whats new archive

In October 2006, Bridgeways appointed Nathalie Gauteron as our new Clinical Director of Mental Health Services. Nathalie has more than 12 years of experience in providing clinical and administrative community mental health services for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, has provided individual and group treatment, has extensive experience and training on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and was involved in developing programs for a Snohomish County Trauma Pilot Project involving intensive services to clients with PTSD.

In August 2006, Compass Health issued a Media Advisory in connection with a security incident involving the potential disclosure of client information on June 28, 2006.

In JULY 2006, Bridgeways was awarded Federal Block Grant funding in the amount of $26,000 by NSMHA. Robert Bjorklund, primary author of the grant proposal, describes the funding for Unit 9 services as "integral to enhancing our high intensity treatment program for WSH patients and other high-risk clients re-integrating back to the community." Bridgeways sincerely thanks Janelle Sgrignoli, chair of the NSMHA Planning Committee along with the NSHMA Board of Directors for their support.

In JULY 2006, Robert Bjorklund and Marilyn Baker presented to the Everett Area Apartment Managers' Association Council about the wide array of Bridgeways' high intensity treatment services and efforts to strengthen community partnerships with landlords, property managers, and the Everett Police Department.

In JUNE 2006, Bridgeways conducted the first in a series of "Landlord Luncheons" with area landlords, apartment managers, and advocates at Everett Madison House. Donna Konicki, Marilyn Baker, and Robert Bjorklund presented and answered questions about the challenges and opportunities in renting to individuals with mental illnesses and how to strengthen community partnerships. The next Landlord Luncheon is planned in the fall and will be quarterly thereafter.

In JUNE 2006, Donna Konicki, Al Hayden, Robert Bjorklund, Marilyn Baker, Paul Dennis, and Bill Kelly represented Bridgeways at the "Housing Consortium of Everett & Snohomish County's" Affordable Housing Breakfast Forum. With standing room only, Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Rick Larsen provided an overview of the "housing crisis" in the Puget Sound and discussed the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness in Snohomish County. Senator Murray described the lack of affordable housing as the "silent crisis in America"

In JUNE 2006, after selecting from a pool of highly qualified applicants, NSMHA awarded Jennifer Rugg the prestigious 2006 "Exemplary Service Award for Direct Service Provider." Robert Bjorklund nominated Jennifer and describes her as: "incorporating innovative recovery-focused groups, and conducting intensive in-vivo case management services for MATCH clients...her dedication truly makes the difference between members merely subsisting but thriving and being proactive in their own recovery...the ultimate goal for all of our members." CLICK HERE to view Jennifer at the award ceremony!!

In JUNE 2006, Cathy Papp, Linda Smith, and two members attended the 17th annual WA Behavioral Healthcare Conference in Wenatchee. The theme of this year's conference, "Creating Futures: Transforming Lives," focused upon the intent and goals of the Mental Health Transformation Project.

In MAY 2006, Bridgeways' staff and members participated in the "NAMI Walk for the Mind of America." Individuals, family members, advocates, and providers were in force at Magnuson Park in Seattle to help raise funds to increase awareness for improved treatment, increased advocacy, and recovery options for individuals with mental illness. Thanks to the efforts of Bridgeways staff, $750 was raised to help NAMI WA reach their target goal of $100,000. All who participated had a fun time and look forward to coming back next year. CLICK HERE to view photos from the NAMI Walk!

In MAY 2006, Donna Konicki, Vera Wildauer, and Robert Bjorklund represented Bridgeways during the "WA Mental Health Bearings & Directions 2006" in Tukwila. There were over 150 in attendance including advocates, consumers, administrators, and lobbyists who provided informative presentations. A wide range of issues were covered with the goal of coming to a common understanding about relevant WA State legislation and budgetary provisions enacted during the 2006 legislative session including the Mental Health Transformation Project's recovery-based vision for WA State.

In MAY 2006, The Washington Community Mental Health Council published an article highlighting the many transformative recovery-based changes occurring at Bridgeways in their May issue of the "Community Perspective." The inclusion of Bridgeways in their latest newsletter recognizes the ongoing hard-work and dedication of our staff to provide the highest quality care for our members.

In MAY 2006, Bridgeways partnered with Catholic Community Services (CCS) to provide co-occurring groups for Madison House members. Robert Bjorklund and Cathy Papp worked closely with Will Rice of CCS to facilitate these much needed groups for members who have mental illness/substance abuse issues.