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.
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...
In an effort to keep families and guardians informed, President & CEO Chris Tuttle has implemented a twice-weekly phone message. To hear today’s message, please call 339-883-2201. Thank you.
Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Christopher Tuttle President & CEO and today is Thursday, April 2. I am happy to share that we continue to not have anyone in our services test positive for COVID-19. However, we do have a few people who are currently being tested. I will continue to keep you informed as we learn more....
Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Chris Tuttle President & CEO and today is Tuesday, March 31. Bridgewell’s Day Habilitation and Employment Support Programs are closed until May 4. The no visitation policy at our programs is in place until May 4. These measures follow Governor Baker’s orders and are to keep everyone safe. The people in Bridgewell’s residential programs have settled into a nice routine over the last two weeks. The staff...
Window into Bridgewell 👀💜💛 A story series to keep members of our community updated on our programs and the people in our care. We’ll share these stories, videos and pictures through Bridgewell’s social media channels and the Bridgewell website. Follow us @bridgewellorg on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates and search #windowintobridgewell to find all related stories. Window into Bridgewell...
In practicing social distancing and keeping those in our programs safe, programs have transitioned traditional therapies to virtual therapies including music services provided through Roman Music Therapy! Music therapists have been setting up group sessions at Bridgewell residences – and our residents are loving it. “Roman Music Therapy Services supports the efforts of physical distancing during this time, and we continue to...
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the leaders of four human services trade associations today called on the Administration and the Legislature to provide “immediate emergency relief” to the community-based human services sector that cares for one-in-ten state residents. Click here for advocacy talking points. The sector, which contains nearly 180,000 jobs across the Commonwealth, is “on the precipice of collapse without aggressive action from state government,” noted the leaders...
April 27, 2020 April 27, 2020 Phone Script from CEO April 23, 2020 April 23, 2020 Phone Script from CEO April 20, 2020 April 20, 2020 Phone Script from CEO April 16, 2020 April 16, 2020 Phone Script from CEO April 13, 2020 April 13, 2020 Phone Script from CEO April 9, 2020 April 9, 2020 Phone Script from CEO...
In the past week, Bridgewell has worked with My Brother’s Table to secure warm meals for Bridgewell residents to help them save their own pantry of groceries and food. My Brother’s Table prepared so many meals and sandwiches to people in our community housing and individual support programs. Not only does this insure proper nutrition, but prevents them from having...
Navigating services in the world of developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders can be a formidable challenge for any family. Bridgewell’s Family Support Center (FSC) helps families work through these challenges and obtain social services and programs. “We are here to support persons served and families when and where they need it most,” says Judith Doherty, Bridgewell’s Family Support Center...
On Sunday March 1, the Bridgewell Bulldogs, Bridgewell’s Unified Player Development Basketball Team participated in the Special Olympics Massachusetts Winter Games State Tournament at the Fay School in Southborough. The Bulldogs competed in the 22 year old + division playing against the Belmont SPORT Braves and the Hopkinton Pride. Each team played two games and the Bulldogs came out on...
Don’t miss out on your chance to support Bridgewell’s Special Olympics Teams! Take the plunge! Join Team Bridgewell on Saturday, March 28th 2020 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 available on Ocean Avenue. There is a super fun...
Francis, who attends Bridgewell’s Maple Street Day Program, recently celebrated his 90th birthday. For his special day, his program surprised him with a birthday party. Upon returning from an outing, Francis was surprised in the Great Room by all his friends and Bridgewell staff, who began singing to him, and then presented him with his very own cake. Everyone had...
On Valentine’s Day, three of Bridgewell’s Day Programs from Lynn, Danvers and Stoneham celebrated together at the Kelly J. Martin Center. In recent meetings, Day Program participants expressed the desire to socialize more with other programs. With that feedback in mind, Day Program Directors Amy Hallinan, Molli Marshall and Amanda Murray (pictured right) planned an enormous Valentine’s Day celebration. With...
On February 7, Bridgewell attended the 2020 Night to Shine prom, the sixth anniversary of this special event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. This year’s theme was You Are Beautiful, which is the belief of the foundation, is truly reflected in photos and video from the evening. This year, seventy-five members of the Bridgewell community, including residents and staff,...
