Employment Training &
Educational Services

Bridgewell has a successful 25 year history of providing vocational opportunities to individuals with developmental and/or psychiatric disabilities. Employment Training and Educational Services are provided at 3 locations in Lynn. Each program site specializes in specific services and meeting the needs of identified populations. The three programs work collaboratively sharing resources for the greater benefit of participants in each of the programs.

Employment Support at Boston Street Center
The Employment Support program at Bridgewell’s Boston Street Center (BSC) offers work services for adults ages 18 to retirement, who have developmental disabilities. Participants may have other disabilities such as visual and/ or hearing impairments, physical limitations and medical or behavioral challenges. BSC provides individual job development, placement and job coaching services. Each individual is assessed and a career plan is developed based on abilities and interests.

Program Components and Concepts: Participants have the opportunity to work in group placement as they develop skills and confidence for individual placement. Transportation is provided by well-trained program staff. Staff provides support with personal care, nutrition and on-the-job training. Employment specialists are available to assist in ensuring a successful employment result and will return to provide coaching as needed. BSC has a unique blend of staff that provide career planning, behavioral plans, as well as therapeutic expertise which can assist in adapting work skills for each individual’s needs.

Friendship Club
The Lynn Friendship Club (LFC) is a voluntary, work oriented, rehabilitation program for adults with psychiatric disabilities. Members and staff work together as colleagues to accomplish the goals of the clubhouse. LFC provides the opportunity for program members to be in an environment that enables them to build the confidence, self esteem and skills necessary to take the steps necessary to move on to productive lives outside the program, often moving into satisfying jobs. A variety of services are available to members and are typically contained within a specific service unit.

Business Unit: The work produced here is necessary to manage much of the program operation. Typing, filing, maintaining monthly statistics, copying, collating, answering phones, mailing out material and creating a monthly newsletter are key activities. The business unit also provides educational supports by providing interactive GED software, and support in enrolling in college or vocational training programs.

Food Service Unit: The LFC Café prepares lunch each day for 35 to 45 people. Workers in this unit participate in menu planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation, dining room functions, fundraising and money management. This unit also operates a snack bar. Skills are developed in customer service, product inventory and stocking, cooking and providing a safe and sanitary food service operation.

Employment Unit: This unit focuses on placing program members into outside paid employment. The unique approach of a “Clubhouse” allows members to enter the work force in several ways. Many members have little to no work history or are returning after a long period of not working. Some individuals enjoy the opportunity of taking a Transitional Employment (TE) job which allows them to enter work in the community with maximum program support. Others are ready for Supported Employment in which staff assist members to find permanent jobs. Staff helps in locating, placement and on-the-job training as well as ongoing support to maintain the job. Members seeking less support are assisted in Independent Employment. The various options allow members to utilize as much or as little support as they require.

Vocational Interest Program (VIP)
The Vocational Interest Program (VIP) is an innovative program which works with individuals in Lynn who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The mission of V.I.P. is to help individuals find employment and build careers. The Vocational Interest Program provides a wide range of services to job seekers in any stage of their career path: entry-level, returning to work, in need of additional training, to senior level professionals.

VIP helps clients with their job search and on site job training. The program provides Job Readiness Workshops, including interviewing techniques, resume and cover letter development, and a professional office environment where clients have the opportunity to acquire a mailing address, telephone voice mail box and an e-mail address.