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Thursday, June 2, 2022
June 6, 2022 Dear Friend, Each day, our team at Bridgewell works to strengthen communities by providing an unmatched range of social and human services that empower people with life challenges to live safe, self-directed and productive lives. With the support of partners like you, Bridgewell provides community housing, day programs, outpatient behavioral health treatment, recovery services, educational opportunities, and...
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Tuesday, May 31, 2022
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Wednesday, May 25, 2022
As part of an ongoing partnership since August 2021, a small group of women from Bridgewell’s Women’s Program, Johnson Street, work with local artist Mary Flannery at her studio, Great Art Studio in Lynn, engaging in art therapy sessions. After completing the six-week program and expressing themselves through their art, the women host a small private art show to share...
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Thursday, May 19, 2022
With more than 125 people in attendance, Bridgewell’s Family Support Center had an amazing turnout at the Bridgewell Family Fun Event in Danvers earlier this month. It was a busy, fun day of lots of activities including the Red Sox Experience Truck, which had a mock Green Monster, jerseys, pitching track and batting cages. All Out Adventures brought adaptive bikes...
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Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Monday, May 9th (Peabody, MA) – Bridgewell is pleased to announce that over $326,000 was raised at the Imagine the Possibilities Gala on April 29th at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, surpassing its $300,000 goal. Funds raised strengthen the Bridgewell’s mission of empowering people with life challenges achieve their fullest potential. “What a spectacular event,” said Chris Tuttle, Bridgewell’s...
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Monday, May 16, 2022
Chris Tuttle, CEO and president of health provider Bridgewell, said the severe lack of funding has threatened to shut down some of its services. Bridgewell has more than 100 programs across eastern Massachusetts, serving 6,500 people each year in group homes, habilitation programs and mental health clinics in Lowell, Danvers and Lynn.
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Thursday, May 5, 2022
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Thursday, May 5, 2022
As part of its Imagine the Possibilities Gala held on Friday, April 29 at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, Bridgewell honored Lancelot Janitorial & Paper Products owner George Sonia with the 2022 Visionary Leadership Award. Bridgewell’s Visionary Leadership Award is presented to an individual who has provided leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts in support of the Bridgewell community.
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Tuesday, May 3, 2022
URGENT ADVOCACY ALERT It is state budget season and Bridgewell needs your help. We are actively advocating for the state of Massachusetts to increase our funding so we can increase wages for our direct care staff. Governor Baker has allocated $230 million to Chapter 257, the budget line item that funds our services. Along with other community-based human services...
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Sunday, May 1, 2022
Imagine the Possibilities Gala 2022 What an evening! With close to 300 people in the ballroom, we’re happy to announce we’ve raised over $327,000 to support our vital mission. Check back soon for more information and the photo gallery. Congratulations to our Visionary Award Recipient: George Sonia, Lancelot Janitorial & Paper Products Over the years, George Sonia and his team...
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Thursday, April 21, 2022
For 25 years, Bridgewell’s Training Department has been offering a Leadership Training program to Managers, Supervisors and Directors. Known as “Sups Skills,” this course has been organized and facilitated by our Assistant Director of Training Gary LaPierre, our Staff Developer Michael Cotter and a panel of Senior Leaders. For over two decades, it has been modified to meet the needs...
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Tuesday, April 12, 2022
For Autism Awareness Month, Rosewood I and II have been doing weekly themed activities. Last week, participants and staff had a tie-dye t-shirt decorating event and everyone wore their shirts together. There is an emphasis on Acceptance over Awareness this year where the goal is to teach and encourage others to accept everyone no matter their differences or abilities. Click...
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Tuesday, April 5, 2022
As president and CEO of Bridgewell, a large human-services organization that supports more than 6,000 residents of the
commonwealth each year, I have witnessed the adverse effects of inadequate funding for human services, resulting in staffing
shortages and cuts to critically important programs that provide a safety net for thousands in need.
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Don’t miss out on your chance to support Bridgewell’s Special Olympic Teams! Take the plunge on March 26th! *********************************************************************************************************** Join Team Bridgewell on Saturday, March 26, 2022 for an icy cold swim in the Atlantic Ocean! Special Olympics Polar Plunge Registration begins at 10:00 AM | Plunge at 12:00 PM Revere Beach – 300 Ocean Avenue, Revere, MA 02151 Parking is...
