and suffered from the lack of crisis services for people with such complex needs — Donna has dedicated herself to changing that situation.

“I never want what happened to Michael to happen to anyone else’s loved one,” she says, recalling her son’s traumatic experiences when he was inappropriately placed in a psychiatric hospital.

Donna’s advocacy has led to the creation of new Jersey’s Dual Diagnosis Task force, which she co-chairs. This high-level team has developed a plan for creating and increasing crisis services statewide.

She has co-authored the “family Crisis Handbook” with expert Lucille Esralew, Ph.D., and the pair train families and clinicians across the state.

“Donna recognizes how important it is for people with dual diagnoses to be treated for their issues,” notes Dan Keating, Ph.D., Bancroft’s family advocate.

Indeed, her commitment extends from the Statehouse to anyone’s house, as Donna advises individual families — even taking their emergency phone calls in the middle of the night. “families are terribly overburdened,” she says.

“This is also a human rights issue. We all deserve the opportunity to actively participate in this world, and to live happy and fulfilling lives.”

In addition to her statewide advocacy, Donna serves on a Bancroft board, our Family Council, and a program advisory committee. Here, she receives an advocacy award from the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities.

note: Both the task force report and the crisis handbook are available at the new Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities website.

Robbie Davis:A third-grade success story(continued from cover)

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“When Robbie left Bancroft he was amazingly social,” remarks Early Education Program Principal Matthew Sharp, noting that social skills are especially challenging for people on the autism spectrum.

At Bancroft, Robbie took part in a full day of structured educational activities. In addition to socialization, he learned typical preschool academic skills like identifying shapes, colors, numbers and letters. Staff members also addressed Robbie’s behavioral issues, and provided therapies to enhance his speech and motor skills.

“We have a limited amount of time to get our students prepared academically, socially, physically and behaviorally, so they’re ready to go back to their school district,” says Sharp. “We really maximize their day — it’s intense learning.”

Robbie is a case in point. “He was very well-prepared academically” upon leaving Bancroft, says Colleen Davis. “After two days [in kindergarten], he was already reading, because Bancroft had started him on sight-reading and phonics.”

Robbie started kindergarten in a regular classroom, but with a personal aid. By the end of first grade, Robbie no longer needed an aid nor speech therapy. In another year, he was able to drop both occupational (fine-motor) and physical therapy.

“His second-grade teacher said she would have never known” that Robbie had a disability, says Colleen. “Most people cannot tell.

“I think the future is really wide open for him,” remarks Colleen, noting that Robbie wants to be a doctor.

“If not for the interventions of the talented professionals at Bancroft, Robbie wouldn’t be completely mainstreamed, with no aids, and doing all the things he does independently.

“He’s a different child now,” adds the grateful mom. “He’s happy.”

Bart George was injured in a logging accident. Alisa Griffith was struck by a car. And Myles Mittleman fell down a flight of stairs while having a seizure.

While each sustained a brain injury from a different cause, all have made tremendous progress toward recovery, and are grateful for the abilities they’ve regained.

The tales of their struggles and triumphs — and those of 15 others — were highlighted in a series of March events marking Brain Injury Awareness Month, titled “Bancroft Unplugged: One world, many stories.”

Three special evenings — held separately in Brick, Plainsboro, and Cherry Hill, n.J. — centered on brief, heartfelt speeches by people served by Bancroft Brain Injury Services.

“I have learned to make the most of what I can do,” said speaker Dan Livecchi, before 120 guests at the Cherry Hill “Unplugged” event. “After my brain injury, I lost confidence… now I’m able to do things independently that help me feel better about myself.”

‘Bancroft Unplugged’ eventstell inspiring personal stories

Said Joyce Toy, at the Brick “Unplugged” event: “After my injury, I could not read, [write] or remember most things. I can now read books and remember what I read… I would not be where I am today without Bancroft.”

Each “Unplugged” speaker offered unique insights, while all were inspiring in their accomplishments and attitudes.

“Bancroft Unplugged has been so successful,” says Cynthia Boyer, Ph.D., senior clinical director of Bancroft Brain Injury Services.

“from a rehabilitation standpoint, these events helped people practice many important skills — such as memory, attention, speech, and self-awareness,” she explains.

“And from a public perspective, they helped raise awareness of both the impact of brain injury and the great progress people with brain injuries can make.”

for more information on Bancroft Brain Injury Services, visit bancroft.org or call (856) 616-6454.

A group from Bancroft Brain Injury Services in Plainsboro, N.J., is all smiles after their “Unplugged” event. The evening of short, autobiographical speeches was also held at Bancroft in Brick and Cherry Hill.

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Supporting life goals, dreams

| Bancroft community residential services for adults |

A range of homes and services• More than 100 homes and apartments in the community.

• Staffing levels range from intensive to highly independent, depending on individual needs.

• Person-centered approach puts the focus on the individual’s strengths and desires.

• Clinical supports are available, including behavioral planning and support, and nurse case management.

• Clinical best practices, including ABA (applied behavior analysis), are used.

