News

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

This month’s Bridgewell’s Adult Recreation and Education program events included cookie decorating, making holiday ornaments and everyone’s favorite game: Jingo Bingo. The group visited one of their favorite spots: Clay Dreaming in Beverly. They each created a ceramic popcorn box, which was then filled with everything you need for a movie night. Very festive classes to bring out the holiday spirit! Other...

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, Bridgewell decorated and distributed close to 500 pieces of winter gear to Bridgewell’s programs including our affordable housing and recovery programs as well as other local community organizations, including Lynn Economic Opportunity, Inc. Bridgewell’s Self Advocates volunteered to embellish the new items by pinning on decorated holiday tags.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

A tradition continues! Boston Street Center held its sixth annual holiday concert to kick off the season last week. It was a full house with family members, guardians, friends and staff members cheering them on and joining in on the singing. The performance was directed by Debbie Eldred. And thank you to following staff: Donna DeRosier, who handmade all the...

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Bridgewell’s Adult Recreation and Education program hosted their annual Holiday Brunch at the Salem Moose Family Center. More than 150 individuals and staff attended with several volunteers serving a delicious breakfast. Music was provided by DJ CC for dancing and a few “Bridgewell Carolers” had folks joining in for a sing-a-long.  The event was capped off with a visit from...

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Program Director Betsy Stockwell and Assistant Program Director Amanda Murray surprised staff during Direct Support Professional Week with little gifts to say thank you and raffles supported by local businesses. Staff was recognized every day of the week with little gestures – donuts, hand sanitizer, life savers, gum and the week ended with a staff lunch. Throughout the week, there...

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Northeast Regional Director of the Department of Developmental Services Mandy Chalmers will be retiring after a 44 year career with the Department of Developmental Services. Mandy started her career at the Fernald Developmental Center and then worked at the DDS Central Office as Chief of Staff to the Commissioner.  Mandy was DDS’s go-to staff person for any difficult assignments. In...

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

With more than 400 people in attendance, Bridgewell’s second Living Longer: Aging with Intellectual Disability Conference was a success. Dr. Julie Moran presented her keynote “Reflecting Back, Looking Ahead:  What’s New in Aging and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.” During her introduction, Commissioner Elin Howe praised Bridgewell’s ongoing commitment to aging adults with disabilities. Commissioner Howe discussed what the state is doing...

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Join Walpole Police Chief John Carmichael, Massachusetts State Senator Jason Lewis, Brian W. O’Connor, MD, Massachusetts Association of Health Boards, and the Greater Lowell Health Alliance Substance Use and Prevention—Marijuana Subcommittee as we present: THE IMPACTS OF MARIJUANA Strategies to Address Related Health, Social, and Legal Issues LOWELL GENERAL HOSPITAL 295 Varnum Avenue, Lowell (Valet or Parking in Garage) Wednesday,...

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Last month, Bridgewell held its first Bridgewell Day at the Topsfield Fairgrounds. We had close to 1,000 members of the Bridgewell community attend, including staff, individuals in our services, board members, family and friends. NECN’s Joy Lim Nakrin welcomed the crowd and shared remarks with President & CEO Bob Stearns and Board Chair Jeff Roy. This event was a celebration...

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Earlier this month, Tom Gould, owner of Treadwell’s Ice Cream and Peabody City Councilor, toured Bridgewell programs including a residence for young adults with autism in Peabody, Rosewood Drive Day Habilitation programs in Danvers and a women’s recovery program in Lynn. He saw many familiar faces from his work with the Challenger League as well as his community ties. Bridgewell is...

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Team Bridgewell participated in the 2016 Summer Games held at Boston University and Harvard University from June 3-5. It was a great weekend with 11 staff members, 1 peer coach, 32 athletes who competed in 73 events! Team Bridgewell Brought Home: Gold Medals -28 Silver Medals – 16 Bronze Medals – 12 4th place ribbons – 7 5th place ribbons –...

Thursday, June 23, 2016

What a great show! Bridgewell resident Florence went to the Dolly Parton concert earlier this week in Boston. She’s a long time fan of Dolly and has all of her CD’s, her book and watches the movie of her life incessantly. Pictured with staff member Renee Brown at the show.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Join us to learn more about our services and meet our staff! Se Habla Espanol – Vea Abajo! Tuesday, June 14, 2016 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm or Wednesday, June 22, 2016 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm 162 Boston Street, Lynn, MA Opened in 2016, the Family Support Center provides a variety of services to north shore families from diverse...

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

A few pictures from Bridgewell’s Adult Recreation and Education Cinco de Mayo party earlier this month!

