In the Community
A NNUA L REP OR T 2014
FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
“It takes a village
to raise a child.”
Old African proverb
live in a great neighborhood. It’s a relatively private street with
about 25 houses. We moved here almost 30 years ago, as one of
the first to replace the original builders/founders of the
neighborhood. Most of the families at the time had been there for
25 years, and their children had then grown and moved on. We
were the first new young family, with young children. Now, with
time, the cycle has repeated. We are now the gray-hairs, surrounded
by the next wave of young families, with dozens of children making
the street come alive with activity.
I
The Bridge is such a community. Like Russian nesting-dolls, each
Program is its own community, within the community of its
Division, within the community of The Bridge as a whole. Each is
made up of clients and staff who depend on one another to achieve
the needs of the day. And each Program must support the other
Programs, trading off needs and wants to make sure that the true
priorities are met. And our Bridge community extends even further,
to our Trustees, our many friends, neighbors, vendors, volunteers,
and generous contributors.
What makes my neighborhood special is that it truly is a community.
We have people from all over the world who have chosen to live on
this street. We have most every religion covered, every profession,
and every personality type. We have the brash, and the shy, the loud
and the quiet. But what’s truly special is the culture of our community.
Any home project gets numerous volunteers for assistance. Any
sickness is met with offers of help. Need a ride somewhere? Need
your child met at the bus stop? Need your dog fed while you are
gone? There is always a neighbor there to help. The children roam
the street with the full understanding that any neighbor might
chastise them for some improper behavior, or reward them with a
treat for something good. We often gather on back porches in the
summer, or in front of a winter fire to celebrate being snowed in.
There is a neighborhood email list that is constantly making
everyone aware of good sales at the stores, asking questions about
recommending products or services, or just sharing the events
in our lives. We all know that we are lucky to participate in such
a community.
We truly believe that The Bridge is a model of how to provide
services in the spirit of community. Each extended member of our
community both contributes and receives. And we all grow because
of it. Indeed we are lucky to belong to such a community.
We are now entering the season where I get to celebrate my
communities. Our neighborhood block party is our annual
gathering for food, games, and enjoying each other, followed soon
after by the full-street yard sale. And at The Bridge we have
BridgeFest in September and our Annual meeting in October. Both
remind me that the Bridge is both unique and special. My life is
blessed by these communities.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank you for your continued
support of The Bridge. It is you who makes the difference in the
community that we are.
Charley O’Neill
1 | The Bridge Annual Report 2014
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In the
Community
M
any of us take for granted that we have friends, family
and meaningful work. These have been part of our
experience for years, often multi-generationally. But
clients at The Bridge often struggle with these “basics;” they know
that such connections are not easily achieved.
Imagine a young boy who seems “wired differently” even in
pre-school. He doesn’t seem to pick up on social cues, doesn’t know
how to share, or maybe tries too hard to please. And then add to the
mix that this young person is so distracted by the chaos (or even
abuse) at home that he can barely concentrate on school work. It’s
no surprise when this youth has trouble making friends and
learning the educational basics. And that leads to other problems
accumulatively.
There’s a lot of talk in our culture about the fundamental human
values of love, compassion, and tolerance. But sometimes in the
schoolyard, ridicule, mockery and exclusion rule. It’s a big
disadvantage to be “slightly different” and not even know why.
Speaking of “why,” Why does “difference” provoke fear and disdain
in so many? What are they protecting or avoiding? Acceptance has
no big cost. My son’s high school principal used to start his weekly
assemblies with a simple piece of advice (or better yet, maybe it was
a demand!). He said, “Don’t be mean.”
Our clients come to us at age 8 or 18 or even 48. We are optimistic
for every one, but their struggles are real in terms of meaningfully
entering the community. Essentially, we start from the inside and
move outward from there. First there are emotion regulation and
self-soothing skills to deal with the chaos, smooth the rough edges,
and neutralize impulsivity. Then there are treatments that target
negative judgments, putdowns, and irrational self-blame. It’s so
liberating to escape those traps. Next are social skills, breaking
down into small steps how to engage, give and take, listen, and
most importantly, whom to trust.
Consider Danny. He was born with developmental delays in terms
of intelligence. He received special education supports in school and
had a tough time with peers because he wasn’t “as smart as the other
kids.” He grew up shy and withdrawn because he felt inferior. With
lots of family and Bridge support, over time he became smart in
other ways. He learned how to treat people with kindness, ignoring
their slights, saying “They just don’t know any better. They’ll come
around.” Danny has worked 5-6 days a week for years as a stock
boy and cart retriever at a local supermarket. The staff there know
and respect him, referring to him as “Dependable Danny.” Once
every year or so, he receives “Employee of the Month.” The old lady
customers love him, asking where he is on his days off. And they tip
him ostensibly for unloading their bags, but mostly for being nice
and patient with them. Danny has friends at church and his bowling
league. He has a rich life that he’s made for himself. We’re all glad
he’s part of our lives and if you meet him, you will be too. Keep an
eye out for him; he’s in your community…
Sincerely,
Barry Walsh
The Bridge Annual Report 2014 | 2
The Bridge Receives Statewide Recognition
for CR for PTSD Outcomes
The Bridge has been awarded the Provider Recognition Award for Excellence in Outcomes for its Cognitive
Restructuring (CR) for PTSD program. The award is scheduled to be presented at the Salute to Excellence
event of the Association of Behavioral Healthcare (ABH) on October 24, 2014.
CR for PTSD is an evidence-based treatment for those who are experiencing symptoms of posttraumatic
stress disorder. The Bridge has been providing CR for PTSD for five years and has recently reported outcome
results from an analysis of data completed by Leonard Doerfler, Ph.D. of Assumption College. The outcomes
show that CR for PTSD at The Bridge has a high level of effectiveness for reduction of symptoms of PTSD and
depression.
Of 50 people who completed treatment, 75% reported significant relief of their PTSD symptoms and those who
reported severe depression symptoms decreased from 60% at the start, to 29% at the end of treatment.
CR for PTSD is a highly structured treatment that does not require individuals to relive their trauma. It is available
for Veterans and the general public through the new Bridge Counseling Center, which opened this Fall.
For more information on CR for PTSD, contact Andrea Wolloff, Director of CBT Services at The Bridge at
[email protected]. To schedule an appointment with a therapist at The Bridge Counseling Center,
contact Jocelyn at [email protected].
The Bridge as a Community Setting
for Evidence-Based Practice
Honoring Kim Mueser, Ph.D.
The Bridge has partnered with academic
researchers to test and implement
evidence-based practices in our
community programs for many years.
A key inspiration in those endeavors
has been Kim T. Mueser, Ph.D., a clinical
psychologist and Executive Director of
the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation
at Boston University.
Kim Mueser, Ph.D.