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Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Employment Program at Dearborn is moved in! We are thrilled to have this program at our main headquarters – so many great things to come!
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Wednesday, March 16, 2022
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Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Bridgewell Expands Behavioral Health Services in the Merrimack Valley New Clinic to be Called Bridgewell Counseling Services (BCS), Amesbury Amesbury – The Merrimack Valley will gain a new behavioral health clinic as of March 1, 2022 according to Bridgewell, a nonprofit organization that provides human services across eastern Massachusetts. Located at 24 Morrill Place, Amesbury, Massachusetts the clinic will be...
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Wednesday, February 16, 2022
This Valentine’s Day season, Bridgewell’s Roseway Day Program dedicated their art time to creating lovely artwork!
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Wednesday, February 16, 2022
In a few weeks, Bridgewell’s Kelly J. Martin Employment Support program will be moving to our headquarters at 10 Dearborn Road in Peabody. Bridgewell’s Employment program operates out of three different location sites, and serves close to 100 people. Approximately 50 participants will be working out of the new site in Peabody. The Bridgewell headquarters will be a truly inclusive...
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Thursday, February 10, 2022
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Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Through a grant from The Administration for Community Living, Bridgewell is working with local aging agency (AGESPAN) and educational organization (Shriver Center at UMASS) and fellow service provider (Fidelity House) to develop trainings for Caregivers of People Aging with IDD. Families and guardians can receive a $25 gift card when you complete these informative new trainings! A similar training is...
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Tuesday, January 11, 2022
January 11, 2022 Dear Family Members and Guardians, I hope you enjoyed the holiday season. I am sure you are aware that the nation is in the middle of a COVID-19 surge which is expected to last until February. This is not how any of us wanted to start 2022, but we are hopeful that this surge will pass quickly...
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Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Earlier this month, Bridgewell’s five day programs held a Door Decorating Contest. Each of the five day habilitation programs had their own door contest and the winning door made its entry into a larger contest, which was highlighted and shared on Bridgewell’s social media channels. Congrats to the winning room from Rosewood Drive on their “Take an sELFie Door!” Winning...
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Wednesday, December 15, 2021
As a result of a generous luncheon donation to the Bridgewell Roseway Day program, program participants passed forward the holiday spirit by donating toys for children connected to Bridgewell’s services. After running out of options for affordably catering the program’s annual Thanksgiving luncheon, Program Director Amanda Murray called George at Brother’s Deli in Lynn, who donated the entire meal. Due...
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Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Inge Peters, our Chief Human Resources Officer, is retiring from Bridgewell this week! Inge has worked in human resources for more than 38 years, including work with both for-profit and non-profit organizations. She has led our human resources function, including recruitment, compensation and benefits, payroll, employee and union relations, safety, employee training, and Bridgewell’s Center for Professional Development for more...
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Sunday, December 5, 2021
Over the past few weeks Bridgewell held three immunization clinics and provided over 500 Covid-19 boosters and seasonal flu shots to staff and people in Bridgewell’s services. On the way to the clinic, Orlando, who attends Roseway Day Program, found out that Amy Saunders, who works at Roseway, is not a fan of needles so he offered to help her...
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Tuesday, November 30, 2021
LYNN — George Markos, owner of Brothers Deli on Market Street, catered and donated Thanksgiving meals for more than 25 people at Bridgewell’s Roseway Day Services in Danvers on Wednesday...
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Wednesday, November 24, 2021
When Roseway Day Center’s Program Director Amanda Murray started making calls to see who would be able to cater the annual Thanksgiving luncheon, she was running out of luck based on timing and budget – until she called George at Brother’s Deli in Lynn. Not only did he accommodate the request, but he said, “I’ll take care of it!” and...
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Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Congratulations to Beverly Clarke, who recently retired from Bridgewell as our VP of Housing and Recovery Services, for being awarded the 2021 Lynn Continuum of Care Beacon of Hope Award. This award recognizes those who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others, demonstrate dignity and respect, and represent a true sense of community. Thank...
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Tuesday, November 23, 2021
As we enter into this holiday season during this phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts and across the country, we are providing this guidance to families on celebrating Thanksgiving and winter holidays with your loved ones who reside in a congregate setting including a nursing home, rest home, assisted living residence or group home. The best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safe this holiday season is to get vaccinated and to avoid holiday gatherings if you are not well. The safest way to celebrate is at home, with the people you live with.