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Tuesday, June 28, 2016 – Thursday, June 30, 2016 University of MA Medical School – Shrewsbury Amphitheatre 333 South St. Shrewsbury, Massachusetts 01545 NTG’s National Model Workshop: Dementia Capable Care of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities & Dementia REGISTRATION FOR THIS WORKSHOP IS BEING OFFERED AT A GREATLY REDUCED PRICE DUE TO THE GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL...

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Program Director Lori-ann Giamanco put together an amazing 70th Birthday Party for Charlene, who lives in a Bridgewell residence and attends our Boston Street Day Hab program. No detail was overlooked – from invitations, to centerpieces to picture boards and of course a beautiful cake – it was a great celebration! Held at Prince Pizzeria, there were over 60 people...

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

The All-­Stars program, funded by the DA’s office through the Lynn Police Department, is a research-­based curriculum geared towards middle school students. Project COPE, an affiliate of Bridgewell, is providing a clinician, focusing on substance use prevention. The program is focused on helping participating students develop leadership skills and avoid self­-destructive behaviors. In April, the All Stars program held a family...

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

The Tim Tebow Foundation sponsored a worldwide prom, “Night to Shine” for people with special needs over Valentine’s Day weekend. The local Night to Shine was hosted by the North Shore Community Baptist Church in Beverly.   Click here to see professional photos and a video from the night! Bridgewell had more than 40 individuals in attendance with over 30...

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Earlier this month, Dr. Julie Moran toured Bridgewell’s Boston Street Day Habilitation Center and Wedgemere Road, Bridgewell’s residential program for individuals with developmental disability experiencing signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Moran is receiving the Excellence in Service award at the 2015 Imagine the Possibilities Gala. She is a geriatrician specializing in older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).  She...

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Earlier this month, Pathfinder staff worked in collaboration with Bridgewell nursing staff to host a “Cold Weather” event for all Pathfinder Outreach clients. The team served over four gallons of hot chocolate while the nurses presented on staying safe in cold weather. At the event, staff gave away over 30 thermal shirts and 60 pairs on warm socks. Pathfinder is...

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Earlier this month, Bridgewell’s Boston Street Center held its fifth annual holiday concert. A wonderful way to kick off the holiday season! Over 60 families, guardians, friends and staff members attended and even joined in the singing. The crowd declared this was the best concert yet! Directed by Debbie Eldred pictured above with Mrs. Claus, also known as Amanda Murray....

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Late last month, two of Bridgewell’s Employment Supports Individuals Lois and Jacob participated in an art show as part of the Edinburg Center’s 6th Annual Rock into Recovery 5K run/walk and Festival. The event took place at the Waltham Common and featured artists from various backgrounds and with developmental, physical and psychiatric disabilities. With more than 200 runners, the common was...

Thursday, September 17, 2015

In celebration of 50 years of service, Solimine Funeral Homes hosted ice cream socials throughout the community. The Solimine Family has been long-time supporters of Bridgewell through donations to our Imagine the Possibilities Gala as well as assisting with funeral arrangements for individuals in our program. We appreciate all you do for Bridgewell and the community! Thank you for hosting an ice...

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Boston Street’s Community-Based Day Supports program reached their summer garden goals – they were able to harvest enough produce to make a sizeable donation to the Haven from Hunger’s Food Pantry. The group donated carrots, tomatoes, onions, Swiss chard and herbs. They spent all summer planting, wedding and watering their garden with the hope of making this donation to help the...

Thursday, August 27, 2015

A big thank you to the Institution for Savings Charitable Foundation! The Institution for Savings Charitable Foundation provided a grant to purchase two beach wheelchairs for residents at our Mudnock Road home. Each year, residents at this home save their money and together rent a house on Plum Island for one week during the summer. Four of the five residents...

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

  Individuals from Bridgewell’s Lewis Street and Columbia Road residences, volunteered to help make re-useable bags to be donated to a local food pantry. These bags will be distributed at the pantry to help people carry their groceries home. Being re-useable, and will help the pantry save money. Zoe, who has been very involved in Bridgewell’s Adult Recreation and Education program,...

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Earlier this week, a group of Team Bridgewell athletes, friends and staff participated in writing letters and drawing pictures to support the Special Olympic World Games athletes in Los Angeles. Good luck to all the athletes competing this weekend! Click here to learn more about the World Games.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Residential Supervisor Nicole Doucette-Page, Program Director Raquel Rodriguez and Program Director Nastasia Shah graduated from the Nonprofit Human Service Management Certificate Program through The Providers’ Council & Suffolk University. The 2015 Commencement Exercise was held on July 9 at Suffolk University. The Certificate in Nonprofit Human Service Management is a year-long, graduate-level certificate program designed for mid-career professionals in nonprofit organizations....

