News for: Updates

Thursday, May 27, 2021

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...

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

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...

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

March 2, 2021 Dear Bridgewell family members and guardians, As the positivity rate and the number of COVID-19 cases continues to decline in the state of Massachusetts, Bridgewell has decided to update its residential visitation guidelines to include indoor on-site, off-site and overnight visits. In addition, there will no longer be any restrictions regarding cities or towns being in a...

Monday, February 22, 2021

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....

Monday, February 8, 2021

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...

Monday, February 8, 2021

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...

Monday, January 11, 2021

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...

Monday, December 14, 2020

Please click here for Bridgewell’s updated Visitation Guidelines letter from Chief Operating Officer, Elaine White, effective Monday, December 14, 2020  

Monday, November 9, 2020

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...

Friday, September 25, 2020

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

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

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...

Monday, June 8, 2020

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...

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

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...

Monday, April 20, 2020

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...

Friday, March 20, 2020

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...