Dr. Mueser’s clinical and research
interests focus on the development, evaluation and implementation
of psychosocial interventions for people with a serious mental
illness. His work has addressed a range of different problem areas
and treatment approaches in this population, including cognitive
restructuring for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), illness
3 | The Bridge Annual Report 2014
management and recovery (IMR), integrated treatment for
co-occurring psychiatric disorders and substance abuse, family
psychoeducation, social skills training and treatment of first episode
psychosis.
He is currently engaged in research with The Bridge on a project
testing the effectiveness of Supported Education.
Dr. Mueser’s research has been supported by the National Institute
of Mental Health, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, and the Brain
and Behavior Research Foundation. He is co-author of more than
15 books and treatment manuals and has published extensively.
Dr. Mueser received the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Bridge
of Central Massachusetts at the Annual Meeting in October of 2014.
Helping the
Community
Recover from
Traumatic Events
Carrie Grzych-Sorenson knows what it feels like to experience loss
and trauma. And that experience is with her every time she responds
to a call for The Bridge Trauma Response Team. “The effects of
trauma are unique to every person. What one person can bounce
back from, another may struggle with. But everyone can benefit from
the immediate support of a trained responder,” she says.
“The idea of psychological first aid is to meet people where they are,
to assess what their immediate needs may be, and to check in, offer
support and offer referrals for further help if needed,” says GrzychSorenson. The Bridge Trauma Response Team provides mental
health services and proven post-trauma interventions in most cases
free of charge.
The Bridge Trauma Response Team was formed in 2008 in
Services include assessment and consultation, stabilization groups,
collaboration with Riverside Community Care. A group from
coping groups and referrals for longer term assistance. In addition,
The Bridge was trained by Riverside
The Bridge Trauma Response Team
to provide psychological first aid to
consults with schools, agencies and
“The effects of trauma are unique to every person.
those who experience a traumatic
other organizations to ensure they
What one person can bounce back from, another
event in the region. Today, trained
have the tools they need to respond to
may struggle with. But everyone can benefit from
responders at The Bridge are led by
critical incidents.
the immediate support of a trained responder.”
Grzych-Sorenson, who is also program
Caring for the responders is a crucial
– Carrie Grzych-Sorenson
manager for the Litchfield Avenue
role of Carrie’s. “I try to make careful
program of The Bridge in Southbridge.
decisions about who to send on what type of call, to space out the
“In 2011, I was heading out on my usual June vacation, when I got
calls for each responder, to know what might be triggers for them,
the call,” says Grzych-Sorenson. Tornadoes had ripped through
and to do a lot of check-in’s with people afterwards.”
several towns in western Massachusetts and people were reeling
“It is not easy work, but it is rewarding. Often someone we served will
from the unexpected devastation. Three people died.
say ‘thank you so much, this really helped’, or ‘we really needed this’.”
“I spent my vacation in Brimfield, helping others meet basic needs
like food and water. While we were delivering these basics, we’d
check in with people and ask what else they may need and what
For more information, email Carrie Grzych-Sorenson at
concerns they had. There were people who were afraid to leave their
[email protected] or to access The Bridge Trauma
homes,” she adds.
Response Team, call the Critical Incident Response Line at
The Bridge Trauma Response Team has answered the call to those
affected by ice storms, suicides or other unexpected deaths, events
affecting staff at other agencies and more.
774-262-0751.
The Bridge Annual Report 2014 | 4
5 | The Bridge Annual Report 2014
Ed Martin, Jr. Celebrates 10 Years
as Assistant Basketball Coach at Oakmont
“Ed’s role on this team is just as important as the players,” say team
captains Connor Wells and David Quaye. “He motivates us when we
are down, and he inspires us to be better players and better people.
He is like a brother to us.” Wells and Quaye, now seniors, have been
members of the Oakmont Basketball squad since their freshman year.
“Ed has a positive effect on the players
and the coaches and he does know a lot
about basketball. He’ll tell us when we
screw up, and he’s usually right. He
remembers everything.”
– Eric Dawley
Ed Martin, 27, is an individual in the Gardner Residential Program
of The Bridge. He has an intellectual disability and other challenges,
but none of these keep him from doing what he loves and helping
others. An athlete himself, Ed has earned medals at the Special
Olympics for Basketball, Softball and Flag Football.
Officially, Ed says his title is Equipment Manager for the Oakmont
Spartans, but the shirt he proudly wears says “ Assistant Coach”.
The players say that Ed has earned that shirt with his dedication to
the team and his knowledge of basketball. “Sometimes we think he
knows more than the coaches,” says Wells.
Dawley has been head coach for eight of those years and says he has
enjoyed watching Ed grow into a mature young adult. “Ed has a
positive effect on the players and the coaches and he does know a
lot about basketball. He’ll tell us when we screw up, and he’s usually
right. He remembers everything.”
Nathaniel Richey was a student with Ed at Oakmont and watched
the photo shoot for this article with great interest. “Ed has really
grown. His confidence is amazing. It seems like he has found his
place. I am really happy for him.” Transitions Coordinator Donna
Larson echoes that thought. “He has really grown into a confident
young man, which is wonderful to see.”
Oakmont Basketball is not the only volunteering Ed Martin does.
With the help of Bridge Assistant Program Manager Jared Bradbury,
Ed also participates in trash clean-ups at Dunn’s State Park and at a
Westminster church, as well as collecting tickets at Wachusett Dirt
Dawgs games.
But basketball is his first love, and Ed has already asked Dawley for
this year’s schedule. He is planning to attend every game once again,
because that is what Assistant Coaches do. And the team would
miss him if he wasn’t there.
The coaches do not disagree. “Ed is an important part of this team.
He knows his basketball and he is not afraid to tell us what he
thinks,” says Bob Wojtukiewicz, Assistant Basketball Coach. “And
sometimes I think he does know more than we do.”
Brian Billings, another Assistant Coach for the team, agrees that Ed
is vital part of the team. “If he’s not on the bus, the players ask
‘Where’s Eddie? We can’t leave without him.’ He notes that Ed has a
special pre-game ritual he does with the players.
According to Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach Eric
Dawley, Ed has been a constant on the team for at least ten years.
Front Row L–R: Eric Dawley, David Quaye, Ed Martin, Connor Wells
Back Row Center–R: Jared Bradbury, Brian Billings and Bob Wojtukiewicz
Ed Martin, Jr.
The Bridge Annual Report 2014 | 6
Sharing Expertise With the
Professional Community
O
“
ne of the ways The Bridge hopes to expand use of evidence-based practice treatments is to
provide expert training for professionals,” says Stephen Murphy, the Director of Business
Development for The Bridge and Director of The Bridge Training Institute. “By educating
others about these proven treatments, we can expand access for those who need them.”
