About Mary Buckley Foundation

Mary Buckley, a loving mother of four boys, was a strong spiritual person. An avid Bruce Springsteen fan, she attended 11 Springsteen concerts in 2003. She was a social worker who worked with disabled infants and toddlers. Mary was always laughing and smiling and was an inspiration to all who knew her.

On April 21, 2004, Mary, a Virginia Beach resident, was admitted to the hospital for "routine" foot surgery. She never came out. Her heart and breathing stopped. Mary was without oxygen for 15 to 20 minutes, causing her to suffer massive brain damage as a result of a global anoxic brain injury. She remained in a persistent vegetative state until she died in October 2006.

The Buckley family faced gaps in service and information during their ordeal. Wanting to help others in similar situations, Mary's husband Matt Buckley founded the Mary Buckley Foundation, Inc., a tax-exempt 501(c) (3) corporation, in September 2005.

While the original purpose of the foundation was to provide information and support to families struggling with circumstances surrounding the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI), our mission has evolved over recent years. Today we proudly sponsor three new programs:

  • The Beacon House, supported by state general funds administered by the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services, as well as private donations, is a community-based clubhouse program for people living with the effects of brain injury.
  • No Limits is on the Eastern Shore and is a day program supported by Community-based transitional day programs are non-residential, structured programs usually offered during business hours.
  • The Clubhouse serving the Tidewater Area - supported by state general funds administered by the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services and private donations.
  • The Eastern Shore Day Program - supported by state general funds administered by the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services and private donations.
  • The friendAble Social Club - funded through a grant from the Sentara Foundation.

All our efforts are directed toward helping people with traumatic brain injuries feel that they are a part of society again, as well as supporting their families. In addition, we provide educational services to the community through school and youth groups. We are dedicated to enhancing the lives of brain injury survivors by maximizing their potential vocationally, socially and emotionally.

Our Caring Staff

Matt Buckley

Matt Buckley, founder and executive director, created The Mary Buckley Foundation in honor and memory of his wife Mary. An expert in business development and management, he holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Economics from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Prior to founding The Mary Buckley Foundation, Matt was involved in several start-up companies, as well as the multi-million dollar sale of two wireless companies. He is the father of four wonderful boys and enjoys golf, fishing and coaching youth sports.

Joann A. Mancuso

Joann A. Mancuso, director of programs, has served in the rehabilitation field since 1977. Prior to joining The Mary Buckley Foundation, Joann worked with the Commonwealth Support Systems, a nonprofit organization in Virginia Beach dedicated to helping people with disabilities improve their quality of life. During her tenure with Commonwealth, she launched the SEEK Day Program for Brain Injury Survivors in Hampton Roads in 1998, and the No Limits Day Program for Brain Injury Survivors on the Eastern Shore in 2001. She also formed a support group for brain injury survivors. She has served on the Virginia Brain Injury Council and is currently the treasurer for the Virginia Alliance of Brain Injury Service Providers. Joann earned her Master's Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Hunter College of City University of New York (CUNY), Manhattan.

Carole Norton

Carole Norton, a neuropsychologist, has worked with brain injury survivors for nearly 30 years. She coordinates the Communications Unit at The Beacon House, encouraging creative writing skills and teaching computer skills, including software applications and using internet resources. Currently chair of the Virginia Brain Injury Council, Carole earned her doctorate in behavioral medicine psychology (Ph.D.) from the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas in 1985. Her work with the Arlington Texas Brain Injury support group earned her the 1994 Texas Head Injury Association Award for Professional of the Year.

Rachel Lockwood

Rachel Lockwood has been program coordinator of the No Limits program since November 2000. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Community and Human Services/Human Services Management from Empire State College, State University of New York (SUNY). Before developing the No Limits program, Rachel devoted 15 years of service to helping adults with developmental disabilities living in residential settings.

Wayne Randall

Wayne Randall has been employed by the Mary Buckley Foundation at No Limits since September 2010. He finds the work refreshing and rewarding to help people who are in a situation through no fault of their own and who appreciate it. Prior to coming to No Limits, Wayne spent a career in adult corrections escorting inmates outside of the Facility to various appointments such as court, medical appointments and transfers to and from facilities all around the State of Maryland. He is also a proud veteran of the U.S. Army where he served as a Police Officer in Europe, Central America and Ft. Mead Maryland. Wayne enjoys camping, fishing and building and flying Radio Controlled Aircraft in his spare time.

Venus Mitchell

Venus F. Mitchell is the Culinary Unit's Coordinator at Beacon House. As the unit coordinator, she facilitates the meal planning, food shopping, preparation, serving and clean-up of the meals served to the clubhouse members, facilitators and guests. Venus also coordinates the operation of the Clubhouse Café which includes the bookkeeping and making bank deposits. She graduated from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Welfare. She has worked with brain injury survivors for over 8 years as a Training Assistant and a Program Services Specialist.

Maryann Brittingham

Maryann Lutz has only been employed at no Limits since January 2010 but she has been a friend of No Limits much longer than that. Maryann’s husband Richard fell at his workplace in May 2004 and experienced a life-changing traumatic brain injury. He was a No Limits participant from January 2005 until August 2008. Richard passed away in February 2009. No Limits is delighted that Maryann continues to be a part of our program. 

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Informational Links

Board of Directors

  • Kevin Rack, Chairman
  • Paul DiNardo, Treasurer
  • Dianne Hines, Secretary
  • Dr. Paul Aravich
  • Mark Hughes
  • Rosemary Pendelton
  • Scott La Point
  • Jennifer Anders
  • Kim Willey
  • Bob Sage

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