Cherry Hill, NJ – Bancroft, one of the region’s largest providers of specialized services and supports for children and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities and brain injury, was awarded a $5,000 grant from the COVID-19 Response Fund, managed by Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ). The money has helped offset unexpected expenses related to the COVID-19 crisis, enabling the organization to continue delivering vital programs and services virtually, and purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure the health and safety of individuals served and Bancroft’s essential employees.

Like so many other organizations across the country, COVID-19 has forced the continued closure of Bancroft’s in-person educational services and adult day program and employment services since March – prompting the organization to reimagine the way those services are delivered, including classroom instruction and related therapies. It has also severely limited opportunities for community integration and recreation that are critical to the well-being of the hundreds of individuals served by Bancroft residential programs.

“COVID-19 has caused a seismic shift in every aspect of our lives and forced nonprofit organizations like Bancroft to rethink the way we deliver our critical, life-sustaining services while protecting the health of this vulnerable population and the essential staff who support them,” said Toni Pergolin, Bancroft President and Chief Executive Officer. “The grant from the Community Foundation of South Jersey will support us in our commitment to our mission of helping people living with disabilities to live their best life.”

“Thank you to Bancroft for its services creating hope, home, and community for individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and persons in need of neurological rehabilitation. Their work allows each individual to reach their full potential for a happy and fulfilling life,” said CFSJ Executive Director Andy Fraizer. “The COVID-19 Response Fund is a resource that supports, the organization’s such as Bancroft to deliver services in these uncertain times.”

The South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund continues to assist local nonprofits that need support in order to serve communities impacted by the pandemic. To date, the Fund has raised more than one million dollars, but this is not enough to meet the overwhelming need. If you would like to support the only such Fund where donations stay in our South Jersey region, please visit www.southjerseyresponsefund.org.

About Bancroft

Bancroft is a leading regional nonprofit provider of specialized services for individuals with autism, other intellectual or developmental disabilities and those in need of neurological rehabilitation. Through its innovative programs supporting people throughout different stages in life, Bancroft offers a comprehensive range of services aimed at unlocking the full potential in each person and meeting his or her changing needs. Programming includes special education, vocational training and supported employment, structured day programs, residential treatment programs, community living programs, and behavioral supports. In 2018, Bancroft opened the Raymond & Joanne Welsh Campus in Mt. Laurel, N.J., for children’s services, featuring the flagship Bancroft School and Lindens Center for Autism. The campus is the most progressive and expansive campus for children with special needs in the region.

Bancroft NeuroRehab focuses on the therapeutic, day program and residential needs of people in rehabilitation from brain injury or other neurological disorders with four locations throughout New Jersey.

Established in 1883 and now headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., Bancroft boasts 30+ programs in 17 locations serving 2,200 people annually throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, including more than 275 community-based group homes and supervised apartments. For more information, visit bancroft.org.

About the Community Foundation of South Jersey

The Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ) envisions an eight-county region thriving, where all neighbors aspire, succeed, participate, and give. The vision is realized as CFSJ inspires generosity, manages and deploys permanent charitable assets, and exercises collaborative leadership to create a more equitable region. CFSJ works with South Jersey philanthropists, local nonprofits, and neighbors to build capital, contribute assets, and create permanent endowments for impact in perpetuity. By aligning donor interests and using the investment earnings on each of its endowed funds, CFSJ makes grants and builds leadership within the community to create thriving, equitable, and livable communities for all. Currently, CFSJ manages assets of more than $23 million. CFSJ has issued more than $9 million in nonprofit grants and scholarships. Learn more about CFSJ at www.CommunityFoundationSJ.org.