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Friday, November 12, 2021
Bridgewell's 2021 Fall Newsletter includes Day of Giving Recap, Flutie 5K Foundation Update and Turning 22 information.
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Friday, November 12, 2021
Yes! Please send emails about Family Support Center events, workshops and more.
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Friday, November 5, 2021
Shannon Kaiser has joined the Bridgewell team as Director of Family and Community Services! Shannon is a passionate advocate for all families and brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Tell us about your past experience and what brought you to Bridgewell? My proudest position to date is being a mother and wife. My husband Bryan and I...
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Wednesday, November 3, 2021
PEABODY — Organizations like Bridgewell, that support and empower people with disabilities, help secure employment in different ways: through volunteer situations, direct employment, or a group-supported model.
Group-supported employment means that, depending on their skills and personal situations, individuals come to work as a group with a job coach who can help them with any issues at the job site. There is usually a ratio in the group of the maximum number of clients per job coach.
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Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Bridgewell’s Roseway Day Habilitation Program has turned into the Spooky Way. Program participants and staff have transformed our peaceful day program into a spooky, haunted spot! Many members of the Bridgewell community have gone through, including Bridgewell’s leadership team – and they will never be the same. Thank you to everyone at Spookyway for putting together such entertainment! Adding more...
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Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Bridgewell now provides public alerts related to weather delays and closings through our emergency notification system, Regroup. Please use the form below if you would like to become a subscriber. You can always reply STOP to a text message alert if you wish to remove yourself from the alerts.
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Friday, October 22, 2021
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Residents and staff in Dracut commemorated the occasion with a pink ribbon cake and by wearing pink and decorating the home with pink balloons and streamers. Betty, who lives in a Bridgewell residence, is a 16-year survivor of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness is very close to her heart, and she was excited to...
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Tuesday, October 5, 2021
For the past few months, a small group of women from Bridgewell’s Women’s Program, Johnson Street, have been working with local artist Mary Flannery at her art studio, Great Art Studio for art therapy sessions. Through expressing themselves with art, the women hosted a small private art show on September 29 and plan to develop this into a larger recovery...
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Thursday, September 30, 2021
We need your help – strength in numbers. Last week, Collaborative members presented testimony to the committee on our three-pronged funding proposal for American Rescue Plan Act funds, which includes: $174 million per year over five years for funding to support recruitment/retention initiatives in the human services workforce $27 million over five years for a student loan repayment program; and...
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Thursday, September 30, 2021
LYNN — The Great Art Studio (GAS) in Central Square has been working with five women from Bridgewell’s Johnson Street residential treatment program to incorporate art into their recovery from substance use disorders.
GAS has been working with the women since August to create a body of work called the “Bundle of Hope,” which includes written and painted reminders of why they are working to overcome addiction.
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Wednesday, September 29, 2021
PEABODY ― Bridgewell and Newhall Fields Community Farms are partnering together for a “Day of Giving” on Tuesday, Oct. 5.
The theme of the event is “Give back. Give time. Give a gift.” A team of approximately 40 Bridgewell staff members, volunteers, and clients, along with about a dozen farm volunteers, will be on hand to help to not only spread their organizations’ missions, but to dig and get their hands dirty, helping to harvest some of the many varieties of organic produce grown on the farm.
Thursday, September 23, 2021
In September, over 40 people ran or walked for Bridgewell’s team at the Flutie Foundation’s 5K for Autism: Dougie’s Epic Adventure at Belkin Family Lookout Farm in Natick. Ten members of the team participated virtually with the Flutie 5K Your Way option. Over $4,200 was raised by the team and directly goes to Bridgewell’s autism programs. The Flutie Foundation has...
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Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Bridgewell Welcomes Jennifer Burzyk as Nurse Practitioner PEABODY, Mass, September 22 – Bridgewell, a local nonprofit providing social and human services empowering people with disabilities and other life challenges to live safe, self-directed and productive lives, today announced the appointment of Jennifer Burzyk, APRN as Nurse Practitioner for Bridgewell Counseling Services in Lowell, MA. As a family nurse practitioner and a...
