2021 Beacon of Hope: Beverly Clarke

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 you, Beverly, for more than 30 years of service in support of those who are less fortunate. Very well deserved!

Remarks from Joanna Huntington, Vice President of Recovery, Housing, and Community Supports

Each year the CoC presents the Beacon of HOPE award to one recipient. Historically this has been given to someone who has been instrumental in change and development within the city. The criteria of the award includes full embodiment of the CoC mission, someone who goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others, demonstrates dignity and respect, and is a representation of a true sense of community.

I am honored to have the opportunity to present the Beacon of Hope award to this years recipient, Beverly Clarke.

Prior to her retirement from Bridgewell on September 30^th, Beverly was my supervisor and mentor for my entire tenure at Bridgewell. Through my time with her here she constantly displayed passion for the work we do in the city of Lynn for the homeless population. Something that sticks out incredibly to me is when she was working side by side with LCHC and Elaine to open the Recuperative Care Center.  Every last detail that was put into the opening of RCC was always centered around the needs of the individuals. The common space was furnished with recliners so that the guests could have a comfortable home like environment to relax, put up their feet, and just have a sense of calm in their lives. Beverly nurtured and guided. That was what she did- with the individuals in our services and with her own staff. She made a difference in every live she touched. Until the bitter end of our involvement with RCC, Beverly was writing grants, looking high and low for sustainability funding so that we could continue to provide this service.

Beverly is and always has been a giver. She wanted everyone to feel appreciated and well cared for. It was important for Beverly to make sure that our tenants in our housing units were always cared for and they knew she always had their best interest in mind.

I could go on and on about accomplishments that Beverly achieved throughout her time with Bridgewell, Project COPE and the CoC. But personally that is not what holds the true weight of this award. The true heart of this award is about tireless work of giving back to the less fortunate just to make their lives a little better and providing them with a glimmer of hope for a better future.

Thank you Beverly for your 30 years of dedication to this work. You are greatly missed but it is now our goal to carry on your legacy and continue to make a difference in the lives of our individuals.