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Bridgewell’s annual tradition continued this year with our Employee Recognition Night in May. This year, 170 employees reached milestones ranging from 3 to 35 employment anniversaries, adding up to a 1,115 years of service. More than 400 people attended including employees, Board of Directors and families and friends. Highest Service Award Recipients: Mark Kennard of Beverly, 35 years (pictured, left) Gary...

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

President & CEO Bob Stearns stopped by to say thank you to all our nurses for their service! From residential to day habilitation programs, our growing nursing staff supports all the individuals we serve to keep everyone safe, healthy and happy. Thank you for all you do at Bridgewell! 

Thursday, May 7, 2015

On April 22, twenty-one residents and staff from five different homes attended the Shriner’s Circus in Wilmington. To organize such an outing is quite the endeavor! But, staff worked together – the programs shared program 5 vans to accommodate wheelchair bound residents and all staff worked together to make sure everyone was safe and happy. A big thank you to...

Thursday, April 16, 2015

This was a record-breaking year for Bridgewell! We raised more than $339,000 with the support of our donors, attendees and sponsors. Thank you for your support! [album id=12 template=extend] Click here to watch the 2014 Imagine the Possibilities Gala video! Congratulations to our honorees! Excellence in Service Award Bill Fine, President & General Manager, WCVB-TV Channel 5 Visionary Leadership Award Helen...

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Save the Date! February 28, 2015 12:00 Revere Beach The weather on February 28th could very well be exactly as it is today – perfect for a dip in the lovely Atlantic Ocean! What better time to try on your favorite swimsuit than in February? Pictured above: 2014 Bridgewell’s Polar Plunge team Team Bridgewell will once again be participating in...

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Recently participants from Bridgewell’s Community Based Day Supports (CBDS) have been going to volunteer at Phillips Manor Nursing Home in Lynn. Some of the favorite activities of the volunteers and the residents include hand massages with aroma therapy lotions, seated exercises to music, reading and listening to stories and spending time together. CBDS participant Elaine says, “Greeting the ladies with...

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Individuals from Bridgewell’s specialized autism residences visited the Boston Opera House for an autism friendly performance of The Lion King last month. This performance is a push to create more inclusive and inviting environment for individuals with autism to enjoy live theater.  They all had a great time!

Thursday, October 30, 2014

In October 2014, Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary John Polanowicz toured Bridgewell’s Rosewood I and II Day Habilitation programs to learn more about the unique services offered to young adults with autism transitioning into adult services. Secretary Polanowicz oversees 15 state agencies in his role including Department of Developmental Services, which funds most of Bridgewell’s programs. Pictured...

Thursday, October 30, 2014

This summer, WCVB-TV Channel Five’s President and General Manager Bill Fine, this year’s 2014 Excellence in Service Award recipient, toured Bridgewell’s Boston Street Day Habilitation Center. He met several individuals, learned about the programming and shook a lot of hands. Pictured: Bill poses with Michael for a photo during his tour. This award is presented each year at the Imagine...

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Bridgewell is expanding its autism support services. We are opening new residences in July, August and September! Join our growing organization and become part of our new autism services as a Behavior Support Professional, Program Director or Assistant Program Director. Requirements: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED with A.A. or BA preferred in psychology, social work, criminal justice,...

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

2013 Rodger Hebert Quality of Care Recipient: Supervisor of Clinical Support Services Laurel Ciavarri received the inaugural Rodger Hebert Quality of Care Award. Pictured above: Laurel (center) with Rodger’s wife Justine and son Tyler Hebert. Click here to learn more about the award. According to several nomination forms, Laurel continuously Displays Dignity & Respect by serving on the Human Rights Committee, Peer Review committee and CRT committee….all of which promotes respect...

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Bridgewell is pleased to present the 2014 Rodger Hebert Quality of Care award to: Nancy Marticio, Director of Day & Residential Services This year, we received 13 essay nominations in support of 10 Bridgewell employees to be considered for the Rodger Hebert Quality of Care Award, also known as The Rodger Award. According to her nomination, Nancy sees everyone as...

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

On May 14, 2014, Bridgewell held its annual Employee Recognition Night at Danversport Yacht Club in Danvers. Close to 400 Bridgewell staff members and their families attended to celebrate employee milestones from 3 years of service to 30 years! This year, Director of Day and Residential Services Nancy Marticio received the Rodger Hebert Quality of Care Award. Click the link...