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Sunday, August 15, 2021
Community Movement of Generosity Give Back, Give Time, Give a Gift In October, Bridgewell held its annual Day of Giving, a community movement of generosity and a time to spread awareness of what we do, how we serve the community, and an opportunity for the community to support Bridgewell. Through an American Red Cross Blood Drive at our headquarters...
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Thursday, August 5, 2021
At Bridgewell, our team delivers on our mission to inspire hope and empower people experiencing life challenges to achieve their fullest potential. One critical area of need for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is building independent living skills as they graduate, upon turning 22 years old, from residential educational environments. Bridgewell recently launched a pilot program in partnership with...
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Thursday, July 29, 2021
Bridgewell is excited to be a charity partner of the Flutie Foundation’s 5K for Autism: Dougie’s Epic Adventure! We invite you to join Bridgewell’s Team to walk or run and help raise funds for our autism programs. You can sign up to join us and attend the event on September 12th at Lookout Farm in Natick, or you can sign...
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Thursday, July 29, 2021
BRIDGEWELL SECTION 8 Mainstream PROJECT-BASED VOUCHER PROGRAM (PBV) August 1, 2021 Bridgewell is soliciting proposals from local property owners with existing multifamily projects to participate in the Section 8 Mainstream Project Based Voucher program. The project must be designed to assist non-elderly persons with disabilities and their families who were previously homeless and who are currently in permanent supportive housing...
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Thursday, May 27, 2021
May 26, 2021 Dear Families and Guardians, The State of Massachusetts is reopening and lifting more and more of its COVID restrictions as people continue to become vaccinated. With the reopening, many of you have been questioning what this means for people who live in our residential programs and attend our day programs. Bridgewell-operated day programs continue to follow the...
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Wednesday, May 12, 2021
As the saying goes, most are happy to have a roof over their head and food on the table. Unfortunately, many in our community aren’t connected to those simple luxuries; from housing shortages, increased cost of living, and unemployment issues that are ever-present in our communities, which are deeply rooted causes of homelessness (among others). Of course, the pandemic made these complex issues even more difficult to contend with. Rewind...
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Monday, May 3, 2021
When coping with behavioral health challenges, individuals in our programs and their families must remain connected to support services. Whether through community housing, day programs, or employment services, Bridgewell is that connection—a connection that empowers individuals to live safe, self-directed, and productive lives. A year ago, that connectivity was under threat of being disconnected. The pandemic forced Bridgewell to close day programs and employment support programs....
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Thursday, April 22, 2021
Over the last year, the world has changed dramatically and has impacted so many aspects of our lives. For those with disabilities and their families, the disruption has hit them hard. Access to services is so critical to the health and wellness of these individuals that there was no option to shut down. As a result, many of our Bridgewell...
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Friday, April 16, 2021
More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, our community, like many others, is feeling a lack of social connection. Despite the challenges we’ve faced, Bridgewell has continued to deliver on its mission by forging connections with those in our programs and their families, the community, and our staff. Early in the pandemic, Bridgewell was forced to close day programs...
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Wednesday, March 10, 2021
March 10, 2021 Dear Colleagues, On March 10, 2020 Governor Baker declared a state of emergency for Massachusetts due to growing concerns over the spread of coronavirus infections. On March 13, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services for Massachusetts closed all day programs and put restrictions in place for all congregate care programs. That was one year...
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Tuesday, March 2, 2021
March 2, 2021 Dear Bridgewell family members and guardians, As the positivity rate and the number of COVID-19 cases continues to decline in the state of Massachusetts, Bridgewell has decided to update its residential visitation guidelines to include indoor on-site, off-site and overnight visits. In addition, there will no longer be any restrictions regarding cities or towns being in a...
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Monday, February 22, 2021
February 19, 2021 Dear Bridgewell family members and guardians, I am pleased to let you know that as of today, 97% of the individuals residing in our residential programs and 45% of our residential staff have received the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, we have seen a drop in the “red zone” cities across the state of Massachusetts....
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Monday, February 8, 2021
February 3, 2021 Dear Bridgewell Family Members and Guardians, We are so glad that people who attend and staff who work in our day programs will soon have the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in this first phase of the MA vaccine rollout plan. COVID-19 infection rates and hospitalizations seem to be on a gradual decline – a trend...
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Monday, February 8, 2021
February 3, 2021 Dear Bridgewell Family Members and Guardians, We are so glad that 576 people living in and staff working in our residential homes have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to date, and clinics to administer the second dose are starting to be held this week. While COVID-19 infection rates and hospitalizations seem to be on...
