News

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Last year, Program Director Shannon Winn ran the Boston Marathon for Team Special Olympics MA. Unfortunately, due to the tragic Marathon Bombings, Shannon was unable to complete the race but luckily was unharmed during the brutal attack. This year, Team SOMA awarded all of last year’s runners with complementary bibs, so they could again run the Marathon! On Monday April 21, Shannon...

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

We are taking the Plunge! Are you going to join us? If you don’t think that jumping into the icy Atlantic Ocean in February is fun and invigorating…… Do something rewarding and make a donation to Team Bridgewell! Bridgewell’s Team Page for 2014 Polar Plunge Click the link above to learn more! On February 22, Team Bridgewell will be participating...

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

To support National Depression Screening Day on October 10, Bridgewell will be holding an open to the public screening session on Wednesday, November 6. Bridgewell clinicians will be conducting confidential evaluations at 35 Market Street in Lowell from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. We will have online and paper screening for depression, anxiety and PTSD. What: National Depression Screening Day...

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Please support the Bridgewell Team for this year’s Northeastern MA Walk to End Alzheimer’s! Date: Sunday, September 29, 2013 Location: 200 Brickstone Square, Andover, MA Schedule of Events: 8:30 am – Registration Opens 9:00 am – Opening Ceremony 10:00 am – Walk Route Opens Walk Route Distance: 3 mile and 1 mile route options Parking: Plenty of free parking on-site...

Friday, August 2, 2013

August 2013 Last month, Bridgewell held an open house at our much-anticipated Lewis Street Apartments in Lynn! Pictured: Residents pose for a photo with Residential Supervisor Jennifer Thompson and Assistant Program Director Daniel Nadeau. Many family members, friends, Bridgewell staff and friends of Bridgewell attended to celebrate the opening of this wonderful facility and welcome Bill, Sharon, Andrew, Sarah, Karen,...

Thursday, May 2, 2013

On April 25, 2013, Bridgewell held an open house at our new Rosewood Drive Day Habilitation program. Pictured: Connor shows his mother his classroom and recent projects. It was a wonderful event!  Throughout the afternoon, staff, families and guardians, officials from DDS, public officials toured the new facility, met individuals we serve and learned more about the unique programming and...

Monday, April 15, 2013

CALLING ALL CANOEISTS AND KAYAKERS! Can you paddle a canoe or kayak? If not, it doesn’t matter! Join TEAM Bridgewell for the Lou Marcel Canoe Race! Saturday June 1, 2013 8:00 am Registration Canoe Race Start from the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department in Lawrence! Come float down the Merrimack River for an 8 mile paddling adventure. You can even come...

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Congrats to Jan, who lives at one of Bridgewell’s Chelmsford residences! Earlier this month, she volunteered with the local Chelmsford elections and was featured in the Chelmsford Patch. Click here to see the article. Jan is very interested in news and politics. She voted for the first time ever, at 60 years old, in this last presidential election. Great job, Jan! Hope...

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Join members of the Bridgewell community at the Annual Spaghetti Dinner sponsored by the Lowell Hunger/Homeless Commission. Bridgewell’s Pathfinder Program Director David Robinson is a member of the Lowell Hunger/Homeless Commission. We are doing a spring dinner this year to raise money for our various food security and homeless organizations operating within the City. Wednesday, April 10, 2013 Polish American Veteran’s...

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Linda Conley: Direct Support Professional Award Nominated by: Jessica Primo, Residential Supervisor, Julie Goodwin, Program Director and Jena, a resident of Linda’s program. Linda Conely has been working as a Direct Support Professional at one of Bridgewell’s residential programs for almost 13 years. Her program has four women, one who has lived in the home since 2001. As the needs...

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Bridgewell is pleased to announce two members of our community were honored at last week’s 2013 ADDP Conference! Skip Marshall: ADDP Self Determination Award Recipient Elmer ‘Skip’ Marshall is a sincere, intelligent, independent and dedicated man. His enthusiasm, kind nature and sense of humor make Skip a joy to be around thus working with him is always a pleasure. He...

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Angelika, who has served on Bridgewell’s board since November 2007, was recently named one of Mass High Tech's 2013 Women to Watch. From the Boston Business Journal: Angelika Fretzen was hired as the first chemist at Ironwood Pharmaceuticals. Now, 12 years later, she is vice president of pharmaceutical chemistry and development of the company and built a chemistry team that...

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

We are pleased to announce that Bridgewell’s Assistant Program Director Shannon Winn will be running the Boston Marathon on behalf of Special Olympics Massachusetts! Bridgewell is proud of our relationship with Special Olympics Massachusetts. With more than 85 individuals in participation, Team Bridgewell practices throughout the year in preparation for sectional and statewide competitions. Bridgewell athletes exemplify the true spirit...