Will you be our Valentine? Shop at smile.amazon.com and AmazonSmile donates to Bridgewell, Inc. at no cost to you! Please consider using AmazonSmile to support Bridgewell. For eligible purchases through AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to Bridgewell when using the link below. Click here for Bridgewell’s AmazonSmile page.
Earlier this month, Connor, who lives at a Bridgewell residence and attends one of Bridgewell’s Rosewood Day Programs, was recognized by the Special Olympics and Bruins Foundations at the Boston Bruins game. The night had a fantastic turnout with a fun experience and a victory for the Bruins. Connor also received a custom Bruins jersey and was introduced to the...
The Bridgewell Special Olympics team has added a basketball team this winter. The team started in December 2019 and will continue on until March 2020, consisting of persons served and staff volunteers known as partners. A Bridgewell Special Olympics basketball team hasn’t been available for over ten years but we added one this year in response to our growing community....
Working in human services is challenging yet rewarding work. “Every day a client tells you good job and how much they appreciate you. It’s amazing to watch people grow, and know you’re a part of that growth,” says Molli Marshall, program director of Bridgewell’s Kelly J. Martin day program. Molli Marshall’s career at Bridgewell began three and a half years...
On November 15th, Maple Street Day Habilitation program hosted a Universal Music Therapy Experience in collaboration with Roman Music Therapy. This event is the final performance of the eight week therapy session and includes singing solos, song writing, open mic/karaoke, a drum circle and a community sing. Everyone enjoyed the weekly music therapy sessions which help develop self expression and...
It deeply saddens us to share that former Bridgewell Board member Ann Cohen passed away this past Tuesday, December 17th. Ann was an extraordinary person. She was a volunteer at Bridgewell’s Friendship Club for many years before joining the Bridgewell Board of Directors. She was also a member of the Program Committee, a subcommittee of the Board of Directors, and...
Nick D’Alleva, owner of the Edible Arrangements in Peabody, Beverly and Lynn, recently toured Bridgewell’s Rosewood II Day program. He was able to see our work first hand and, as a thank you, sent some fruit and treats for the people in the programs to enjoy. We are excited to have Nick on board again this year as a partner...
By Chris Tuttle, President & Chief Executive Officer 2019 was a year of introspection, advocacy and growth for Bridgewell, both internally and within the community. As the new year approaches, I’d like to reflect upon the programs, services and new initiatives of 2019 that have shaped us as a non-profit and share thoughts on where we’re headed in 2020. Over...
Join Team Bridgewell on Saturday, December 7th for the best holiday themed 5k of the season! This is a professionally timed 5k on a certified 5k course in Boston. The course starts and finishes at the Boston Commons. Boston Common – Boylston St, Boston MA Registration: 8:00 am Walk/Run Start: 9:00 am Awards: 9:45 am- 11:00 am Registration – $35,...
An estimated 20,000 people are homeless in Massachusetts, according to a federal report, creating a high demand for services to help people in need. The Recuperative Care Center (RCC) in Lynn is one of only two in the state to provide people who are homeless a safe place to recover from an acute illness or injury; when they no longer...
Bridgewell’s Elaine White (Chief Operations Officer), Chris Tuttle (President & Chief Executive Officer), John Hyland (Director of Information Technology) and Bonnie Hungler (Director of Program and Support Services), attended the Talking Tech 2019 conference this past Thursday at the Newton Marriott. The conference was presented by the ADDP (The Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers) and the DDS (The Department of...
A Bridgewell community home in Danvers received a beautiful Halloween themed gift from their neighbors in appreciation of the staff’s work. They came to the door with a box of cookies, cupcakes and a card that read: “God Bless You All. Happy Halloween. I watch the wonderful work you all do every day. You all are truly exceptional. You give...
Yesterday, President & CEO Chris Tuttle was at the State House to cheer on Pride’s Deli, a partner in Bridgewell’s Employment Support program. The Massachusetts Regional Employment Collaboratives hosted the inaugural Celebration of Success, to recognize partners, sponsors and employees who have demonstrated commitment to supporting people with disabilities through employment and training efforts. Pride’s Deli of Beverly was one...
An annual tradition, many people in Bridgewell services enjoyed a trip to the Topsfield Fair. The Fair invited area day programs and facilities during day hours free of charge; 377 people and staff attended – a record number! In addition, Bridgewell’s Kelly J. Martin Employment Program participants worked at the Fair as greeters and volunteers at various exhibits. Over the...
