News for: Featured Clients

Friday, November 7, 2025

From July 2023 through April 2024, Tasheaka resided at the Johnson Street Women’s Program and then moved into one of Bridgewell’s Affordable Housing units in Lynn after leaving Bridgewell’s Johnson Street, Women’s Program. She graduated from the Supporting Transitions & Reentry (STAR) Program in Lynn earlier this month, a community-based initiative operated by the Essex County Sheriff’s Department which provides...

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Rosewood Drive is in the process of converting break rooms into new, updated sensory rooms and calm spaces! There’s a total of six spaces, and three have been updated: plant themed, space/galaxy themed and reading and hangout area. Bridgewell Speech Therapist Kim Lepke and Occupational Therapist Kathryn Redfearn have been the masterminds behind the project with the assistance of many...

Monday, October 6, 2025

Over 225 guests from a variety of Bridgewell’s programs and services attended the second annual Bridgewell Formal in Lynnfield.  What a royal evening! A special shoutout to Representative Tom Walsh for swinging by and saying hello, too! Thank you to the following businesses, vendors and people who helped make this event truly a night to remember: DJ Bethany Spinelli’s Function...

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Brian lives independently in his own apartment and receives weekly from the Bridgewell Individualized Home Supports program. Brian was living with vision issues for several years and with support from Bridgewell to overcome his hesitation and fear of eye surgery, he was able to have cataract eye surgery on both eyes in 2024. Recently, Brian expressed to staff that he...

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

A few of Bridgewell’s Beverly residents attended the annual Warrior Weekend May 17-18. This fun event included historical reenactments, military vehicle and apparatus tours, speakers and activities to support and pay tribute to veterans.

Thursday, April 24, 2025

What a fun way to celebrate Autism Awareness Month! Participants in Bridgewell’s Rosewood Drive Day program spend the afternoon making sensory bottles with water, oil, glitter and other fun elements! Sensory bottles offer numerous benefits for people with autism, including emotional regulation, focus, sensory integration, fine motor skills, and creativity. They provide a calming and engaging experience, promoting relaxation, concentration, and...

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Bridgewell residents Ana, Elizabeth, Haley and Olivia celebrated Autism Awareness month at their home in Dracut. Thank you to the residential staff who made this special occasion happen: Tianna DeRosa Gbalee Slopadoe Lydia Kanu Ainsley Flynn

Monday, April 21, 2025

Eric, Bill and Rob were invited to the Grow Spring! Expo at Topsfield Fairgrounds by Wendy Roberts from Kinship Farm. They hadn’t seen her since last fall and were really happy to reconnect. Wendy had a whole box of seeds donated by Mass Hydroponics that we will be starting for our existing gardens at a few of Bridgewell’s residences, as...

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

When a resident from Bridgewell’s Women’s Program, Johnson Street takes program recommendations and works very hard 3 months post treatment, it’s an opportunity to celebrate their achievements with a graduation from the program. Recently, Bridgewell celebrated Heather with a graduation at the program! “Graduating from Bridgewell was a huge milestone for me – it was the first goal I set...

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Rosewood Day Program Service Manager Willie Barnes set up the “Numbers Game” recently for a classroom activity in the Onyx Room! David, Michael, Zachary and Kyle had so much fun playing. Thanks for sharing, Willie!

Monday, October 30, 2023

This October, the families at Bridgewell’s Lotus House celebrated the season and harvest time together! Bridgewell’s Lotus House Family Supportive Housing Program supports women and their children who are transitioning out of substance use disorder treatment programs. The program supports them in building independent living skills, healthy relationships, and connections in the community, to reduce substance use relapse. The goal...

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Bridgewell residents Bill, Lynne, Eric and Rob enjoyed a 1.5 hour trip on the scenic Hobo Railroad earlier this month, departing from the Lincoln NH Depot. Conductor Mike was very welcoming and made the ride enjoyable for all onboard. Later in the month, a second group of residents boarded the Hobo Railroad. Arianna, Lisa, Robbie, Chad and Bill (again!) enjoyed the scenic...

Monday, July 10, 2023

Rosewood Drive held a cookout last Thursday to celebrate Independence Day.  Huge thank you to the Rosewood staff who made this an amazing turnout.  After the cookout, everyone ended the day with making ice-cream sundaes. What better way to kick off summer than BBQ and ice cream!

