Individual Stories
Joseph Titus
Diane and Bob Titus had planned to name their son Paul. But Diane’s first look at her newborn firstborn changed that. “He just didn’t look like a Paul,” she says with equal parts certainty and wonderment, “so we called him Joseph John…after both grandfathers.” It was perhaps the first indication that the life they’d envisioned would... Read More
David Maas
David moved to Closter Intermediary Care Facility at Spectrum for Living more than fifteen years ago. A few years later, David transferred to the Highwood group home wanting to experience a more independent lifestyle. He attended the Westwood Adult Training Center (ATC) day program, and eventually moved to the Hackensack/Teaneck ATC program. ... Read More
Randy Neuman
Randy joined the Spectrum for Living family in 1999. Randy originally came to the Closter Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) from residing at home with her mother. There are no obstacles that get in her way. Randy, even in a wheelchair, doesn’t let that get in her way of enjoying parasailing, horseback riding and many other interests. While in the ... Read More
Ariel Shiner
In this day of corporate downsizing, upward mobility and nimble job-hopping, a 28-year career with one company is an increasingly uncommon commodity. It takes an employer who values dedication and loyalty and an employee whose contributions are needed and valued. Even more uncommon than most is a combination like the Wawa Food Markets and Ariel Shi... Read More
The Smetona Twins
Student Michael Smetona likes using a computer and playing sports. His twin sister, Megan, enjoys reading and art. At The Bancroft School, each has gotten to focus on his/her individual interests and abilities — preparing the 21-year-olds for their own, unique paths after graduation. “Bancroft has been able to tap into their particular talen... Read More
Rev. Richard Cromwell
For the Rev. Richard Cromwell, words are the tools of his trade. So when a stroke last year robbed the Episcopal priest and substance-abuse counselor of his language skills, he turned to Bancroft for help. Now, Cromwell is back in the pulpit, as well as assisting people with addictions. I was able to learn how to express myself again,” says th... Read More
Dalton Hanna
Small miracles occur every day at Bancroft. But Steve and Karen Hanna credit Bancroft with something huge:enabling them to keep their son. “Bancroft was the reason we adopted Dalton,”says Steve Hanna,referring to his 6-year-old son with autism. “Emotionally,we wanted to adopt him,” recalls Steve, “but we needed to know what we were ge... Read More
Armando Feliciano
When Armando Feliciano came to Bancroft, he hardly talked. The seven-year-old had difficulty dressing, eating and using the bathroom without assistance. Frustrated by his autism, he would slam toys and throw himself on the floor crying — once even hurling a play chair through his family’s big-screen TV. But after just seven months in Bancrof... Read More
Bob Pignataro
After being thrown from his car in 1990, Bob Pignataro experienced a severe brain injury that resulted in personality changes, disturbances in thinking and loss of memory and inhibitions. When he awoke from a five-week coma he transitioned to an acute rehabilitation facility, where he worked with therapists to resolve the more visible effects of hi... Read More