Bridgewell & Middlesex North Resource Center Inc (MNRC) announce the limited opening of the Mainstream program waiting list. At the time of admission, the head, spouse or co-head of the household must be a non-elderly (at least 18 years of age and less than 62 years of age) person with disabilities. Preference will be given to those applicants who live...
October is National Substance Use Prevention Month. People struggling with substance use are supported in their recovery through Bridgewell’s Recovery and Prevention Services, which aims to improve quality of life through consultation, collaboration and coordination of care. In a Q&A, Bridgewell Clinician and Prevention Coordinator Michelle Simons shares why seeking help is so important. How can prevention programs help reduce...
The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) brings together senior citizens and people with disabilities, local emergency planners, and first responders to prepare for an emergency. Members of the community learn about the personal steps they can take to prepare for different emergency situations. We provide “Emergency Go Packs” that may be needed in the result of an emergency. A federal...
The Right Talent, Right Now: Bridgewell is proud to support National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Held each October, NDEAM aims to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. Bridgewell is proud to work with many local businesses to foster disability-friendly work culture. For over 25 years, Bridgewell has successfully...
On September 27, at Peabody City Hall, community members from Bridgewell, Centerboard, Key Program, LifeLinks, Class, NFI Massachusetts, Northeast Arc and Wayside hosted the Northeast Human Service Advocacy Legislative Breakfast: Caring for Those Who Care. The breakfast discussed the pay inequity in the community-based human services sector between state and private workers. An entry-level state social worker with a bachelor’s degree...
Good morning. Thank you for allowing me to speak today and share my experiences and views on the negative effect of the significant wage gap between public and private sector employees doing the same work. My name is Dan Nadeau, and I have been in the field for 21 years, exclusively in the private sector, working with developmentally and intellectually...
Over the last few years, Bridgewell has grown and expanded. We’ve had changes to our service lines, staffing and more recently, we’ve updated our mission and vision to reflect who we are as an organization. Bridgewell’s updated mission demonstrates that we are not only an organization working with people with disabilities, but a full-service, human services organization that supports the...
Back to school shopping? When you use Amazon Smile, Bridgewell benefits! For eligible purchases through AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to Bridgewell when using the link below. Click here for Bridgewell’s AmazonSmile page.
Earlier this year, at the 2019 Imagine the Possibilities Gala, we raised over $338,000 through sponsorships, tickets, donations, the raffle and night-of auctions. In the evening’s Fund a Need Auction, gala guests bid on items needed by people in our care – from basic necessities to making dreams come true. Thanks to your generosity, we received over $40,000 to the...
In June, over 100 employees and people in our care attended Bridgewell’s annual Safe Living Expo. Attendees were able to participate in hands on activities on a number of topics. At the skin safety table a representative of Cigna was present with a Dermascan machine where attendees where able to take a closer look at their skin. Waltham Pest Control...
Bridgewell has 20 Urban Youth Collaborative Program interns this summer working in a variety of programs from day programs to residences. UYCP places young people from diverse backgrounds in residential, vocational and administrative settings to gain experience in human services. In addition to internship coordinators, peer leaders and DDS employees, DDS Commissioner Jane Ryder joined the group and encouraged the...
Bridgewell Residential Supervisor Stephanie Valente recently completed the Providers’ Council Nonprofit Human Services Management Certificate Program at Suffolk University. This yearlong, graduate-level certificate program has been specifically designed for mid-career professionals in nonprofit organizations. It focuses on building skills that are necessary to excel in human services management. To learn more, click here. Stephanie, who had a wonderful experience with...
The single biggest factor contributing to the loss of qualified workers from the community-based human services sector is the pay inequity between private workers and their state counterparts.
Bridgewell was thrilled to host a great group of student volunteers with through the PASSPORT Youth Camp program! Throughout their trip, they worked with maintenance to assemble trash bins, paint and clean up Bridgewell’s main storage space, held an ice cream party at Bridgewell’s Kelly J. Martin Center, and shined up Bridgewell’s fleets of vans with a car wash. Based...