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Monday, January 11, 2021
Dear Bridgewell staff team: Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed the holiday season and 2021 is off to a good start for you. I know 2020 was a very challenging year, but I am optimistic about our path ahead in 2021, particularly as the COVID-19 vaccines are now being rolled out. Today is an exciting day; individuals and staff...
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Friday, December 18, 2020
Message from Commissioner Jane F. Ryder. Dear DDS Community: As always, let me start by saying thank you. You have shown commitment, creativity, and patience since last March. We are in the midst of a second surge and you are again demonstrating your resilience during these difficult winter months. At long last, the COVID-19 vaccination is on the horizon. With...
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Monday, December 14, 2020
Please click here for Bridgewell’s updated Visitation Guidelines letter from Chief Operating Officer, Elaine White, effective Monday, December 14, 2020
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Wednesday, November 25, 2020
In this time of uncertainty, there is a fundamental truth that gives us hope – that together we can do extraordinary things. Over the past few weeks and months, the entire world has come together to stand up, to help out, to give back, and to heal. Whether that is through donating to community organizations like Bridgewell, celebrating doctors and...
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Monday, November 23, 2020
We all know how difficult this year has been due to the pandemic – from losing loved ones to economic hardships, we each have faced challenges that have forced us to take a step back and consider what we are grateful for. Bridgewell has also endured challenges – we have closed programs, revamped our clinics, invested in safety and cleaning...
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Monday, November 16, 2020
BOSTON GLOBE - A downtown Lynn facility that provides short-term housing and medical care for homeless people with health needs is in danger of closing next summer because it is running out of funds.
Since opening in early 2018, the Recuperative Care Center, located on the second floor of 73 Buffum St., has served more than 150 homeless adults — 42 of whom were able to successfully transition to permanent housing.
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Tuesday, November 10, 2020
LYNN - For the past three years, Bridgewell's Recuperative Care Center has provided temporary housing and medical care for the city's homeless after they are discharged from the hospital.
However, while city and state officials recognize the services provided by the recuperative care center, located downtown on Buffum Street, are much-needed in the community, "nobody at this point is willing to pay for it," said Bridgewell CEO Chris Tuttle.
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Monday, November 9, 2020
November 9, 2020 Dear Bridgewell Family Member and Guardians, Since the beginning of the pandemic, Bridgewell has been extremely vigilant with its health and safety practices as we continue to navigate COVID-19. We realize that this has been challenging for all and it has been our goal to keep you informed and to share our practices. Massachusetts is currently experiencing...
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Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Kipu Health reported that the number of opioid overdoses in large cities has risen by 54% in 16 states since the start of the pandemic. With October being National Prevention Month, it is more important than ever to bring awareness to substance use disorders. Bridgewell’s prevention programs focus on getting in front of substance use disorders and intervening before recovery...
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Wednesday, October 14, 2020
COMMONWEALTH MAGAZINE - As of this writing, the death toll from COVID-19 is high and continuing to rise. Hundreds of thousands more have fallen ill before recovering. And curbing the spread of the disease has necessitated incalculable economic damage, shuttering main streets across the country and casting millions into unemployment. As catastrophic as the damage has been, those in the recovery community know that it has imposed a cost not reflected in the official statistics.
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Friday, September 25, 2020
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) have updated their visitation policies to include guidelines and requirements for indoor visitations, effective as of October 1, 2020. DDS Residential Programs Indoor Visitation Policy BSAS Indoor Visitation Policy
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Thursday, September 17, 2020
This has been a momentous but rewarding year for Bridgewell and our clients. Despite the challenges the pandemic has presented, Bridgewell’s Recovery Services staff has worked tirelessly to continue serving people with substance use disorders through treatment, housing and job placements. This National Recovery Month, Bridgewell is focusing on the small successes and ways our recovery programs have adapted during...
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Tuesday, August 18, 2020
MERRIMACK VALLEY - Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and North Shore (ESMV-NS) was one of only a dozen organizations in the country and the only one in the Commonwealth to receive a new Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative grant from the federal Administration for Community Living. The award is for a total of $854,147 over a three-year project period.
