Author Archives for Jennifer Bean
May 27, 2021 11:43 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
May 12, 2021 4:38 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
May 3, 2021 4:04 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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....
April 22, 2021 11:57 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
April 16, 2021 12:34 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
March 10, 2021 4:24 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
February 22, 2021 9:30 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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....
February 8, 2021 10:52 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
February 8, 2021 10:50 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
January 11, 2021 11:09 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
December 18, 2020 9:56 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
December 14, 2020 9:00 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
Please click here for Bridgewell’s updated Visitation Guidelines letter from Chief Operating Officer, Elaine White, effective Monday, December 14, 2020
November 25, 2020 12:21 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
November 23, 2020 3:18 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
November 16, 2020 9:08 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
November 10, 2020 3:34 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
November 9, 2020 1:49 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
October 14, 2020 12:32 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
October 14, 2020 10:51 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
September 25, 2020 10:25 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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
September 17, 2020 1:16 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
August 18, 2020 11:14 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
August 4, 2020 9:59 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
July 16, 2020 3:57 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
July 16, 2020 Dear Parents and Guardians, I hope this email finds you and your family well and enjoying the summer. I recently joined Bridgewell as its Vice President, Day Habilitation & Community Engagement and I am delighted to be here. Now that Massachusetts has entered Phase 3 of its reopening plan, one Bridgewell day habilitation program and some aspects...
July 10, 2020 9:34 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
With the threat of COVID-19 escalating in mid-March, Patty McLaughlin was confronted with a decision: either move her 28-year-old daughter, Kara, back with the family in Peabody, or suspend visits to Kara’s Topsfield group home for adults with developmental disabilities. Three days later, McLaughlin returned for her daughter. Little did anyone know at the time that the residential home operated...
July 7, 2020 2:15 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
June 18, 2020 11:29 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
June 11, 2020 11:22 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
June 8, 2020 12:41 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
June 5, 2020 1:17 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
June 5, 2020 Dear Colleagues, As the leader of an organization that is built upon a foundation of inclusivity, diversity, equality and respect, I want to acknowledge the pain and suffering that is being felt by many of our staff members and the people in our care. The events of the last two weeks have, once again, exposed the deep...
June 5, 2020 11:58 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
June 5, 2020 Dear Parents and Guardians, I hope this email finds you and your family well. I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on new protocols that will be in place for our Day Habilitation Programs and residential program visitations when they resume operations. Residential Program Visitations: Currently, we have not received any new information from the...
June 5, 2020 11:17 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
May 28, 2020 2:57 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
May 28, 2020 12:35 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
May 26, 2020 11:18 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
May 21, 2020 2:26 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
May 18, 2020 11:16 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
May 14, 2020 1:03 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
May 11, 2020 11:38 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
May 8, 2020 11:01 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
May 4, 2020 10:55 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
May 1, 2020 12:47 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
April 30, 2020 10:56 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
April 27, 2020 11:34 am
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
April 23, 2020 1:01 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
April 21, 2020 2:04 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
April 21, 2020 12:27 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
PEABODY — The head of one of the area’s largest human services providers said his agency is in danger of losing workers because they are being denied hazard pay. 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....
April 20, 2020 12:07 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
April 20, 2020 12:06 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
April 17, 2020 3:32 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
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...
April 16, 2020 12:01 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Christopher Tuttle President & CEO and today is Thursday, April 16. As of this morning, we have eight people in our services who have tested positive and one who has recovered. They continue to do well and are recuperating. We currently have 30 staff who are actively positive for COVID-19 and thankfully four...
April 14, 2020 2:32 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
What started out as a whim from a few Bridgewell staff last week turned into a wonderful Easter weekend for our residents. Barbara and Erica had an idea to deliver cookies to our residential programs for the Easter holiday. When they put out the word that they needed cookies, within just three hours they had received monetary donations and hundreds...
April 13, 2020 12:09 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
In an effort to keep families and guardians informed, President & CEO Chris Tuttle has implemented a twice-weekly phone message. Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Christopher Tuttle President & CEO and today is Monday, April 13. As of this morning, we have five people in our services who have tested positive. All of them are doing well and...
April 7, 2020 12:00 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
Hello Bridgewell Parents & Guardians. I am Christopher Tuttle President & CEO and today is Monday, April 6. As of this morning, we’ve had our first person in our services test positive for COVID-19. This person is doing well, is stable and recuperating in quarantine in their room. We have implemented our contingency plans for this expected situation and are...
March 20, 2020 1:40 pm
Published by Jennifer Bean
From Bridgewell’s President & CEO You hear everyone saying these are unprecedented times, and they are. It’s very unsettling for us all. But at Bridgewell, we continue to support the people we have the privilege of serving just as we did last month and last year. We have made adjustments, accommodations and taken extra precautions to follow the CDC’s and the Governor’s...