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Bridgewell resident Zach Z attended his first Boston Red Sox game earlier this week at Fenway! Tickets were purchased through Bridgewell’s Fund a Need Appeal. Do you think he had fun? His smile says absolutely. Thank you to our generous donors for their support in making these dreams come true! ⚾❤️💙🤍

Thursday, May 18, 2023

 There was once a beautiful little girl, she had a smile that lit up the room, so genuine and so sweet. She had all the greatest hopes and dreams in life, she imagined that life was going to be good. She loved to make people laugh and she loved her parents so much. She would crawl into their bed...

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

This month, Bridgewell opened its Lotus House Family Supportive Housing Program in Lynn expanding on its recovery and housing services in the area. Bridgewell’s Lotus House will support women and their children who are transitioning out of substance use disorder treatment programs. The program will support them in building independent living skills, healthy relationships, and connections in the community, to...

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

While Christmas is around the corner, it’s nice to look back at our Thanksgiving celebrations! Some had traditional Thanksgiving menu with turkey, mashed potatoes and other season fixings while others voted on Chinese Food and Hoodsies ice cream cups! Pictured below are a few celebrations from Bridgewell’s Lowell Adult Day Treatment program, Roseway Day Program in Danvers and Employment Supports...

Monday, November 7, 2022

The Best There Is, the Best There Was, the Best There Ever Will Be   Eric, Rob and Chad attended a meet and greet at Sportsworld in Saugus and were thrilled to get the opportunity to meet WWE wrestler Bret Hart. They were accompanied by Residential Manager Cesar Echeverria, and enjoyed brunch at Andy’s in Lynn after the event.  

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Bridgewell’s Rosewood III visited Parlee Farms in Tyngsborough. They participated in so many fun activities including a hay ride, apple picking and a delicious lunch! Everyone was happy to be there enjoying beautiful fall weather.

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Bridgewell resident Connie loves General Hospital. Finally after being postponed since 2020 due to the pandemic, she was able to attend the General Hospital Meet and Greet last month with staff Edna Charles. She asked the panel questions and thoroughly enjoyed the day. This is not her first time at a General Hospital Meet and Greet – she went back...

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Bridgewell residents who live in Lynn had a fun painting party. Thanks Program Director Carline Gomez for snapping these photos!

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Bridgewell’s Rosewood III Creative Minds Art Group held its first session – decorating cookies for Halloween! Great job, everyone! Looks deliciously scary! Thank you to Program Director Cynthia Alicea for sharing these photos.

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

It’s Topsfield Fair time! A few residents joined in on the fun exploring the Topsfield Fair this October. This year’s fair theme is “memories in the making” – looks like memories were definitely made!

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Bridgewell housemates Robbie and Lynne, were joined by Bill and Eric from another Bridgewell residence, for a trip on the Hobo Railroad earlier this September. They brought a picnic lunch and enjoyed a two-hour ride around Lake Winnipesaukee. What a great way to end the summer!

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

This Valentine’s Day season, Bridgewell’s Roseway Day Program dedicated their art time to creating lovely artwork!

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Earlier this month, Bridgewell’s five day programs held a Door Decorating Contest. Each of the five day habilitation programs had their own door contest and the winning door made its entry into a larger contest, which was highlighted and shared on Bridgewell’s social media channels. Congrats to the winning room from Rosewood Drive on their “Take an sELFie Door!” Winning...

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Bridgewell’s Roseway Day Habilitation Program has turned into the Spooky Way. Program participants and staff have transformed our peaceful day program into a spooky, haunted spot! Many members of the Bridgewell community have gone through, including Bridgewell’s leadership team – and they will never be the same. Thank you to everyone at Spookyway for putting together such entertainment! Adding more...

Friday, October 22, 2021

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Residents and staff in Dracut commemorated the occasion with a pink ribbon cake and by wearing pink and decorating the home with pink balloons and streamers. Betty, who lives in a Bridgewell residence, is a 16-year survivor of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness is very close to her heart, and she was excited to...

Thursday, February 20, 2020

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...

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

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...

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

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...

Thursday, May 23, 2019

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...

