Wawa Employment Program Grant Helps Bancroft NeuroRehab Patients Engage in the Community
Bancroft NeuroRehab was awarded a grant through the Wawa Foundation to enhance its vocational programs in December of 2022. Through this grant, Bancroft NeuroRehab was able to connect individuals back to the workplace, and to their community through volunteering, and educational group sessions with their peers.
The money from the grant allows Bancroft NeuroRehab to employ Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA’s) to work with those we support and purchase technology and other materials giving them the ability to assess individuals, provide one-on-one job skills training, and offer group educational programs. Most importantly, it allows clinical staff time to develop partnerships with community connections – all leading to individuals returning to work or volunteering.
Since the launch of our Vocational Program through our Wawa grant, 40 individuals today are engaging in resume writing, job development, and interviewing skills. Seven (7) of those in the program have found paid employment and thirty-three (33) are volunteering with additional support to become ready for paid employment.
For many individuals, rekindling a sense of purpose through a return to work or participation in robust volunteer opportunities is a major step on the path to recovery from their brain injury, stroke, or other neurological injury. The Bancroft NeuroRehab Vocational Program supports individuals no matter where they are on that path to help them achieve the highest level of independence possible. The Vocational team has built over seventy (70) partners in the community, including Muddy Paws Farm Rescue, Manna, Cherry Hill Martial Arts, Wawa, Rothkoff Law Group, DSW, Burlington County Agricultural Center, Shop-Rite, Royal Farms, Apex Construction, Princeton-Penn Medical Center, Rowan College at Burlington County, Ritz Theater Company, Cherry Hill Public Library, amongst others.
This grant opportunity provides more than just opportunity, it provides hope.
We have bright plans for the future which include serving a much greater number of individuals across our service lines and would love the opportunity to discuss our vision.
Wawa Foundation Grant Stories
Matthew's Story
In 2011, Matthew suffered a traumatic brain injury while snowboarding with friends. He endured a long road of recovery and with the support of a trained clinician, led him to begin writing short and funny entries during his rehabilitation.
His love of writing turned him into an author and he published his very first book, began writing articles for our internal Newsletter, and writing articles for NJ multimedia publications.
"Make an exponentially positive difference and your days will add up to a happy lifetime!"
Read more about Matt’s Story.
Jenn's Story
In 2013, Jenn survived a horrific car accident. After nearly 10 years of healing and rehabilitation, she is finally starting to feel like she has her life back. Her new position at Rothkoff Law Group has helped her make considerable progress toward independence. Jenn related,
"I like working, I get paid and I'm good at it!"
Read more about Jenn’s Story.
Shawn's Story
Shawn has been a Bancroft NeuroRehab client since 2020 after surviving a stroke. He began his journey back to work with volunteer positions at Manna, Cherry Hill Township, and most recently at Muddy Paws Farm Rescue. Today, Shawn is a proud Wawa employee.
"I want to learn everything at Wawa, so I can put it on my resume ... I can work at any Wawa!"
Read more about Shawn’s Story.
Robert's Story
Robert has been supported by Bancroft NeuroRehab for nearly twenty-four (24) years, nineteen (19) of which he worked as a dishwasher in a nursing home. However, he left that position to protect his health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through career sampling, he found a new position as a volunteer Activities Assistant at Brightview Senior Living Center. It’s a great fit for Robert because it aligns with two of his greatest passions: art and assisting older adults. He loves his new role.
"I fall asleep thinking about activities I can create for the residents at Brightview!"
Brian's Story
Brian just graduated with a striped yellow belt in the Bancroft NeuroRehab Taekwondo program. He is unable to work in a paid position, so he volunteers at Cherry Hill Martial Arts to keep the studio clean and ready for practice. His position there is a perfect fit considering his passion for Taekwondo!
Mikey's Story
Mikey is a volunteer at Pride Paws in Medford, NJ. He is learning how to bake treats for the cats and dogs, make bandanas, run the cash register, and provide customer service. Once he completes 200 volunteer hours, he’ll be eligible for a paid position.
Vinny's Story
Vinny volunteers at Muddy Paws Farm Rescue in Southampton, NJ. He enjoys all of the work on the farm, especially taking care of the chickens and goats!
Related Articles
A Second Chance at Independence After a Stroke
Kevin was enjoying his new role as a grandfather of
Navigating Life Beyond Stroke: Shawn’s Story
Navigating Life Beyond Stroke: Shawn’s Story From Mechanic to Patient:
Embracing Balance: How Yoga Supports Brain Injury Recovery
Embracing Balance: How Yoga Supports Brain Injury Recovery The Healing