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

With more than 340 people in attendance, this year’s Gala was the largest to date! This year, Bridgewell proudly celebrated 55 years of caring for many of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Together, we raised more than $270,000. Past honoree and legendary Boston sportscaster Bob Lobel emceed the evening. The New England Council’s James T. Brett received the Visionary Leadership Award and WCVB-TV’s Susan Wornick received...

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Earlier this month, Harry, who lives in one of Bridgewell’s residential programs in Saugus, celebrated his 90th birthday! Harry has been in Bridgewell’s services since 1981. Click here learn more about Harry! Several of Harry’s friends from other Bridgewell homes attended his 90th birthday party as well as Bridgewell staff members who have cared for him throughout the years. Guests...

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Throughout a blizzard, Bridgewell – with more than 90 programs in 19 communities – has to keep up with a lot of snow removal and secure the safety of individuals we serve. In weather-emergencies such as Blizzard Nemo, we rely on the dedication of our staff and kindness of neighbors and friends to protect the individuals in our care. Here...

Monday, January 28, 2013

On January 22, Bridgewell President & CEO Bob Stearns presented Senator Katherine Clark with ADDP's 2013 Legislator of the Year award at the ADDP Legislative Luncheon. Senator Clark was honored in recognition of her consistent support for community services enabling people with disabilities to be able to live in their home communities. Left to Right: ADDP’s President & CEO Gary...

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Supporters of Bridgewell's Special Olympic Athletes are heading to the beach a little early this year! The water will probably be below 40 degrees on February 23rd, but let's be honest, it won't be much warmer come August 26th – we are in New England after all!  Why would we do something so wacky you ask? The monies raised by...

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

 Rory Bloom, RN, BSN Transition of Care from the Inpatient to the Community Setting  Tuesday, February 12, 2013 12:00pm – 1:00pm (lunch provided during presentation) 35 Market Street, 3rd Floor,Lowell Rory Bloom is a clinical nurse educator who holds a BA in psychology from UMASS, Amherst and a BSN from Curry College.  Rory has a dynamic professional background that includes...

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Early this December, more than 15 singers put on a Holiday Show at the Boston Street Center. Friends, employees, family and guardians attended and cheered on the singers. The group has been practicing since August and the show included singing several holiday and winter themed songs. By working with Bridgewell’s deaf interpreter Virginia Vaught, the group signed several songs while...

Friday, December 7, 2012

A big thank you to WCVB-TV's Susan Wornick, David Brown and Nancy O’Neil! Last month, individuals from Bridgewell’s Boston Street Day Habilitation Center visited the WCVB-TV Channel 5 studio and toured the station to learn more about journalism. Earlier this year, Susan Wornick, toured the Boston Street Center and learned all about the services provided. Click here to learn more...

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Earlier this month, more than 100 Bridgewell employees and families attended the Safe Living Expo held at the Holiday Inn in Peabody. Each year, Bridgewell’s clinical team organizes a Safe Eating Expo, which focuses on adaptive technology for people with dysphasia, difficulty swallowing or increased risk for choking and aspiration. Attendees learn about how food is swallowed, which foods are safe or...

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Last month, Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy of Lynn and her Chief of Staff Jamie Cerulli came to visit the Women's Group at Bridgewell’s Boston Street Center. Earlier this year, the Women’s Group wrote a letter to Michelle Obama and received a letter back from the First Lady, which inspired them to reach out to other influential woman in politics. The...

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Bridgewell is committed to providing the people we serve with opportunities to achieve and enjoy their highest quality of life and personal growth. Our commitment extends to their families and guardians by offering programs to best support them in their role. Join us at our next Family Engagement event! What: Bridgewell’s Safe Living Expo When: Monday, November 12, 2012, 3:00 to 7:00 PM...

Friday, September 21, 2012

As part of the Bridgewell Counseling Services Distinguished Speaker Series, Dr. Dean Najarian, PharmD, BCPP presented in September to an audience of close to 40 Bridgewell Counseling Services, Lowell Adult Day Treatment and greater Lowell mental health providers. Pictured: Dr. Dean Najarian, PharmD, BCPP with Bridgewell’s Director of Clinical Services Mara Kirby. Dr. Nagarian’s presentation, entitled, “A Needle in a...

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Last month, Senator Donoghue visited Pathfinder Drop-In Center and Apartments to learn more about Bridgewell’s homeless and housing services. Program Director David Robinson and Director of Residential Services Shirley Gosnear along with President & CEO Bob Stearns and Director of Development Cari Palmer led the tour through both buildings explaining the various services provided. The Pathfinder Drop-In Center serves close to...