• Meaningful day activities. All program participants hold jobs, volunteer positions, or attend day programs to further their vocational and/or life skills and goals.

• Community participation and involvement are maintained at a high level, including a wide variety of recreational and leisure activities.

• Opportunities for self-advocacy, continuing education, Special Olympics participation and more.

• Other residential programs are available, including campus settings for those who require greater supports and supervision.

For more information,visit bancroft.org orcall 1-800-774-5516.

That one word describes what Bancroft’s residential programs for adults with developmental disabilities are all about.

Whether it’s the choice of how to spend one’s free time, or the option of a wide range of support levels, Bancroft can meet the needs of each adult in its continuum of residential programs.

“Because of Bancroft’s size, we are able to offer people many, many options,” says Clair Rohrer, senior operations director of Bancroft’s new Jersey programs for adults with developmental disabilities.

“But we’re also able to keep individual programs small,” she notes. “Most of our homes in the community, for instance, have no more than four residents, which enables us to provide plenty of personal attention.”

Bonnie Davis enjoys living in a garden apartment in a large Voorhees, n.J., complex.

“I live by myself — that’s my choice,” says the highly independent 56-year-old, who first came to Bancroft in the late 1970s. “I can relax and do what I want to do, when I want to do it.”

Bonnie participates in the Milestone Program — Bancroft’s most independent level of residential services — which provides up to ten hours a week of staff support. for Bonnie, most of that assistance centers on budgeting her money, paying bills, and following an exercise routine.

“The staff are good,” she says. “They care. If we need something, we can pick up the phone and they’re there.”

Ari Rubenstein requires more support — which he gets in his nearby group home. There, two staff members assist Ari and his three housemates with a variety

of skills during days and evenings, and one awake staff member remains in the comfortably appointed rancher overnight.

“All three of his needs are met in his residential placement,” says mom Randee Rubenstein, referring to Ari’s neurological disabilities, physical challenges and deafness. “He’s made remarkable progress at Bancroft.”

Ari is working on such daily-living abilities as preparing his lunch and cleaning up afterwards. A fan of celebrity chefs Bobby flay and Rachel Ray, the 28-year-old hopes such skills will lead to a volunteer job in a kitchen.

“I like to cook pasta,” he reports, when asked for his favorite recipe. “Ari has better feelings about himself because he’s given the ability to make

choices,” says Randee. “He feels really good about who he is and where he is.”Bruce Chapin likes “to go to the gym and work out,” among other activities.

The 43-year-old lives in a Voorhees apartment with two longtime friends. Staffing is only needed in the evening and on weekends, thanks to the roommates’ abilities and mutual support.

“They chose each other,” says staff member Dwight Castellanos. “They’ve created their own ‘family.’ They do all their celebrations here — Thanksgiving, new Years, Christmas dinner. Bruce has his own life, separate from his family.”

That life is very active, notes Castellanos: filled with dinner parties, vacations, restaurant meals, Special Olympics competitions and more.

Says Bruce: “I like it here.”

Choices.

Page 5

Bonnie DavisDoing for herself and othersBonnie Davis wears many hats, including office receptionist, active advocate, and peer role-model. She credits Bancroft with helping her attain these successes, even as she continues to learn and grow.

“Bancroft’s adult residential program is good because it teaches independence,” she says. “I’ve learned social skills, how to get around the community independently, how to go to work and be on time, how to be responsible.

“When I first came to Bancroft, I couldn’t do a lot of things for myself,” recalls Bonnie, who initially lived on the Mullica Hill Campus. “now I cook my own meals and make a lot of my own decisions, with minimal assistance from staff.”

Ari RubensteinLearning to communicatefor Ari Rubenstein, who is deaf, much of his well-being is tied to his communication skills.

That’s no problem in his Bancroft-run home, where Ari’s peers and staff have received sign-language training from program manager Kia Dreggs. Plus, Ari has learned to independently use such assistive technology as a TTY (text telephone), video phone and email.

Says mom Randee Rubenstein: “Ari has gone from a child who was extremely frustrated… into a handsome young man who feels comfortable in his home setting, work setting, and is able to communicate.”

Bruce ChapinBuilding skills in the communityBruce Chapin has learned much through Bancroft residential programs. He can take the bus to new York City by himself, to see his family. He’s become an avid cook who usually makes dinner for himself and his two roommates. And he’s acquired many healthy habits, from bicycling to lifting weights.

These days, Bruce’s main goal is to work on his social skills. “We try to focus on adult behaviors and appropriate public behavior,” says staff member Dwight Castellanos, who frequently accompanies the roommates on outings in the community, to provide social guidance.

“Bruce has come a long way,” notes Castellanos. “I’m so proud of him.”

Bonnie does her own grocery shopping, among other tasks.

Ari (right) at home with staff member Kia Dreggs.

Bruce (right) balances his checkbook, with staff member

Shaun Erwin.

Page 6

More and more Bancroft supporters are leaving their legacy here — making a planned gift that will make a difference for many years to come.

Such a “legacy gift” benefits both the donor and the organization. Options include naming Bancroft in your will or setting up a charitable gift annuity, trust or life insurance policy.