The Bridge Training Institute began in 2009 and this year will offer a total of 16 programs for human
service professionals, social workers, psychologists and school personnel on topics in two different
series. The Clinical Experts Series is devoted to a broad array of educational topics, while the DBT
Series focuses exclusively on Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
DBT is a treatment that has been proven to be effective with people who are in persistent emotional distress, have chronically unstable relationships,
and present with recurrent self-injury and/or suicidal behavior. DBT has been used to treat high performing, but distressed students, seriously
disturbed adolescents and people with persistent mental illness and/or developmental disabilities.
95% of those returning evaluations would recommend Bridge Training Institute programs to colleagues. “We have many repeat customers,” says
Murphy. “And the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) contracts on an annual basis with the Training Institute for paid seats
for their social workers.”
The Bridge Training Institute has approval to award CEU’s for psychologists, social workers, LMHC’s, LMFT’s and LADC’s.
Programs of The Bridge Training Institute
2014-2015
CLINICAL EXPERTS SERIES
■ Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder:
A Developmental and Behavioral Approach to Assessment
& Treatment
■ Cognitive-Behavior Therapy: Proven Interventions for
Children and Adolescents
■ New Challenges in Understanding and Treating
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury
■ Understanding and Treating Sleep Disorders: What You Need
to Know
THE DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY SERIES
■ Mindfulness-Based Treatment for Depression
■ A 1-Day Introduction to DBT training
■ Eating Disorders: The Current Treatments That Produce Results
■ A 3-Day DBT Skills Training Track
■ Psychological First Aid: The First Response to Traumatic Events
■ A 4-Day DBT Individual Therapy Track
■ Helping Kids Without A Safety Net: The Effect of Homelessness,
Domestic Violence and Family Instability on Success in
Schools and the Community
Visit thebridgetraininginstitute.org for more information
or to register for the Clinical Experts Series or the DBT
Training Series.
7 | The Bridge Annual Report 2014
Good Nutrition Takes A Village
Efforts to promote good nutrition at The Bridge start
with the Nutrition Work Group, headed by Peter Quinn
of the Men’s Residence in Westborough. But they don’t
end there.
Joining Quinn and other Bridge Staff on the committee
are several community organizations that make a
significant contribution to the work of this group.
Most notable are donations of time, talent and
resources from The UMass Extension Nutrition
Education Program, headed by Robyn DeCiero,
Program Supervisor and Extension Educator.
DeCiero says the relationship started out with her
serving on the Nutrition Work Group with then chair
Tina Hyland, who recently retired from The Bridge. One
thing led to another, and then the UMass Extension
was offering cooking classes and nutritional
information for Bridge programs. Now they provide
nutrition education and cooking classes for nearly
every Bridge program, and support Nutrition Work
Group events such as the Iron Chef cooking
competition held once or twice a year at The Bridge.
“We really enjoy our partnership with The Bridge,”
says DeCiero. “It’s fun and it’s challenging to visit
program staff and individuals and find out what they
like to eat and what they may be willing to change. We
try to meet them halfway and say, okay – if you like
macaroni and cheese, let’s explore ways to make a
healthier version.”
“I’ve only been on the group for about six months, but I have
The UMass Extension Nutrition Education Program
found it rewarding working with everyone to come up with
suggested the concept of Eat A Rainbow, to encourage
new ways to promote gardening and healthy eating.”
people to eat more colors of food such as veggies and
fruits. The Nutrition Work Group ran with the idea and
– Peter Quinn, Chair of the Nutrition Work Group
recently completed the Eat A Rainbow contest, asking
staff and individuals to count how many colors they
ate in a day. They have also offered classes for staff on eating healthy on a budget and feeding the finicky eater among others.
According to Quinn, it’s creative ideas like these that drew him to the Nutrition Work Group. “I’ve only been on the group for about six months,
but I have found it rewarding working with everyone to come up with new ways to promote gardening and healthy eating. I’ve always enjoyed
gardening and cooking, so this seems like a natural fit.”
DeCiero’s top three nutrition hints for the rest of us villagers? Drink more water, eat more produce, and cook at home more. “And try growing
some of your own food. It’s fun and it’s healthy.”
The Bridge Annual Report 2014 | 8
Supported Employment and Education
Helping People Live, Work and
Learn in the Community
Supported Employment is a program that provides needed supports to help individuals with serious mental health challenges to seek and
secure competitive employment. This is an evidence-based practice that has been utilized at The Bridge for a number of years. Supported
Education is a more recent model that was developed by Kim Mueser, Ph.D. of Boston University. The Bridge is currently conducting a pilot
study with Mueser to assess the effectiveness of integrated Supported Employment and Education as a tool to help individuals achieve
important goals and strengthen their independence.
Amelia Dillon is Coordinator of the program, and works with Supported Employment and Education Specialists Michael Higgins, Joe Kurland,
Kelly Leuci, Diane McDermott and Jennifer Zadoyan.
Jennifer Zadoyan and Amelia Dillon
9 | The Bridge Annual Report 2014
Instructor Mrs. Sahin with Eric Malouin
Eric Walks His Way to The Future
“I am very happy where I am,” says Eric Malouin of Southbridge, “But I had to earn my stripes.”
Earning his stripes for Eric meant recovering from serious mental health challenges and
deciding with the help of his Supported Employment and Education Counselor Kelly Leuci
to return to school and work towards his High School Equivalency degree.
Now, three times a week, Eric walks from his apartment to the Worcester Community Action Council
(WCAC) site in Southbridge for HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) classes from 5:30 to 8:30pm.
“The Litchfield program
was great. I made friends
there and I would
recommend it to anyone
who needs help.”
His instructor, Mrs. Sahin, says Eric is a very responsible student. “He is on-time, and tries his
best every single class.” As a result, Sahin notes that Eric has progressed from a second grade
reading level to a sixth grade reading level in 5 months. “He loves to read, especially mysteries and Stephen King novels.”
Eric Malouin
Eric was in the Litchfield program of The Bridge for several years, and recently was able to transition to living in his own apartment.
“That program was great. I made friends there and I would recommend it to anyone who needs help,” he says.
For the future, Eric’s goal is to become a chef. “I can cook a mean steak!” he says with a laugh. But he knows in order to get a job in culinary
arts, first he has to get his High School equivalency. So every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Eric makes the long trek to class, knowing
with every step, he is that much closer to achieving his goals.
The Bridge Annual Report 2014 | 10
Supported Employment and Education continued
Heading Off to School This Fall
L–R: Philip, Lauren, Shandi, Marina and Elisa, at Quinsigamond Community College.
With encouragement and support from Supported Employment and Education Specialists at The Bridge, a number of individuals that we
serve are heading to college this fall. Five who are heading to Quinsigamond Community College include Marina L., who is entering her
second year, studying Clerical/Office and Hospitality; Shandi M. who is a freshman, hoping to study food services; Philip W. who is in his
first year studying General Studies; and Lauren H., who is a sophomore, taking General Studies, and hoping to transfer to Northeastern
University to major in political science. Pictured with the students is Elisa Ouellette, Peer Outreach Counselor at The Bridge, who is a
graduate of Quinsigamond and worked as a Supported Employment and Education Specialist up until recently.
