North Shore Residents Receive Statewide Award from ADDP

Note: The following is a press release from Bridgewell:

Three members of the Bridgewell community were honored by the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) at the 2011 Conference and Expo in March 2011. Serving the North Shore and Merrimac Valley, Bridgewell is a private, non-profit comprehensive human service organization that has been providing support to individuals with developmental and psychiatric disabilities for more than 50 years. All three were nominated by co-workers who recognized their individual’s talents and accomplishments.

Program Director and Beverly resident Phil Bjork received the Human Service Management Award. The award is given to those who respect the dignity, independence, culture and rights of the families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities they serve. Additionally, the award highlights leadership qualities, and those who find creative ways to develop and encourage development and self-determination. Since starting in 2008, Bjork has worked to both provide new opportunities for his residents and for the organization.

“Since entering his role as program director, Phil has dedicated himself and his energies to improving support and services to individuals,” said Bridgewell Residential Supervisor Melissa Bridges-Pata. “He has spent a great deal of focus on helping the individuals develop by encouraging self-determination and choice.”

Direct Support Professional and Lowell resident Lucy Macharia received Honorable Mention for the Direct Support Professional Award. Since 1999, Macharia has worked as a direct caregiver for a Bridgewell group home that provides services for adults with developmental disabilities. “Lucy has shown her commitment to the dignity of the residents in assisting them through long-term illness with compassion and concerted care,” said Bridgewell Program Director Carl Baker.

Salem resident Marybeth Scorzoni, an individual served by Bridgewell, received Honorable Mention for the Self-Determination Award, which is given to an individual with developmental disabilities who exercises self-determination in the pursuit of accomplishing personal goals. With the help of Bridgewell’s services, Marybeth overcame the challenge of moving residences twice while meeting new people, housemates and healthcare providers.

Her father, Beverly resident Vinny Scorzoni has worked closely with Bridgewell staff members to help Marybeth achieve her personal goals. “I am very proud of her accomplishments and her activities in the community,” said Scorzoni.

“Our mission is to connect people with possibilities. We achieve this through our employees and through the self determination of the individuals we serve,” said Bridgewell CEO Bob Stearns. “Our employees are committed to adding value to the lives of the people we support. They bring energy, ideas and passion to their work. Marybeth is an example of a Bridgewell individual achieving her possibilities. We are very proud of Phil, Lucy and Marybeth.”