Stories & Testimonials
Children's Program Stories
Tommy’s Journey: From Anxious Student to “School Mayor”
Tommy’s Journey: From Anxious Student to “School Mayor” Preschool & Early Education Student Highlight Diagnosed with autism, Tommy struggled with severe school anxiety, leading to three school changes
Marcello’s Story: This Is the Best Possible Place for Him
Marcello’s family struggled for years to safely care for him at their home in California. They turned to Bancroft’s residential program for children living with profound autism, Lindens,
Ben’s Story: “He’s such a great big brother”
Coming from families with siblings, Dina Rieng and Jerry Chau always envisioned having multiple children of their own. But after their son, Ben, was diagnosed with autism —
Cade’s Story
Cade’s Story Cade loves his iPad — like most 16-year-olds. He is also a gentle child who enjoys time on the swings and swimming. He laughs a lot
Lindens Special Education Teachers Go Beyond The Classroom
Stephanie Grilli | Education Supervisor, Lindens Program| June 2, 2021 On a typical day, it is not uncommon for The Lindens team of teachers to encounter a wide
Finding Her Voice: Sofia’s Story
When Sofia’s communication deficits left her frustrated & isolated from the world around her, the Bancroft Preschool & Early Education Program helped her find her voice – and gave her
Lucas’s story: Discovering Joy Through Communication
Lucas Ramirez has a personality much bigger than his 7-and-a-half years. Smart as a whip with bright eyes, a big smile and a sharp mischievous streak, he loves
Trevor’s Story: A World of Possibility
Trevor’s family struggled with the simplest communication before they discovered The Bancroft School. Now, with the help of his state-of-the-art communication device, he is able to truly engage
Adult Program Stories
The Vaughn Family: Finding Hope and Support for Their Son Luke
The Vaughn family’s story is a testament to the transformative power of support and the unwavering belief in an individual’s potential. Diagnosed with autism at a young age,
Kowal Family Finds Hope in Bancroft’s Residential Care
Tom and Ellene Kowal are the grandparents and primary caregivers of Christopher, a young man with autism in Bancroft’s adult residential care. This is their story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNjF4ic8deM Chris
20 Years at Walmart: Ingrid’s Story
Meet Ingrid Foster Ingrid lives at the Judith B. Flicker Residences for Older Adults. Her hobbies include swimming, cooking dinner for her family and housemates, watching TV and
Finding a Home Away from Home at Bancroft: Scott’s Story
When their son, Scott, was diagnosed with autism at age 3, Scott’s parents initially thought he had developmental delays. He was verbal and able to express his needs
A Friendship More Enduring than Romance
Two individuals at Bancroft discover common interests and form lifelong bond When Bonnie Davis, 61, enrolled in Bancroft’s Adult Program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities 36
I Just Want to Hold His Hand: Jake’s Story to Lakeside
Jake’s Journey to Lakeside It was October 6, 2015, and as Rommy and her husband Dominic rounded the corner and entered the tree-covered drive into Lakeside at Bancroft,
From Crisis to College: Finding Hope at Bancroft
After two daughters, Michelle and Bob Walsh of Howell, N.J. were thrilled to discover their third child was a boy. “We were so excited and filled with hopes
Bancroft News & Features
Early Start, Big Impact: Bancroft Launches Junior Job Explorers for Young Students
A new initiative at Bancroft’s Preschool & Early Education Program helps young students explore responsibilities and early job skills, sparking curiosity and preparing them for what’s next. At
Virtual Reality at Bancroft: Transforming Support Through Innovative Technology
For over 140 years, Bancroft has evolved alongside advancements in technology, embracing innovation to enhance the lives of those we support. Today, we continue that tradition by exploring
A Space to Reset: New Sensory Room Opens
Bancroft’s Gloucester Adult Day & Employment Program unveils a state-of-the-art sensory room, generously donated by a Bancroft family, to support individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental
Real Life. Real Purpose.
Bancroft’s employees truly make a difference in the lives of others. Diligently and compassionately, they work to improve the quality of life for individuals who, in turn, inspire them to be better people.
