On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Bridgeway Center, Inc. (BCI) celebrated its 60th anniversary with a special community luncheon at Home2 Suites in Fort Walton Beach. Community partners, local leaders, supporters, and friends gathered to recognize six decades of service and impact throughout Northwest Florida.
For 60 years, Bridgeway Center has remained committed to providing compassionate behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment, primary care, and essential support services to individuals and families in the community. The celebration offered an opportunity to honor BCI’s history while looking ahead to the organization’s continued growth and service.
Representative Patt Maney Delivers Keynote Address
BCI was honored to welcome Florida State Representative Patt Maney as the event’s keynote speaker. Representative Maney shared meaningful remarks about Bridgeway Center’s impact and the life-changing services the organization provides to individuals and families throughout North Florida.
During the celebration, BCI President and Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Barlow presented Representative Maney with a special thank-you card personally signed by Bridgeway Center associates in appreciation of his continued support of the organization and its mission.
An Inspiring Client Testimonial
Michael Jacobs, Chief of Police for the Town of Shalimar, Florida, shared an inspiring client testimonial during the celebration. His personal story offered a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking support and the meaningful difference that compassionate, accessible behavioral health services can make.
Bridgeway Center sincerely thanks Chief Jacobs for courageously sharing his experience and helping inspire hope in others.
Virginia “Ginny” Barr Receives the 2026 Mental Health Hero Award
A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the 2026 Mental Health Hero Award to Virginia “Ginny” Barr.
Barr’s distinguished history of leadership and service includes her work with the former Okaloosa Guidance Clinic, which later became Bridgeway Center, and her leadership of the Okaloosa Walton Mental Health Association. Her dedication has made a lasting difference in the behavioral health community and in the lives of countless individuals and families.
Bridgeway Center was proud to recognize Barr’s remarkable contributions and enduring commitment to improving mental health services throughout the area.
Honoring the Past and Investing in the Future
Bridgeway Center extends its sincere appreciation to the community partners, leaders, supporters, and guests who helped make this milestone celebration so meaningful.
As BCI celebrates 60 years of service, the organization remains dedicated to building bridges, changing lives, and strengthening communities for generations to come.