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Congratulations to all of the Bridgewell athletes who competed in the Massachusetts Special Olympics Summer Games! It was a great weekend for Team Bridgewell at Harvard University’s Athletic Complex! Our team brought home: 28 – Gold Medals 26 – Silver Medals 12 – Bronze Medals 10 – 4th Place Ribbons 6 – 5th Place Ribbons 6 – 6th Place Ribbons...

Monday, July 9, 2012

Individuals in our services as well as employees like to give back to local nonprofits and help support the areas of Massachusetts where Bridgewell serves – 20+ communities! In celebration of National Mental Health Month, The Renaissance Club of Lowell hosted its major annual fundraiser on May 17. Each year, teams of bowlers raise money to assist adults living in...

Monday, June 4, 2012

In May, the Bridgewell Nursing Team gathered at Gould Barn in Topsfield to celebrate National Nurses Week. Twenty of the 35 Bridgewell nurses were able to attend the celebration where they enjoyed good food, laughter and participated in a “Blessing of the Hands” for healthcare workers. Mary Jo Shea- McCormack RN, Chaplain and ordained minister for All Care VNA, facilitated this blessing....

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

  On May 17, friends, family and Bridgewell employees celebrated milestones at Danversport Yacht Club for Bridgewell’s Employee Recognition Night. It was a wonderful evening with lots of applause and celebration for employees celebrating anniversaries of working at Bridgewell for 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and even 45 years! [album id=5 template=extend] Employee Recognition Night 2012 Award Recipients 45...

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Bridgewell is pleased to announce we raised more than $285,000 at our recent Imagine the Possibilities Gala at the Seaport Hotel in Boston on November 4, 2011. Channel 5 Eyeopener’s Bianca de la Garza hosted this year’s gala, which featured a silent auction and a live and lively auction featuring exotic trips, sports events and more. The auction, ticket sales and sponsorships...

Sunday, May 13, 2012

It’s that time of year again when Team Bridgewell Special Olympics coaches, chaperones, volunteers, family and friends load into their canoes and ‘race’ down the Merrimac River in an effort to raise funds for our Athletes! The 34th Annual Special Olympics MA Sponsored Lou Marcel Canoe Race will take place: Saturday, June 2nd, 2012 8:00AM Registration 9:00 AM Start 11:00-3:00PM...

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

We are pleased to announce Michael Cioffi is running the Vermont Marathon on behalf of Bridgewell! Read a message from Micheal below about his brother and connection to our organization. Sabino – a resident of the Bridgewell community – is 26 years of age and has Down Syndrome and Autism. To put it simply, Sabino is an amazing, energetic individual...

Monday, April 16, 2012

April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day – Bridgewell is encouraging everyone to complete an advance directive and name the person who will make health care decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself. Director of Health Care Jane Bell says: “As a nurse, I have seen far too many people get seriously ill and their family not know their...

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Last November at the Imagine the Possibilities Gala’s Fund a Need Auction, guests donated money to purchase specific items for individuals in Bridgewell’s programs and directly influenced the lives of the people who need help the most. Gala guests raised more than $30,000 in Fund a Need dollars – doubling the 2010 total! We exceeded our goals and were able...

Friday, March 30, 2012

With more than 700 people in attendance, Bridgewell was a proud sponsor of the ADDP Annual Conference on March 23, 2012. Author Rachel Simon (pictured left with Bridgewell CEO & President Bob Stearns) gave an extraordinary presentation that touched the hearts and minds of all who heard her. Click here to view more photos of Bridgewell staff members at the ADDP...

Friday, January 20, 2012

Bridgewell’s Educational and Recreational recent events and outings including: The Annual Pasta Luncheon was held at the Saugus Knights of Columbus and many new volunteers helped out to make the event a success! Pictured right: Charlotte, Jalen, Julie, Denise, Jahlil, Pedro and Eliud volunteered at the Annual Pasta Luncheon. Monthly Dances at Breed Junior High School. King and I  at the North Shore Music Theatre....

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

More than 100 employees and their families joined Bridgewell for the annual staff Holiday Party at the Wakefield Elks last week. Staff from Bridgewell’s many different programs attended with their families. All enjoyed food, desserts, raffles and taking photos with Santa Claus. Bridgewell Employee Brian Corbett, pictured below, kept everyone in the holiday spirit by playing classic holiday tunes throughout...

Monday, November 14, 2011

Bridgewell Counseling Services’ most recent guest for the Distinguished Speaker Series was Nancy Kehoe, RSCJ, PhD. The speaker series is designed to highlight important and relevant topics of interest in mental heath treatment for the providers of mental health services of the greater Lowell area. Left: Mara Kirby, Director of Clinical Services for Bridgewell and Clinic Director of Bridgewell Counseling...