Two of Bridgewell’s residences and Bridgewell’s Rosewood III Day Program recently broke ground on their joint vegetable gardens. This summer, all three programs will work together to maintain the two gardens and share the vegetables they produce. This partnership will provide healthy, nutritious food for the residence and day program for cooking projects. Along with providing educational opportunities to learn...
Geoff Knowlton, Clinician at Bridgewell Counseling Services was the recipient of the Rodger Hebert Quality of Care Award. The award was named after a loyal and devoted Bridgewell employee who had spent his career supporting people with disabilities. The award is presented to an employee who demonstrates the qualities that most defined Rodger’s commitment to people with disabilities. In the...
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. There are more than 130,000 people living with Alzheimer’s in Massachusetts and it is the 6th leading cause of death in the US. June 18th was Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts State House and there were multiple activities to raise awareness about brain health as part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s “June 21st...
Earlier this month, Tricia Williams and Patrick Monkiewicz from the Kayem Foundation toured Bridgewell’s Kelly J. Martin Center to see and experience the recently completed sensory room, which the foundation funded with a $25,000 grant. Day Services Supervisor Lizabeth Dollard, Program Director Betsy Stockwell and President & CEO Christopher Tuttle led the tour. Bridgewell’s sensory room serves as a therapeutic space that...
Team Bridgewell had 27 athletes competing in 53 events at the 2019 Massachusetts Special Olympics State Games. Track events included wheel chair walking, running and field events, as well as tennis and softball throws. Team Bridgewell came home with the following medals: Gold -19 Silver -9 Bronze – 6 Fourth – 9 Fifth – 5 Sixth – 1 Seventh –...
Tuesday June 18 is Autistic Pride Day and every April, thanks to National Autism Awareness Month, there’s a renewed sense of support for people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and those who’ve worked tirelessly to foster environments of inclusion and self-determination for all. Yet, when Autism Awareness Month comes to an end, so too does much of the focus...
Cheryl Southern, case manager at Bridgewell’s Recuperative Care Center, was presented with the Gailanne Reeh Excellence in Care Award. The award recognizes the compassion and quality of care an employee provides to individuals supported through Bridgewell services. Working at Bridgewell since 2018, her work involves supporting people who are in recovery – working to make them feel respected, valued and...
The circus was in town! The Big Apple Circus came to Peabody’s North Shore Mall last month and many people in Bridgewell services enjoyed the shows. Over 160 people from the Kelly J. Martin Center, Rosewood I and II and the Recreation Department attended performances over the course of six days. Many people with autism particularly enjoyed a special sensory...
This past month at Bridgewell’s annual Employee Recognition Night we celebrated employees reaching milestones ranging from 3 to 35 employment anniversaries, adding up to over 1,000 years of service. More than 250 people attended the dinner at Teresa’s at Thomson Country Club including employees, Board of Directors and families and friends. Highest Service Award Recipients: 35 Years of Service Judith...
Walter, who attends Bridgewell’s Roseway Day Program, recently received a Northeast Region Department of Developmental Services Award for exemplifying contributions to community and others. Molli Marshall, Roseway Program Director, submitted the below nomination on his behalf: Walter is a gentleman who I have had the privilege to work with over the last 3 years. Walter has shown over these years...
By Kimberley Haley, LMHC Director of Clinical Services and Director of The Sovner Center for Bridgewell The month of May is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, and although the conversation has been elevated in recent years, stigma and mental illness still go hand in hand and barriers to treatment remain. More than 50 million Americans have a mental...
Feel Good Story: Bridgewell wants to take a moment to recognize the Showcase Cinema in Revere! 💜💛 Bill, who lives in one of Bridgewell’s residences, struggles to go out in the community. He’s home for large chunks of time, and the other day, one of the staff convinced him to go see a movie. Mixing up the times and theater locations,...
It is my pleasure to announce that Elaine White is Bridgewell’s new Chief Operating Officer. Elaine has been serving in this role on an interim basis for the last few months and I am very pleased that she is now officially the COO. To many of you, Elaine needs no introduction. As an employee of Bridgewell for over 35 years,...
For the past few weeks, Bridgewell’s Employment Support team has been working with students at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute to create an instructional video on how to ace an interview. The partnership was a win-win for both Bridgewell’s team and students. After filming, editing and pulling together all the pieces of the video, everyone celebrated with a debut party. The...
