Celebrating Elaine White’s 45 Years of Service to Bridgewell

Last week, more than 100 family members, friends, former and current Bridgewell employees, and Board Members came together to celebrate the retirement of Elaine White and honor her remarkable 45-year career with Bridgewell.

The celebration was filled with stories, gratitude, and plenty of memories. Employees who first worked with Elaine at Saugus Geriatrics in the 1980s reflected on the program and what it was like to work alongside her. On behalf of the Board, Peter Sheckman, Board Chair, congratulated Elaine on her decades of service and leadership.

One theme carried through every remark: Elaine’s energy, commitment, and ability to get things done. From Bridgewell’s move from Friend Street in Lynn to Broadway in Lynnfield, to the growth of programs and services across the organization, Elaine has helped shape Bridgewell through decades of change. She also stepped into critical leadership roles during times of transition, including Director of Housing, Acting Executive Director, and, most recently, Chief Operations Officer for the past eight years.

As a special gift, Elaine’s Operations Team presented her with a large letter “B” from the original Dearborn building signage. The gift was especially meaningful, as the building will be renamed the Elaine White Administrative Building this fall.

Elaine’s career in human services began, as she shared, almost by chance—when a friend encouraged her to stop by a group home in Saugus. That visit led to her first role as a live-in direct support professional and ultimately to a lifelong commitment to Bridgewell’s mission.

Congratulations, Elaine, on an extraordinary career and a legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to the people and communities Bridgewell supports.