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

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,...

Monday, January 28, 2019

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...

Monday, June 18, 2018

Congrats to Team Bridgewell! Once again, Team Bridgewell participated in the 2018 Summer Games held at Boston University and Harvard University earlier this June. This year’s medal count includes: Gold- 18 Silver-14 Bronze-10 4th-5 5th-3 6th-3 July marks the 50th Anniversary of the Special Olympics. Through Special Olympics Massachusetts, Bridgewell has had hundreds of athletes participate for over 40 years.  Team...

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Always in search of new classes, Bridgewell’s Recreation program hosted the I AM AN ARTIST Class. The apprentice artists chose what they wanted to paint, and the results were all different, and masterpieces ready for hanging! The class was lead by Assistant Program Director Dan Nadeau, who has a background in art, and his assistant was Bridgewell resident Bill. Bill...

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

You wouldn’t know it now, but not too long ago Geneva’s depression and anxiety kept her alienated and alone. A few years ago, a head injury also left her susceptible to migraines. She attends Bridgewell’s Lowell Adult Day Treatment program, being with people who understand what she has gone through and learning the skills to get on with her life....

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

After battling addiction, Lina has been sober since August of 2014. She lives in one of Bridgewell’s sober houses, which provides a safe place to live and re-adjust to life in recovery. With the resources and support she received through Bridgewell, she was able to go back to school and complete her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts. Lina...

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Anthony has lived in a Bridgewell residence for over nine years. When he first moved in, he was overweight, unhealthy and preferred to stay home – isolated from his community. Since moving in, his life has completely changed. Eating healthy and focusing on wellness, he’s lost weight and has been able to control his blood pressure and diabetes without medication....

Monday, April 30, 2018

Michael, who lives in a Bridgewell residence, is very active in the sports scene. Baseball is his favorite sport and he plays in a league every summer. On Sundays, Michael is out on the field in Lynn playing either scrimmages or games. He always has a smile on his face each time he is out on the field playing his...

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Creativity flows through Scott like wind in a storm. He has a thirst for theatrics that never ceases. His motivation to perform is unparalleled in the Bridgewell community. Scott is a talented musician and his voice is his instrument. Scott recently joined a program where he can showcase his talents by creating a piece of original work and then perform...

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Autism Awareness Month When you walk into one of Bridgewell’s Autism Residences, you’ll notice an array of artwork lining the walls. These canvases are created by the talented residents, Caroline, Alice, Alexa and Kara. At least once a month these ladies gather together to produce their original pieces of art. Completed art projects are displayed with a sense of accomplishment...

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Alice is Bridgewell’s face of adventure. What is important to Alice? Having fun!  Alice is a very impressive woman that makes sure people know what is important to her and how they can support her to do what makes her happy and healthy. Alice is audacious and enjoys the outdoors. Alice maintains a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly. One of...

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Yesterday, at the Massachusetts State House, one of Bridgewell’s residences was highlighted by the MA Department of Developmental Services for the successful transition of Brett, Chris, Josh and Tommy, who recently moved into their new home. The event celebrated efforts to meet the needs of young people coming to DDS from Special Education and to recognize the individuals, families, staff and...

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Always smiling, these sisters attend the Boston Street Center together. Both like using the SMARTBoards and iPads to learn about important topics like money management, recycling and staying safe in the community. Heather and Kelly enjoy being around their peers and music. Both are known to belt out their favorite songs and love to participate in music therapy.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Bernadette is Boston Street Center’s face of fitness. Since starting at the program, she lost over 150 pounds and stopped needing her wheelchair to get around. She maintains a healthy lifestyle by attending weekly exercise groups and the gym. Bernadette also participates in the Boston Street Center’s nutrition group, and enjoys researching, selecting and preparing healthy recipes for her cooking group.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Bridgewell resident Tony, while returning from Plaster Fun Time, stopped at his favorite Dunkin Donuts. The staff complimented his artwork and Tony offered it to them to keep. They displayed the art piece on the wall for everyone to enjoy. Tony added more and more art until the entire wall was filled and Dunkin Donuts added a framed sign recognizing...

