Congratulations to Bridgewell Staff on DDS Provider Award Nominations!

Congratulations to Bridgewell’s Family Support Center’s Kirsten O’Keefe and Program Manager Joyce Taylor for their nominations from the Department of Developmental Services for provider recognition!

Pictured with (left to Right) Jennifer Killeen, North Shore Area Department of Developmental Services Director, Bridgewell Family Support Center Kirsten O’Keefe, President & CEO Chris Tuttle, Program Manager Joyce Taylor, CEO Elaine White and Vice President of Day Habilitation and Community Engagement Jessica Almeida.

Joyce Taylor, Program Manager, Bridgewell Residential Services

Nominated by Pam Paci, Service Coordinator, DDS

“I have worked with Joyce for many years, and she is one of the most responsive, caring, organized house managers that I have had the pleasure to worked with.  Joyce goes above and beyond her job responsibilities.  Joyce is a mother, a friend and family member to the individuals that we serve and advocates to ensure needed supports are in place and effectively meeting the needs of those she serves.

Joyce hosted a holiday party this past season and more than 70 people attended!   There was food served representing different cultures and traditions that fostered a fabulous celebration that was enjoyed by her guests that included other Bridgewell homes and family members of the residents.

Joyce continues to oversee the provision of in-home support during day program hours for the one individual who has not returned to a site based program. The home has created a raised garden that is wheelchair accessible for all who live in the home to enjoy. Joyce arranged a day for two of the individuals in the home who previously resided at New England Pediatric Nursing Facility to spend the day at Great Wolf Lodge.  Joyce is always thinking outside of the box.  Recently a new resident transitioned into the home and has already begun to overcome her fear of leaving the home and of the community.  All the Bridgewell staff at this home made this new resident feel welcomed and instantly part of the Genest family. Joyce’s dedication and hard work exemplify the success that comes from meeting each resident where they are and in turn, challenging and engaging them in ways that truly make life better!”

Kirsten O’Keefe, Family Support Center Program Director

Nominated by Vice President of Day Habilitation and Community Engagement Jessica Almeida and DDS Children’s Service Coordination Team.

Kirsten was nominated by me and the DDS Children’s Service Coordination team in recognition of her outstanding efforts in meeting the needs of the people we support in the North Shore area.

Kirsten O’Keefe joined the Family Support team a little over a year ago and has completely transformed the capacity of that program and its impact on the community. During the pandemic the Family Support Center became a remote case management service, and our case managers did an exceptional job supporting our families but rebuilding back to a community location that welcomed in families to provide face-to-face support, trainings, social opportunities, and navigation was a real challenge. Kirsten took on this challenge head on, immediately collaborating with other providers and learning the best practices, connecting with families and taking cases herself while we managed staffing vacancies.

Kirsten built up a full team of case managers and has increased not only the number of in-person offerings available at the center, but the amount of folks who have attended these events continues to increase. This is a testament to the welcoming environment, supportive atmosphere, and positive center that Kirsten has cultivated with her team. Recently she held a Mother’s Day event with nearly 40 people in attendance. As a direct result of Kirsten’s collaboration with the North Shore area office and surrounding Family Support Centers, training and hiring of new case managers, and her fiercely solution-oriented, positive-spirited personality and determination, the cultural-linguistic support center has soared in its service to the families of Lynn and surrounding North Shore communities.

Every month at our shared DDS meeting Kirsten shared examples of the successes that she and her team have had working with families, and they continue month after month. In small and big ways, Kirsten has had an incredibly positive impact on the lives and wellbeing of those we serve. I am extremely grateful that she has steered this ship with such confidence and drive. Please accept my nomination for Kirsten to be recognized as a provider staff who has made such a positive impact on the lives of the folks we serve.