The largest expansion in organizational history will become a permanent testament to the Welsh family’s tireless service to Bancroft
Cherry Hill, N.J. (March 22, 2017) – Bancroft, a regional human and healthcare services organization serving people with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities and brain injuries, will name its new campus for children and adolescents in Mount Laurel, N.J., the Raymond and Joanne Welsh Campus. The campus represents the largest expansion in Bancroft’s 134 year history of serving children and adults with special needs and will replace Bancroft’s current campus in Haddonfield, N.J.
Scheduled to open and begin providing services in January 2018, the sprawling campus will be home to The Bancroft School, the Lindens Center for Autism neurobehavioral program and campus residences, and recreational facilities and programs for students, families and the larger autism and special needs community. Bancroft’s vision is to transform the way students with special needs throughout the region access educational, recreational and social and enrichment activities.
Longtime benefactors, the Welshes jumpstarted Bancroft’s ONE Can Change the World Capital Campaign in support of the new campus. As campaign co-chair and long-time member of the Bancroft Board of Trustees, Ray Welsh helped the organization raise $7 million toward the $12 million campaign goal before he passed
away last year.
As dedicated supporters of Bancroft for decades, the Welshes understood the immeasurable impact the organization has on families across the region. In 1991, when the couple needed assistance caring for their adult son, Randy, staff helped ease his transition into a Bancroft residence and enabled him to become involved with his peers. He enjoyed participating in activities and achieved increased independence during his adult life. Randy thrived at Bancroft for many years until his passing from a brain tumor over a decade ago.
“Bancroft has been an enormous part of our family since our son entered the program, and I am honored the new campus will bear our name and honor his legacy,” Joanne Welsh said. “I know firsthand the profound impact the right supports have on individuals with disabilities like Randy, and this campus will afford so many people the same opportunities.”
|
|
“Ray was a trusted member of our Board of Trustees for more than 15 years, and, together with his wife Joanne, enabled Bancroft to serve a larger population of children and adults with diverse challenges,” said Toni Pergolin, Bancroft President and CEO. “The Raymond and Joanne Welsh Campus will be a permanent symbol of our gratitude to the Welshes and a beacon of hope for families throughout our region.”