11 | The Bridge Annual Report 2014
“Supported Education Works.
It’s Real and It’s Meaningful.”
“I have been involved with the Supported Education pilot from the beginning,” says
Elisa Ouellette. “I can tell you that it works, it’s real and it’s meaningful.”
Ouellette has been associated with The Bridge for over ten years, eight of which she
worked as a Peer Support Counselor or Supported Employment and Education
Specialist. Her early years at The Bridge were as an individual receiving services in
South County. “My experience as a client made me a better staff member. I understand
how important it is to meet people where they are at,” she says.
Ouellette started college in 2001
and then went through some
difficult times which slowed her
progress in school. “One thing that
never left me through struggle and
happiness was this goal, this idea
that I was going to graduate.”
“My experience as a client
made me a better staff
member. I understand
how important it is to
meet people where they
are at.”
And when she did, in 2012,
Ouellette says ‘It was amazing,
empowering, triumphant – a
destination I had been waiting for.” But she did not stop there. She is now a Junior at
Assumption College, studying for her bachelor’s in Sociology. “Assumption is a really
great school. I feel like there’s a focus on building character, working on who you are,
what’s in your heart, how you communicate and relate to others. I have a strong
connection with the spiritual aspect of the school.”
The future for Ouellette is a long-term goal to excavate artifacts on Mount Carmel in
Israel. “I am so interested in history and how it plays out in the present.”
Elisa Ouellette
For now, she is happy to be working with young adults at The Bridge who are going through their own struggles. “Having support when
you’re struggling can really help elicit a bravery to believe in yourself, which is so key. I enjoy being that support for others, because I see how
much it helped me.”
For more information about Supported Employment and Education at The Bridge,
contact Amelia Dillon at [email protected].
The Bridge Annual Report 2014 | 12
Children’s Services at Home
and in the Community
Caring Together
Worcester Continuum
Caring Together is a new collaborative service model jointly funded by the Massachusetts
Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF)
to provide services for children ages 6 to 18. The Bridge was awarded a contract to provide
a level of care that meets the needs of 34 youth and their families, ranging from in-home
services to short-term out-of-home placements.
“The idea is to provide services to keep the child in the home and support the family and
their efforts to meet the needs of their child with mental health challenges,” says Valerie
Smith, Clinical Supervisor for the program operated by The Bridge. “The key is working
closely with families to help them prepare for the needs of their child,” she adds.
Worcester Continuum Staff
Program Manager Kelly Sporer says one of her priorities at the moment is working with outreach counselors to help them understand their
role. “The team is not necessarily accustomed to working with families in their homes, so that is a learning curve and an adjustment. Providing
services in the family home is very different. However, the advantage to this model is that when they are struggling we can provide more
support, and when things are going well, less. It’s a very flexible model.”
Another plus to this program, according to Smith, is that it is not time-limited. “We can provide services over whatever period is required to meet
the needs of the child and family and we can do that whenever it is needed whether during the day, at night or on weekends. That is a real plus.”
The program is also team-based, with various parts of the treatment community coming together. “It’s really pulling the village together on
behalf of that child and family,” says Smith.
For more information about the Worcester Continuum of Caring Together, contact Kelly Sporer, Program Manager at [email protected].
Individual and Family Flexible Supports Program
Another program for children with mental
health challenges is the Individual and
Family Flexible Supports (IFFS) program.
Commonly referred to at The Bridge as
Kids Flex, the program offers several
levels of service in different settings to
help children and their families.
The program includes Family Support in
Betty Bragdon, Family Support Worker
the home or setting of the family’s choice,
Kerry Blumengarten, Clinical Supervisor
Individual Support for the child and
Group support either at The Bridge or in community settings.
This summer the program also offered a Day Camp during several weeks of
the summer. In addition to group activities and learning opportunities, the
campers took field trips to recreational and cultural sites.
Youth and counselors enjoy an outing at Regal Cinemas during the
“Every Day Explorers” summer camp.
13 | The Bridge Annual Report 2014
For more information about the Kids Flex (IFFS) program at The Bridge,
contact Kerry Blumengarten at [email protected].
Safe Homes: Serving Vulnerable Youth In Our Community
Safe Homes Peer Leaders with Program Director Laura Farnsworth and clinicians Michael Petracca and Rebecca Nelson.
The Safe Homes program of The Bridge provides important services and support for youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or
questioning (LGBTQ). Notably, the program also provides leadership development for LGBTQ youth and their straight allies through training,
leadership and community service experiences—an area that program director Laura Farnsworth says is growing.
In the past year, Safe Homes served 456 unduplicated youth, most of
whom attended the Safe Homes Drop In Center, held at 4 Mann Street
every Thursday evening from 6:30 to 9pm. “The Drop In provides young
people ages 14 to 23 with a safe, accessible and supportive place to come
and share their concerns, or ask questions or just have pizza, play games
and learn a little in the process,” said Farnsworth. “We do sneak some
education into every Drop In Center program, but the agenda is youth
driven and adult-advised.”
Farnsworth says that is a key to the success of the Safe Homes program–
youth leadership and participation. “We have a wonderful group of peer
leaders who come early every week to plan out the evening’s agenda and to
suggest future topics and activities. They went through a total of more
than 10 trainings this year, on a variety of topics.”
She notes that several of the peer leaders have been recognized for their
leadership in the past year. “One of our former peer leaders was singled
out by President Barack Obama, during his Commencement Address at
Worcester Technical High School this year. Another received the Safe
Homes People of Courage Award for his exceptional work as a peer leader
and straight ally to the LGBT youth. It’s fascinating for me to watch these
young people blossom and grow in their leadership abilities after serving
as peer leaders at Safe Homes,” says Farnsworth.
For more information on Safe Homes, contact Laura Farnsworth at
[email protected] or visit www.safehomesma.org.
Safe Homes Gala and
People of Courage Awards
This year, the Annual
Safe Homes Gala and
People of Courage
Awards will be held on
Friday, May 1, 2015
from 6-10pm at
Cyprian Keyes Golf
Club in Boylston.
Pictured above are some of the attendees at the 2014 Gala
and Award ceremony, held on April 25. Award Winners from
2014 include:
Youth: Timothy LaPlante
Volunteer: Michael Johnson
Corporate: Wings Over Worcester
Public Service: Michael Lanava
Social Justice Advocacy and Action: Brenda Jenkins and Marie
Boone, Mosaic Cultural Complex
Nominations for the Awards which include Youth Award,
Corporate Award, Public Service Award, Volunteer Award and
Social Justice Advocacy and Action Award are being accepted
now. To nominate someone, visit www.safehomesma.org.
