For more than 50 years, we have been a leading provider of quality services to adults with disabilities on the North Shore and in the Merrimack Valley. This year has been one of our organization’s most challenging because of the great recession and pressures on all our funding sources. And yet this is a time when the need for our services has never been greater.
Every day, the enthusiasm and successes of the individuals in our services validate that we are the right people at the right time in the right place. Our hard-working and dedicated staff of nearly 900 makes all the difference as they support our clients through the many, often daunting challenges they face.
Despite the economic downturn, Bridgewell has been able to expand affordable housing for both current and new referrals for residential placements. Our effective collaboration with local, state and federal agencies to finance and develop those homes, which now number more than 60, continues to be one of the keys to our success. We recently opened a new specialized residence in Beverly for five men with developmental disabilities. Prior to coming to Bridgewell, the five had been living in nursing homes. Our staff describe all the men as having “come alive” since moving into their new, fully accessible home that is equipped with a full range of adaptive technology. We have similar housing projects in various stages of development in Salem, Peabody, and Lowell.
We’re also becoming increasingly involved in developing housing for Alzheimer’s patients. Working with the Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Association, Bridgewell staff have become actively engaged in training and certifying Alzheimer’s care givers. We’re very proud to be leading the way in developing best practices for people with mental retardation who are at risk of Alzheimer’s disease and their families.
The clinical services that Bridgewell offers in Lowell and Danvers continue to provide psychopharmacology and psychotherapy services to some 1500 clients, those diagnosed with a psychiatric disability and those who are dually diagnosed with both developmental and psychiatric disabilities. From diagnosis and treatment to crisis intervention and case management, we work with providers, families and others at every step of the way to support people in leading full and meaningful lives. This is teamwork at its very best!
Our mission is to connect people with possibilities. If you share this vision, if you can feel our enthusiasm and optimism, please join our cause. Come to our annual November gala. Volunteer. Donate. Reach out to us so that together we can achieve this important goal.
Sincerely,
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from the President & CEO
