LYNN — Bridgewell, a nonprofit social and human services organization, recently announced that Kirsten O’Keefe is the new director of the organization’s Family Support Center (FSC).

The FSC’s purpose is to provide resources for people with autism and developmental disabilities, and support their families. The center provides its services to people from diverse cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds.

A press release from Bridgewell stated that O’Keefe has been working in human services for more than a decade, and is knowledgeable about community resources and health-care systems. 

Previously, O’Keefe was a direct support professional at Bridgewell’s residential programs, working with individuals with developmental disabilities.

“(O’Keefe) brings valuable experience and enthusiasm to our strong team of family support community case managers,” Bridgewell Vice President of Day Habilitation and Community Engagement Jessica Almeida said. “Both the families we serve and our staff with benefit from her leadership and knowledge.”

The release stated that the FSC is funded through the Department of Developmental Services and serves about 200 families annually.

“I look forward to working with the case managers to assist and support each of the families we serve,” O’Keefe said.

The center provides resources, information, and individualized case management to people with developmental disabilities and their families at all stages of their lifespan, the release stated.

It added that the center offers workshops, training, parent networking, mentoring, and support groups, among other services.

“My goal is to focus on further expanding our community outreach and collaboration efforts, and to implement more enriching activities for the local community here,” O’Keefe said.

The center is located at 66 Silsbee St.