The Bridge Annual Report 2014 | 14
Financials 2014
July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014
AUDITED
Services were provided to 1,245
individuals and their families from
July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014
FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES
PERSONNEL
73.6%
19,342,393
OCCUPANCY
10.5%
2,754,320
Child and Adolescent
DIRECT CLIENT CARE
6.3%
1,648,873
Developmental Disability
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
3.6%
942,639
Metro Suburban Mental Health
TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION
3.2%
836,143
North County
157
OTHER
3.5%
744,692
South County
171
Transition Age
32
100.0%
$26,269,060
Worcester Adult
141
DIVISIONS
Division Total
74
107
94
OPERATING REVENUES
SCHAP Homeless Program
DMH (Dept. of Mental Health)
54.2%
14,188,837
DDS (Dept. of Developmental Disabilities)
19.5%
5,140,352
DCF (Dept. of Children & Families)
2.2%
570,474
MRC (Mass. Rehab Commission)
3.1%
808,656
CHAPTER 766
0.9%
237,215
US DEPT OF HUD
1.6%
CLIENT RESOURCES
OTHER
13
Safe Homes
456
Total
1245
AGE
#
0 to 12 Years Old
15
422,098
13-17 Years Old
28
4.2%
1,101,169
18-24 Years Old
153
14.3%
3,846,523
25-64 Years Old
543
100.0%
$26,315,324
65+ Years Old
50
Total
OPERATING EXPENSES
789
Excludes Safe Homes youth ages 14 to 23
DMH SERVICES
48.9%
12,827,674
DDS SERVICES
18.9%
4,977,296
CARING TOGETHER YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT SERVICES
13.3%
3,476,458
CHAPTER 766
1.8%
481,752
US DEPT OF HUD
1.6%
423,382
MASS. REHABILITATION COMMISSION
3.6%
933,703
TRAINING AND CONSULTING
0.7%
206,109
10.7%
2,821,935
0.5%
120,751
100.0%
$26,269,060
ADMINISTRATION & DEVELOPMENT
SAFE HOMES
15 | The Bridge Annual Report 2014
(456)
SERVICE TYPE
#
%
Child & Adolescent Mental Health
74
6%
Transition Age
32
3%
Adult Mental Health
563
45%
Developmental Disabilities
107
9%
Safe Homes
456
37%
13
1%
Homeless Assistance
Total
1245 100%
Donors
Gifts received between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014
BENEFACTOR $50,000 – $99,999
SUPPORTER $500 – $999
The Stoddard Charitable Trust
American Alarm and
Communication Inc.
Arbor Associates, Inc
DCU
Fallon Community Health Plan
Fletcher Tilton
Kauffman Crozier LLP
New England Controls
Reece Electric Corp
Southbridge Community Connection
Webster Five Cents Savings Bank
Wings Over Worcester
Worcester Sharks
Peter Bacchiocchi
Donna & Paul Bradley
Jay Bry
Ralph Carlson
Mary Jane Carroll
Donna & Tim Connolly
Rueith Diamond
Donald & Connie Doyle
Warner & Mary Fletcher
John & Joyce Gallinagh
Joseph Garbiel
Paulette Goeden & Alfred Morin
Thomas Horn & Sue Sciaraffa
William Hurley
Tina & Ted Hyland
Anne Laverty
Dr. Joann Lindenmayer
Steve Murphy & Carol McMahon
David Nelson
Charles & Carolyn O'Neill
Erica Robert
Wayne Rocheleau
John Shea
Robert & Angela Tripp
Charles Wood
CHAMPION $25,000 – $49,999
Fred Harris Daniels Foundation
George F. & Sybil H. Fuller Foundation
Greater Worcester Community
Foundation
United Way of Central Mass
PATRON $10,000 – $24,999
George I. Alden Trust
LEADER $5,000 – $9,999
BJ's Charitable Foundation
E. Rhodes and
Leona B. Carpenter Foundation
TJX Foundation
United Way of Southbridge, Sturbridge,
& Charlton
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Richelle & Mark Kennedy
ADVOCATE $1,000 – $4,999
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc.
American Flooring United
Barry Communications, Inc.
Beacon Pharmacy, Inc.
Capital Lease Group LTD.
Caruso & McGovern Construction Inc.
Curry Printing
East Coast Benefit Plans Inc.
Excel Property Development
Family Pharmacy Inc.
Insurance Professionals of
New England
Marsh & McLennan Agency
People's United Bank
Reliant Medical Group
South High Community School
St. Luke's Church
TD Bank
United Way of Webster & Dudley, Inc.
Youths' Friends Association, Inc.
Ken Ayers
Frederick Battersby
Nancy Bishop & Mark LaPierre
J. Christopher & Catherine Collins
George & Denise Ericson
Daniel & Anna Hanrahan
Nita Holt
Judi Kirk
Lorie & Thomas Martiska
Mike & Marybeth Noonan
Amelia Painton
Robert & Judith Simons
Carol Tripp-Tebo
John Trobaugh & Jeroan Allison
Barent Walsh & Valerie Wedge
Chris Wedge & Jeanne Markel
FRIEND $1 – $499
A Felting Frenzy
Ace Temperature Control
Alexander, Aronson, Finning & Co., P.C.
Algonquin Regional High School
Anna Maria College
Associated Foot Specialists
Avidia Bank
Bose Corporation
Bowditch & Dewey
Builders Systems, Inc.
Celticare Health Plan of
Massachusetts, Inc.
Center of Hope
Central Staffing Group, LLC
Centro las Americas
Chair City Oil, Inc.
Coghlin Electrical Contractors, Inc.
Colantonio Inc.
College of the Holy Cross
Conway Scenic Railroad
Creative Services of New England
Doubletree Hotel Boston/Westborough
Duraclean Services
EcoTarium
Fallon Total Care
First Congregational Church
Ford's Hometown Services
Green Gardens Landscaping
Group 7 Design
Hadwen Park Congregational Church
Hamilton Computer Repairs
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Honey Farms
Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at
Penn's Landing
iCims
International Ceramic Engineering
Jack's Mass Inspections
Juice Plus+
Kane Maple Street, LLC
Kut It Out Creations
Leo's Vacuum Center
Mevvy Realty Trust
Mitrakas Properties
Mosaic Cultural Complex, Inc.
Music Worcester
National Grid
New England Aquarium
New England Fleet Care, Inc.
Next Step Living
Origami Owl
Phillips, Silver, Talman, Aframe &
Sinrich, PC
Precision Testing Laboratories, Inc.
Publick House Historic Inn
Rand Harper Funeral Home
Rau Graphics
Robert G. Lussier, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry
Rocky's
Seibold Plumbing & Heating, Inc
Southbridge Savings Bank
SpeakEasy Stage Company
St. Mary's Church
Story Land
Strategic Innovative Systems, SIS Inc.