ESMV-NS will start a training program at Bridgewell Inc. and Fidelity House Human Services & Career Resources Corp., for staff who work adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
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Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Once a month, Bridgewell’s Women’s Program, Johnson Street holds a weekend unity event of fun, self-care and team building activities to celebrate the women’s sobriety and to work on their relational skills with one another. Staff is actively involved in creating a theme, planning the events, facilitating the activities and actively participating throughout the weekend. With COVID-19 restrictions, they have...
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Thursday, July 16, 2020
Email from Bridgewell's Vice President, Day Habilitation & Community Engagement Stacey Leibowitz to Parents and Guardians updating on the opening of our Day Habilitation Program later this month.
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Friday, July 10, 2020
Bridgewell shifted to virtual programming amid COVID-19 to provide a resource for families who depend on structure and routine. Judith Doherty, program director of Bridgewell's Family Support Center talks about the impact of virtual programming and how we're providing a resource for families.
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Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Dear Family, Guardians and Bridgewell community, On July 2, 2020, EOHHS released guidelines and protocols regarding the reopening of day programs. This coincides with Massachusetts entering Phase 3 of its reopening plan on July 6th. In preparation for Phase 3, Bridgewell has been working to develop safety protocols and standards so that we are ready to re-open in a fashion...
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Thursday, July 2, 2020
July 2, 2020 Dear Parents and Guardians, I am pleased to share with you that the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has announced guidelines for expanded on-site visitations and the commencement of off-site visitations, effective July 3, 2020. I also want to share the attestation form that DDS requires parents/guardians to submit when the person served returns to their...
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Thursday, June 18, 2020
The annual Imagine the Possibilities Gala is our signature event to raise funds to support the individualized needs of people in our care. Unfortunately, adapting our Gala originally scheduled at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston is one of several unanticipated challenges Bridgewell has faced amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As a non-profit, we depend on the funds raised from this...
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Thursday, June 11, 2020
Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Christopher Tuttle, President & CEO, and today is Thursday, June 11. As of this morning, we have 3 staff members and 5 people in our services who are currently positive with COVID-19. I am very happy to share that on Saturday DDS announced that residential program visitations can now resume. On Monday we...
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Monday, June 8, 2020
June 8, 2020 Dear Parents and Guardians, I am pleased to share with you that the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has announced that visitations can resume beginning Wednesday, June 10. Please find below the guidelines under which visits will be conducted. These guidelines insure visitations adhere to recommended DDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Massachusetts...
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Friday, June 5, 2020
Email from President & CEO Christopher Tuttle to Parents and Guardians updating on new protocols for our Day Habilitation Programs and residential program visitations for when they resume operations.
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Friday, June 5, 2020
Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Christopher Tuttle, President & CEO, and today is Thursday, June 4th. As of this morning, we have 3 staff members and 10 people in our services who are currently positive with COVID-19. In the next few days, we expect to hear from DDS when on site residential program visitations can begin and the...
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Thursday, May 28, 2020
Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Christopher Tuttle, President & CEO, and today is Thursday, May 28. As of this morning, we have 1 staff member and 11 people in our services who are currently positive with COVID-19. In the next couple of weeks, I hope to be able to share with you information on when visitations can happen...
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Thursday, May 28, 2020
The month of May is dedicated to raising mental health awareness, but more work needs to be done to ensure that people who are struggling get the help they need year-round. This year, the coronavirus pandemic has taken an increased toll on mental health. Necessary confinement protocols have led to increased stress levels and anxiety, triggering deeper mental health issues...
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Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Official Message from DDS Commissioner Ryder to Families To: DDS Individuals and Families From: Commissioner Jane F. Ryder Date: 5/22/2020 Subject: Coronavirus Update for Individuals and Families Dear DDS Community: Much has happened in the weeks since my last message. I’d like to provide an update on the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) response to COVID-19 as of Friday, May...
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Thursday, May 21, 2020
Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Christopher Tuttle, President & CEO, and today is Thursday, May 21. As of this morning, we have 8 staff and 18 people in our services who are currently positive with COVID-19. In the next couple of weeks, I hope to be able to share with you initial information on our next steps in...
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Monday, May 18, 2020
Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Christopher Tuttle, President & CEO, and today is Monday, May 18. As of this morning, we have 8 staff and 23 people in our services who are currently positive with COVID-19. At this point, most of our programs have been tested through mobile testing. As I have been saying, we’re not out of...