“Oftentimes donors can make a greater impact than they could have ever imagined, through a planned gift,” says Heidi Rixman, Bancroft’s director of major gifts. “And in many cases, the gift costs much less than the amount donated, due to tax benefits and income the donor receives from the gift.”

Jacob and Mary Schaefer, for instance, set up a charitable remainder trust many years ago to benefit Bancroft programs. Because of this thoughtful gift — and Jacob Schaefer’s 30 years of service on our board of trustees, among other important roles here — we named our Community Services for Adults’ headquarters in Cherry Hill, n.J., the Jacob Schaefer Center.

Today, as Bancroft’s “legacy society” continues to grow, we have renamed it the Jacob Schaefer Legacy Society.

The society recognizes all donors of planned gifts to Bancroft, regardless of the gift’s dollar amount.

If you have already included

Bancroft in your estate plans, please let us know so we can properly recognize you. To learn more about legacy giving options, please contact Heidi Rixman at (856) 348-1164 or hrixman@bnh.org.

Leaving your legacy at Bancroft

Bancroft’s Mullica Hill Campus — a key site on our continuum of services — is getting a major makeover, thanks to the Transforming Our World campaign.

Over the past six months, construction has begun on the first of the new residences. Workers have laid the foundation and installed underground utilities. framing is now under way, as shown above.

By strengthening programs and facilities at Mullica Hill, Bancroft will enhance opportunities for employment and greater participation in the community. Many adults who are supported in Bancroft programs may at some point transition into or out of Mullica Hill, as their needs change.

The campus will also become a place for all people supported by Bancroft — as well as members of the community — to learn and get involved.

for more information or to support Transforming Our World | The Campaign for Bancroft, please contact Linda Wasilchick, director of campaign operations, at (856) 348-4002, or lwasilchick@bnh.org.

A new residence rises on the Mullica Hill Campus, which is being largely rebuilt through Bancroft’s major new fundraising campaign.

The late Jacob and Mary Schaefer, shown with son Jim, who receives services from Bancroft.

Modernizing Mullica Hill

Legacy society renamed for Jacob Schaefer — a role model for planned giving

Save the date

The fun comes early this year!Bancroft DaySaturday Sept. 24Challenge Grove ParkCherry Hill, n.J.

A free festival for Bancroft friends, families and the community

for updates, visit our website: www.bancroft.org

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Bancroft newsmakers: noteworthy people, events, milestones

• Show of support: Selena (center) and Paul Tropea accept a colorful thank-you gift from President Toni Pergolin, at a spring reception for Bancroft family members and friends. The Tropeas hosted the event, to help share information about the “Transforming Our World” campaign (see story on p. 6). • Chicago joy: The Joyful noise choir, which includes many adults supported by Bancroft, sings at the national conference of the American Choral Directors Association, held in Chicago. Leading the group – before an audience of 1,000 – is

renowned conductor Alice Parker. • Inclusive activity: Student volunteers from Philadelphia visit The Bancroft School to help with Martin Luther King Day activities. Here, the volunteers join Casey Atkinson (wearing headband) in an art activity. The volunteers were organized by PricewaterhouseCoopers, through its teen mentoring program.• Musical journey: Students Justin Galeski (from left), Dalton Stilts, and Eric Panetta drum up a tune during The Bancroft School spring show. Dozens of students performed in the production,

titled “Music Through the Decades.” • Fur, feathers, scales: Students and staff from The Bancroft School at Voorhees Pediatric facility enjoy a visit with birds, reptiles and mammals from Pennsylvania’s Elmwood Park Zoo (photos at bottom center and bottom left).• Art attack! John Meacham shows some of the colorful paint used in a collaborative art project, created by a group at Bancroft’s flicker Residences for older adults. The ocean-themed piece was recently displayed in a public exhibit in Deptford, n.J.

Clockwise from top left:

Bancroft425 Kings Highway EastP.O. Box 20Haddonfield, nJ 08033-0018

Free expert advice, 24/7 — easy as 1-2-3!

Visit www.bancroft.org Go to “Quick Links” Click on “family Resource Center”

Get info, resources, answers and more!

Our World Our World is published three times 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

Keep kids learning this summer Your child’s education doesn’t have to stop for two months, just because school’s out. In fact, summer offers many opportunities for learning and expanding your kids’ abilities.

Here are some tips from Matthew Sharp, M.Ed., principal of Bancroft’s Early Education Program:

• Expand the classroom into the natural environment of home and community. Take your child along when you go to the store, post office or library, and encourage his involvement in the tasks at hand. At home, allow your child to help put away the groceries or sort the laundry.

• Foster choice-making. for instance, let your child choose between a day at the beach or a walk in the park.

• When you plan an outing, be sure to develop a schedule of activities and review it with your child. This will reduce unpredictability and give your child a structured day to look forward to. Create a visual schedule for children who can’t read.

• Practice skills at home before your outing, such as greeting people and ordering from a menu, if needed.

To read the whole article, visit bancroft.org.

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