Sunshine Creations
The Art Room
The Briar Group
The Bridge - Supported Housing
The Dogfather
The Health Foundation of Central Mass
The Huntington Theatre Company
The Lyric Stage Company of Boston
The Pampered Chef
Thirty-One Gifts
Timtis Creations
UMass Medical School
W. B. Mason
MAJOR FUNDING PARTNERS
Mass. Dept. of Mental Health
Mass. Dept. of Developmental
Disabilities
Mass. Dept. of Public Health
Mass. Rehab Commission
Dept. of Secondary & Elementary
Education
U.S. Housing & Urban
Development (HUD)
Whims & Wishes Handcrafted Jewelry
Worcester Art Museum
WSRS
Cheryl Abbascia
Tara Adams
Leanne Ahronian
Ange Aka
Virginia Allen
Alexis Allfrey
Maria Almeida
Marcia Almeida
Fiona Andrewes
Ken Ansin
Carrie Arnold
Anne Asante
Roxanne Auger & Sandra Dumais
Melanie Barber
R. Scott Barnes & David Settlemire
Michelle Baronas
Jessica Baronas
Jacob Baronas
Marie Bartoni
Elaine Beals
Dorothy Beaudry
Lynn Beauregard
Sandra Beavan
Randy Belculfine
Jeanine Beratta
Eduardo Berciano
Margareta Berg
Maryann Berkeley
Tracy Bertonazzi
Mark Bilotta & Henry Ritter
Charlotte & James Blackburn
Diane Blake-Johnson
Tina Bloxson
Maggie Boatwright-McEvoy
John Bolduc
Ruth Boniface
Lisa Bordage
Milton Bornstein
& Penny Johnson
Amy Boucher
Herve Boucher
Michael Braun
Steve & Meryl Brickman
Jean Brickman
The Bridge Annual Report 2014 | 16
Jonathan Brickman
Zaylee Brodeur
Frederick Brown
Cromwell Browne
Thomas & Nancy Buckingham
Lyda Budrys
Satish Bulusu
John Burdick
Thomas and Mary Burke
Yajaira Burke
Eric Burt
Brenda Bushroe
Joanne Calista
Mary V Callahan
Kathryn Calo
Elizabeth Carey
Robert Carreiro
Cynthia Carruthers
Kirk & Price Carter
Meghan Casagranda
Lori Cashman
Joe Cassariro
Anne Cataldo
Maria Cataldo-Cunniff
Paul Felix Cataldo
Peter Cataldo
Thomas & Lisa Cataldo
Derek Catrambone
Josh Cerullo
Paul Champlin
State Senator Harriette Chandler
Kathleen & Daniel Charette
Patrick Cherry
Nancy Cherry
Kathleen Cherry
John Cherry
Susan Chiera
Basil & Dia Chigas
Barbara Christie
Alicia Cianciola
Kathy Cicerone
Sara & Dan Connor
Lacey Conrad
Craig Constantine
Pauline Cook
Tami Coon
Rosemary Corley
Helen Coy
Joseph Cronan
Margaret Crowley
John & Roberta Cruse
Jim Culver
Judy Culver
Patricia Cummings
Kathy Daly
Sean Daly
Kris & Bethany Daly
Debra Danielson
Dennis & Janet D'Antona
Lisa Darling
Marie-Paule De Valdivia
Alan Dean
Robyn DeCiero
Jennifer Delisle
Christopher Delorey
Joanne DeMoura
Brian Denietolis
Brian Dereda
Terry Derr
Marc & Donna Desrosiers
Judith Detoma & Mark
Geschelin
Steve DeVincent
John DiLicco
Matis DiLicco
Kimberlee Dodson
Ryan Dodson
Leonard & Diane Doerfler
John & Marilyn Dolan
Barbara & Mel Dorr
Irene Doyle
William Doyle
Danielle Dube
Cheryl Dujnic
Susan Dusoe
Caine Dutton
Ed Dwelly
Jennifer Eaton
John & Elaine Eaton
Deborah Ellstrom
Victoria Emerson
Stephen Engler &
John S.F. Lopes
Delice Erwin-Bradford
Laura Farnsworth &
Margaret Cincotta
Alan & Enid Feingold
Shoran Fischer
Patricia & Joseph Flanagan
Ruth-Ellen Flanagan
Bonnie Fleming
Beverly Fletcher
Christina Foley
Marion Foley
Kim Fontaine
Adam Fontana
John Ford &
Jane McDowell-Ford
Fritzi Foster
Elaine Francis
Joshua & Marita Froimson
Laura Fryar
Larry Frye
Betsy & Pat Fuller
Jackie Fuller
Ellen Gabriele
Michael & Coreen Gaffney
Pat Gagne
Cynthia Gagne
Marion Galeckas
Rose Gallagher
Nicole Garcia
Robert & Maria Gasser
Melissa Gauthier
Mark Gerardi
Victor Giansanti
Bernice & Scott Gilman
Timothy Glover
David Gorham
Matthew Gorski
17 | The Bridge Annual Report 2014
Bill Goulette
Anthony Grajales
Rita Grandpre
Camilla Gray-Henry &
Barrington Henry
Stefanie Gregware
Elaine Griggs
Carrie Grzych-Sorenson
Ryan Guilfoyle
Kajal & Ashok Sen Gupta
Gregory Gustafson
Leah & Don Guyton
Stacy Hakim
Ginny Hamilton
Martha Hammond
Pam Hanam
Francis & June Hanam
Mary Handley
Robert & Nancy Hanslip
Chris Harnois
Erin Harper
Joseph & Diethild Harrington
Ron & Sue Hayes
Jane Healey
Chris Held
Lissette Hellstrom
John & Martha Henderson
Susan Henry
Nicole Henry
Jessica Hernandez
Stephen Herriage
Elaine Hill
L. Hill
John Hindle
Drew Hirtle
Joyce Hirtle
Mark & Lisa Holland
Cherylann Holman
Heidi Holt
Thomas Hopkins
Dick Hoyt
Robin Hughes
Gwendolyn Hyland
Jocelyn Jacques-Curewitz
Jessica Jarrard
Kim Jeznach
Sherri Jeznach
Pat Jeznach
Amaret Johnson
Donald & Carole Jolie
Ben & Tarah Joseph
Edie Joyce & William Kellogg
George & Barbara Kajos
Elizabeth Kalinowski
Patricia Kalinowski
Cindy Kalish
Andrea Kaneko
Brian Katz
Joan Katz & Arthur Aframe
Gene Katz
Lorraine Keating
Doreen Kelly
Nancy Kelsey
Warren Kenyon
Anne Kerins
Celeste Kimball
Kristen King
Bonnie & Paul Kipper
Wanja Kiraguri
Margaret Kirk
Mary Kirk-Bicknell
David & Eileen Kneeland
Chris Knight
Theresa Knoll
Peggy Kocoras
Katherine Koki-Mayo
Deb Korman
Meghan Kornn
Flora Kotzian
Crystal Kozlowski
Gail Krikorian
Amy Kukta
Joe LaBonte
George Labovites &
Donald Woodbury, Jr.