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Thursday, May 14, 2020
Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Christopher Tuttle, President & CEO, and today is Thursday, May 14. As of this morning, we have 8 staff and 30 people in our services who are currently positive with COVID-19. We also have several staff who have passed their quarantine period but have not yet returned to work. At this time, approximately...
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Monday, May 11, 2020
Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Christopher Tuttle, President & CEO, and today is Monday, May 11. As of this morning, we have 31 staff and 30 people in our services currently positive with COVID-19. I’m happy to report that a significant number of negative mobile testing results came in over the weekend. While we’re not out of the...
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Friday, May 8, 2020
Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Elaine White, Chief Operating Officer and today is Thursday, May 7. As of this morning, we have 41 staff and 31 people in our services currently positive with COVID-19. These numbers continue to fluctuate daily as new test results come in and people finish their 14 day quarantine. I anticipate we will continue...
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Monday, May 4, 2020
Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Christopher Tuttle President & CEO and today is Monday, May 4. As of this morning, we currently have 22 staff and 21 people in our services positive with COVID-19. These numbers continue to fluctuate daily as new test results come in and people finish their 14 day quarantine. I anticipate we will continue...
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Friday, May 1, 2020
Bridgewell’s Day Habilitation Programs, Employment Support Programs and Transportation Services will not be opening on Monday, May 4 due to Massachusetts extending the non-essential business closures and stay at home advisory until May 18. We have not yet been notified by the Commonwealth when these programs can reopen. We will notify you as soon as we hear; it will not necessarily be...
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Thursday, April 30, 2020
Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Christopher Tuttle President & CEO and today is Thursday, April 30. Over the last two weeks, the DDS Fallon mobile testing unit has been to about a third of our programs, testing both staff and individuals. While results have been coming in on an ongoing basis, we received large batches of test results...
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Monday, April 27, 2020
Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Christopher Tuttle President & CEO and today is Monday, April 27. Starting off this week, we have 39 staff and 11 people in our services who are currently positive with COVID-19. Mobile testing continues to take place and we are working with DDS to make sure all Bridgewell residences are tested. We are...
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Thursday, April 23, 2020
Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Christopher Tuttle President & CEO and today is Thursday, April 23. As of this week, we have 37 staff who are positive. We have 11 people in our services who are currently positive with three who have recovered. You likely heard that Governor Baker has closed Massachusetts schools for the remainder of the...
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Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, millions of people across the U.S. are under stay-at-home advisories. Self-isolation and social distancing have become the new norm, presenting an extraordinary challenge for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities such as autism, as well as their caretakers, who depend on us for a sense of structure and routine. The measures taken to reduce the...
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Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Bridgewell CEO Chris Tuttle said his front-line workers have been demoralized after the state agreed last week to give hazard pay to human services workers that are employed by the state. Meanwhile, workers doing the same jobs for private agencies like Bridgewell during the coronavirus pandemic are not getting extra pay despite facing the same risks, he said.
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Monday, April 20, 2020
Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Christopher Tuttle President & CEO and today is Monday, April 20. As of this morning, we have eleven people in our services who are currently positive and one who has recovered. Everyone is doing well and recuperating. We currently have 39 staff who are positive and five people who have recovered and are...
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Monday, April 20, 2020
Advocacy Bridgewell needs your help right now! This past week, all state employees who work in I/DD group homes received a $5 or $10 per hour “hazard pay” increase for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis, but there was no “hazard pay” allocated for the staff of community providers, like Bridgewell. Tell Governor Baker to rectify this disparity for essential...
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Friday, April 17, 2020
Bridgewell is quite grateful to have received in-kind donations ranging from face shields and masks to food. Alene Candles in Milford, NH revamped their factory to make face shields instead of candles. Director of Residential Services Jess was able to secure a generous donation of 1,000 face shields which she picked up on Wednesday from their facility and delivered to various Bridgewell programs in need. The Doug Flutie Foundation donated 50 face shields for our residential homes and Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change donated face shields for those medically fragile...
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Thursday, April 16, 2020
Being holed up at home with kids, partner, or other family members can be tough. But some people now have the added challenge of staying home with children who have intense developmental disabilities — children who are
normally in day programs or live in group homes.
Kara normally lives at a residence operated by Bridgewell, which runs programs for people with disabilities in the Merrimack Valley-North Shore area.
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