2019 Imagine the Possibilities Gala What a night! We are pleased to announce we raised more than $338,000! Without generous people like you, those we serve would not be able to accomplish all they do. You affirm what can happen when all of us work together. The evening began with a cocktail reception where guests were able to purchase raffle...
April is Autism Awareness Month and today is World Autism Awareness Day! Learn more about Bridgewell’s Autism Services: http://ow.ly/GRjP50oLj8G
Imagine the Possibilities Gala Silent Auction Now Open to the General Public For the first time, Bridgewell is providing the general public access to its silent auction for the Imagine the Possibilities Gala. Now through March 15, simply click here to peruse more than 60 exciting prizes and place your best bid. With countless options to choose from, including overnight stays...
New this year, each of the 36 centerpieces adorning the tables have been decorated by people in Bridgewell programs. The artists are from a wide range of Bridgewell’s programs including community housing, day programs, recovery services and behavioral health programs. Programs included Bridgewell’s Maple Street Day Habilitation Program, Lowell Adult Day Treatment Program, Women’s Program, Johnson Street and Recreation Program. For...
Christopher Tuttle has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Bridgewell, a Peabody-based nonprofit that works with people with disabilities. Tuttle has been serving as interim president and chief executive officer of Bridgewell over the last few months. His appointment is effective immediately.
Bridgewell Appoints Christopher Tuttle as Chief Executive Officer Peabody, Mass. – February 27, 2019 – 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 its board of directors has appointed Christopher Tuttle as president & chief executive officer, effective immediately. Tuttle has served...
I am pleased to inform you that the board of directors has unanimously voted to appoint Christopher Tuttle president and chief executive officer of Bridgewell. A leader in the field of social and human services, Chris has been effective and compassionate in his role as interim president and chief executive officer of Bridgewell over the last few months, demonstrating the...
Please join us Friday, March 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Fairmont Copley Plaza for Bridgewell’s 11th Annual Imagine the Possibilities Gala, our signature event to raise critical funds to support the individualized needs of people in our care. This year’s gala will be emceed by WCVB-TV reporter Katie Thompson and includes a cocktail reception, plated dinner, raffle and live...
Bridgewell to Honor Late President & CEO Kelly J. Martin at 2019 Imagine the Possibilities Gala WCVB’s Katie Thompson to emcee annual fundraising event at Fairmont Copley Plaza Peabody, Mass. – Feb. 2019 – 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, will host its...
In October 2018, Lisa and Cochise, who live in a Bridgewell residence, celebrated their love with a commitment ceremony at the Knights of Columbus in Lynn. It was a wonderful celebration with many family members and good friends in attendance. Lisa and Cochise exchanged wonderful vows and rings and enjoyed their first dance and a delicious reception dinner. In December,...
Twenty-four year old Jessica Cardinal is a recovering heroin addict and mother of two. She is trying to rebuild her life, and looking back, says her darkest days are unrecognizable.
Bridgewell is proud to announce this year’s Champion Award recipient: Victoria Baker of Pride’s Deli and Pizzeria! For over six months, Pride’s Deli has been employing about a dozen Bridgewell team members. Responsibilities include cleaning tables, washing windows, folding boxes, preparing dressings, watering the flowers, and making deliveries. Thank you for all you do, Victoria! The Salem News, Deli takes pride...
Joseph proudly spoke about his successful job placements through the support of Bridgewell’s Employment Program at ADDP’s Legislative Luncheon in the Hall of Flags at the Massachusetts State House. Joseph is coming up on his 2nd year anniversary working at Crosby’s and expressed gratitude for the support he receives from Bridgewell’s employment support services as well as the Roseway program which...
Recovery Coach Program Expands to NSMC Salem Hospital Bridgewell and North Shore Medical Center partner to provide 24/7 support for patients experiencing an overdose Peabody, Mass. – December, 2018 – Bridgewell, a nonprofit that provides social and human services, and North Shore Medical Center (NSMC), the largest medical provider on the North Shore, are pleased to announce the expansion of...
By Chris Tuttle, Interim Chief Executive Officer 2018 has been a year of change and growth for Bridgewell. As the new year approaches, I’d like to take a moment to reflect upon the formative events and moments that have shaped us all both personally and professionally, and share thoughts on where we’re headed in 2019. Over the last twelve months...