Robert & Judith LaDrew
Lacey LaDue
Rebecca LaDue
Robert Lambert
Michael & Catherine Lanava
Jamie Lange
Suzanne Langevin
Pam LaPalme
Nicole Lapomardo
Brenda LaValley
Jeff LeBlanc
Donna LeBlanc
Dina Lees-Addis
Vickie Leger
David Leidel
Ann Leigher
Donald Lein
Lacey Lemanski
Kimberly Lemanski
Karyn Lepore
John Lepore
Jack LeVert & Cindy Ballenger
Barbara & Paul Levesque
Jean Liddy
Sharon Lillie
Nachiket Londhe
Mason Lovell
JoJeanne Lown
Linda Luthman
Jill Macarelli
Mark Macaruso
Richard & Valerie Mackoul
Leslie Malkiewich
J.J. & D. Sue Malone
Kenneth & Diane Mandile
Thomas & Nadine Manning
Chad Maramo
Matthew Marean
Chris Marion
Suzanne Martiska
Steve Matthews &
Sheelagh O'Connor
Barbara Matthews
Andrea Matthews
Richard & Karen Mays
John & Suzanne McCann
Thomas & Lucille McCarthy
Todd McEleney
Martha McFarland
Brad McFarland
Congressman James McGovern
Jack McGuire
Barbara McLeod
Jean McNeill
David Meausky
Jillian Melican
Paul Mendard
Joan Mercer
Ellen & David Meyers
Rose Miller
Andrew & Sharon Montalbano
Anne-Marie Moran
Ellen Moran
Carl Moran
James Morris
Andrew Morse
Denise Mossey
Catherine Mumbi
Mary Murphy
Laura Myers, MSW, Ed.D.
Mark Nachajko
Colleen Neely
Tom Nickerson
William O’Brien
Esperanza Oliveras-Gualdarrama
David & Christine O'Neill
Katherine O'Neill
Lisa Oneto
Dorothy & Robert Orrizzi
Susan Tierney Oslin
Judy Ouellet
Elisa Ouellette
Sandra Palmerino
Susan Parabicoli
Gregg & Julie Parker
Henry & Michelle Parkinson
Ronnie Parks
Ted Paul
Judy Paul
Robin Pele
Dan Pepperding
Yansen Perez
Tania Perez
Honee Hess & Phil Magnusson
Joan Phillips
Carrie Phillips & Steven Lilburn
Cristina Picozzi
Kathleen Pietrovito
Marilyn & Nicholas Powlovich
Kelly Pratt
Kimberly Pratt
Alanna Prentice
Mac Prescott
Sarah Price
Lunette Prue
Amy Przystas
Heidi Pulkkinen
Marge Purves
Peter Quinn
Tanya Quinn
Richard Rameau
Gail Randall
Henry Raphaelson
Bruce Raulson
Michael Reno
Jenn Rheaume
Robin Rhodes
Josiah Richards
John Richardson
Theresa Robert
Edward Robinson
Gail Robinson
Larry Robinson
Susan Rodden
Paul Rosen
Nancy Roussell
Stuart Rubin
Susan Sabaj
Elaine Santimore
Tom Savageau
Nancy Sawyer
Donna Scalcione & Bev Waring
Kathleen Schena
Jeff Schoppert
Luke Schoppert
Edith Scott
Charlie Sears
Ashley Serp
Mark Shepherd
Lori Sheran
Carol Sheridan
Barbara Sherman
Nicole Shetka
Kaitlyn Shusas
Edie Silva
Cory Silva
Matthew Silva
Jonathan Silverman
Jeffrey Simonelli
Paulette Slade
Kira Sommer
Shawn Sorenson
Charles Soule
Jay Sparling
Mary Lou Stankiewic
Daniel & Deborah Steigman
Kim Stewart
Doris Stirlen
Mike Stone
Heather Stravato
Ralph Stravato
Chris Stravato
Roger Strom
Helen Sumpter
Linda Szczypien
Mary Taber
Helene Tanenholtz
Amanda Tarara
Marilyn & Stanley Taylor
Constance & Henry Tencati
Terry Therrien
Pat Thiebeault
Joanna Thomas
Jean Thomas
Eric & Marion Thomas
Dennis & Nancy Thompson
Shawn Thompson
Matt Tomasko
Deborah & Al Toney
Richard & Yvonne Topping
Rebecca Topping
Kathy & Dave Torrey
Ruthie Trask
Susan Trippi
Marilyn Tully
Kathleen Turini
Brendan Underhill
Margaret Valis
Niki Van Riel
Veronika Vazquez
Christos Velia
Sera Vermette
Ann Walsh
Patrick Warren
Doug Watts & Lynn Mello
Rita & Seymour Weber
Jerry & Carole Wedge
John Wedge
Shauna Welsh
Lori Ann Wentworth
Betsy & Jack Wertheimer
Meridith Wesby
Kerrin Westerlind
Paul & Lisa Westerlind
Dennis Whelpley
John & Judith White
Brooke Wilson
Sheila Winters
Charles Winters
Andrea Wolloff
Ken Wong
Anthony Xatse
Rosemary Yahnian
Jennifer Zadoyan
Anne Zadoyan
Mark & Carol Zarrow
Catherine Zebrowski
Ernest Zezze
Carmela Zezze
Charles & Gladys Zimmer
IN KIND
Algonquin Regional High School
Anna Maria College
Conway Scenic Railroad
Doubletree Hotel
Boston/Westborough
Duraclean
East Woods Realty Trust
Eastern States Exposition
EcoTarium
Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at
Penn's Landing
Insurance Professionals of
New England
La Jolie Fleur
Music Worcester
New England Aquarium
Precision Testing
Laboratories, Inc.
Publick House Historic Inn
Rocky's
St. Mary's Church
Story Land
The Art Room
The Briar Group
The Huntington Theatre
Company
The Lyric Stage Company of
Boston
TJX Companies
WCCATV 13
Webster Five Cents Savings
Bank
Whims & Wishes Handcrafted
Jewelry
Wings Over Worcester
Worcester Art Museum
Worcester Sharks
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
WSRS
David Bastien
Frederick Battersby
Tracy & Eric Bertonazzi
Nancy Bishop &
Mark LaPierre
Lisa Bordage
Suzanne Bourque
Donna & Paul Bradley
Meryl & Steven Brickman
Dennis Brown
Yajaira Burke
Anne Cataldo
Derek Catrambone
Alicia Cianciola
Donna & Tim Connolly
Lacey Conrad
Jim Culver
Nancy D'Agostino
Kathy Daly
Kris & Bethany Daly
Meaghan Daly
Sean Daly
Robyn DeCiero
Donald & Connie Doyle
Caine Dutton
Jennifer Eaton
Victoria Emerson
Harmonie Evans
Jonathan Finkelstein
Christina & Martin Foley
Anna Fonseca
John Ford &
Jane McDowell Ford
Kara Frankian
Melissa Gauthier
Ryan George
Paulette Goeden &
Alfred Morin
Stefanie Gregware
Carrie Grzych-Sorenson
Ryan Guilfoyle
Pam Hanam
Nicole Henry
Stephanie Howe
Tina & Ted Hyland
Brian Katz
Wanja Kiraguri
Judi Kirk
Katherine Koki-Mayo
Anna Krenzul
Amy Kukta
Anne Laverty
Cindy Leatherberry
Melissa Lebel
JoJeanne Lown
Jill Macarelli
Lorie & Thomas Martiska
Carl Moran
Steve Murphy &
Carol McMahon
Laura Myers, MSW, Ed.D.