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

For the past few months, Dave, who lives at a Bridgewell residence in Lynn, graduated from Independence College. Independence College (IC) is a program offered by the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. IC was developed to teach people with developmental disabilities about self-advocacy and their rights. As part of his coursework, Dave had to prepare a final presentation on a topic...

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

From Program Director Jamie Hersey, pictured above with Rita: On May 11, Rita, who was featured in our last Gala video and lives in a Bridgewell residence, turned 90! An intimate group of her close friends and Bridgewell family surprised her with a party at the Roma restaurant in Bradford. The attendance of Rita’s best friend since the first grade, Gracie,...

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Spring has sprung! Al and Bill, tenants through Bridgewell’s Affordable Housing program, have been found their green thumb with the warmer weather! Al and Bill selected and shopped for the flowers for two of our affordable housing buildings in Lynn. Both are very proud of their apartment building and take pride in both the inside and outside of the building....

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Under supervision of Career Specialist Marc Jamieson, members of the Rosewood II employment supports team created a new series for public access television entitled “Amazingly Autistic.” This project has focused on educating the individuals how to operate the video equipment, filming vocational activities and employment opportunities within the community, and also highlighting the talents and unique personalities of each person. Watch...

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

As part of autism month in April 2017, we sat down with Maureen O’Connell to discuss her 26-year-old daughter Annie and the impact that Bridgewell has made on their lives. Annie lives in a Bridgewell residential home, attends Rosewood II Day Habilitation Program, a specialized day program for young adults with autism, and receives her medication through The Sovner Center,...

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Bridgewell! Here’s some advice from Michael at Bridgewell’s Lynnway Day Habilitation program. Michael and his wife, Theresa, who also attends the Lynnway, have been married for over 45 years. “Marriage is love and being understanding of each other. Talk things over without yelling at each other. Understanding your partners imperfection, because nobody...

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Tony has lived in a Bridgewell residence since 2009. Tony is largely a homebody who enjoys in-house activities and short trips into the local community. Recently, Tony and I went to the movie theater to see “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Tony has always been a fan of Star Wars, but this new movie awakened his fascination of spaceships...

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Michael, who attends Bridgewell’s Boston Street Day Habilitation Center, was surprised when he received a Dallas Cowboys jersey from his Case Manager Marcello Cugno. His favorite player, too: Tony Romo! Michael has family in Texas and is a huge Cowboys fan.  He has a Cowboys lanyard, lunch box and Romo hat that he wears and uses faithfully each day. He...

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Just two weeks ago, she and Izabella moved into a Bridgewell sober apartment. This is their first holiday season living together and in their new home.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Connie lives at a Bridgewell home and loved celebrating her birthday with staff, friends and housemates earlier this week. A few special guests participated in the celebration including her support team from Care Dimension: Mary, Ilene and volunteer Dianne. Her family moved to Virginia recently, so they Skyped on her phone. Guests enjoyed her favorite meal: butter garlic grilled shrimp, potato salad...

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

A Note from Program Director Jamie Hersey: When 89 year-old Rita, who lives at Bridgewell residence in Amesbury, requested to go on a vacation this summer, she was asked to come up with her ultimate wish list of all of the things that she has always wanted to do but has not yet had the opportunity. Rita’s first response is...

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Last week, Rachelle celebrated her 6 year anniversary at PETCO! Rachelle works through Bridgewell’s Boston Street Employment Supports program. Click here to learn more about Bridgewell’s Employment Supports program. Pictured Above: Employment Supports Staff Ashley Smallwood, Milena Sarrette, Marc Jamieson pose with Rachelle to celebrated her work anniversary. She was presented a certificate in front of everyone and then a quick...

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Through Bridgewell's Employment Supports program, individuals with developmental disabilities work at businesses throughout the North Shore community. Rachelle has been employed at Petco in Peabody since 2009, where she cleans and stocks shelves. Rachelle is very proud of her job. Her positive attitude and willingness to help out with whatever needs to be done is very much appreciated by the store...

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

When Bernadette started attending the day program for individuals with developmental disabilities at Bridgewell's Boston Street Center in Lynn, she was primarily wheelchair-bound due to her weight. With the help of Bridgewell staff, Bernadette made a commitment to get active, get healthy, and in doing so, transform her life. Through her incredible strength and determination, she has since lost over...