Matt Nachajko
Marybeth & Michael Noonan
Charles & Carolyn O'Neill
Katherine O'Neill
Amelia Painton
Judy Paul
Elaine & Edward Perkins
Heidi Pulkkinen
Erica Robert
Joan Rooks
Tom Savageau
Mike Scott
Julie & Michael Shaw
Kristine & Brian Shifrin
Heather Stravato
Sue Sughrue
Mu Tang
Glenda Texidor
Carrie Theriault
Kathy & Dave Torrey
Carol Tripp-Tebo
Janet Vellante
Barent Walsh & Valerie Wedge
Kathleen Walsh
Betty Westerlind
David and Chris Westerlind
Jane Westerlind & Dave Peacock
Kerrin Westerlind
Martha Westerlind
Matthew & Sheri Westerlind
John & Judith White
Kerry Whiterell
Rob & Lee Whitman-Raymond
Jennifer Zadoyan
IN MEMORIAM
Louis Blake
Diane Blake-Johnson
Jeffery Doyle
Donald & Connie Doyle
Irene Doyle
William & Catherine Doyle
Anne Fay
Dorothy & Robert Orrizzi
Virginia B. Fitts
Ruth Boniface
David Hazard
Deborah & Al Toney
Richard Holt
Nancy Kelsey
Fr. Jim Kerrigan
Frederick Battersby
Leonard & Jessie Lekstrom
Robert & Judith LaDrew
Dave Mayo
Frederick Battersby
Jay Sparling
Brian McIntosh
Frederick Battersby
Andrew A. Scott
Edith Scott
Arthur Sears
Frederick Battersby
Judy Ouellet
IN HONOR
Jay Bry
Ken Ansin
Francis Colantonio
Elaine Francis
Kristen King
Henry & Michelle Parkinson
Mr. Tim Dunn
Jonathan Silverman
Laura Farnsworth
Chris Knight
John Ford
Alan Dean
Nita Holt
Barbara Christie
Rita LeVert
Jack LeVert & Cindy Ballenger
Charley O'Neill
Richard & Yvonne Topping
Carol Tripp-Tebo
Robert & Angela Tripp
Litchfield Staff
Dr. Joann Lindenmayer
Please Note: Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. However, if an error or omission has occurred, please let us know at [email protected] or by calling the Development
Department at 508-755-0333.
The Bridge Annual Report 2014 | 18
Board of Trustees
Charles M. O’Neill, President
Judith Kirk, Vice President
John R. Ford, Treasurer
Judith White, Secretary
Donna Connolly, Clerk
Kenneth Ayers
Peter Bacchiocchi
Grace V. Blunt
Kirk Carter
Kathryn Calo
Leonard Doerfler, Ph.D.
Donald Doyle
Paulette Goeden
Thomas Horn, M.D.
JoJeanne Lown
Amelia Painton
Wayne Rocheleau, DVM
John White
Charles Wood
Administration
Barry Walsh, Ph.D,
Executive Director
Frederick Battersby,
Director of Administration & Finance
Nancy Bishop,
Director of Service Operations
Donna Bradley,
Director of Human Resources
Lorie Martiska,
Director of Development
Stephen Murphy,
Director of Business Development
Erica Robert,
Director of Adult Mental Health Services
Services and Locations
MENTAL HEALTH
Child and Adolescent Services
Serving youth with serious emotional disturbances
& behavioral challenges & their families
– Residential
Worcester, Westborough
Douglas Watts,
Director of Quality Improvement
Credits
Editor: Lorie C. Martiska
Photography: Dan Vaillancourt,
Patrick O’Connor Photography
Design: Beth Rau, Rau Graphics
Printing: Curry Printing
Hudson, Gardner, Marlborough, Westborough,
Worcester, West Brookfield
– Individual and Flexible Family Support
Central Massachusetts, Northeast Suburban
Rehabilitative Services
Serving adults with acquired brain injury or physical
disabilities
– Continuum Services
Worcester, surrounding towns
Central & North Central Massachusetts,
MetroWest, Southern Worcester County
Transition Age Services
Serving young adults with serious mental health
challenges
– Community Based Flexible Support
Northborough, Worcester, Gardner, Marlborough,
Littleton
Adult Mental Health Services
Serving adults with serious mental health challenges
– Community Based Flexible Support
Framingham, Fitchburg, Worcester, Southbridge,
Gardner, Webster, Templeton
Supported Employment and Education
Serving adults and young adults with education and
employment assistance
Northeast Suburban, Southern Worcester County,
Worcester
Co-Occurring Mental Health and
Substance Use Disorder
Serving adults with co-occurring mental health
challenges & substance use disorders.
Worcester, Southborough
Carol Tripp-Tebo,
Director of Developmental Disabilities
& Rehabilitative Services
Residential, Supported Housing, Home Sharing and
Adult Foster Care for Adults
Serving adults with intellectual disabilities
OTHER SERVICES
Services for Homeless Individuals and Families
South County Housing Assistance Program (SCHAP)
providing services for homeless adults and families
South County
Safe Homes Program
www.safehomesma.org
Providing support, education and counseling services for
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning
(LGBTQ) youth ages 14 to 23
Central Massachusetts
The Bridge Trauma Response Services
Providing psychological first aid for those who have
experienced a traumatic event
Central Massachusetts
The Bridge Training Institute
www.thebridgetraininginstitute.org
Training on evidence-based practice for mental health
professionals, social workers, and school personnel
New England
DEVELOPMENTAL/INTELLECTUAL
DISABILITIES
Residential Services for Young Adults
Serving young adults with intellectual disabilities
(with co-occurring mental health challenges)
West Brookfield, Hyde Park
Please note: For some programs and services, the
locations listed above are not necessarily indicative of
the entire service area of the program, but may only
denote the location of the program.
Our Mission
The Bridge strives to be the pre-eminent evidence-based and best practice human service provider. The agency works
in full partnership with the individuals, families, and communities that it serves to achieve life-long learning, selfdetermination, meaningful relationships, productive work, and community living through psychosocial interventions
and practices. The Bridge also provides leadership to the service community through consultation and training.