As we embrace 2025, Bergen Family Center is leading the way—tackling food insecurity, expanding vital programs, and empowering families to thrive. Every step forward turns challenges into opportunities, and with your support, we create lasting impact.
At Bergen Family Center, we empower individuals of all ages—from infants to seniors—to overcome challenges and thrive. As Bergen County's oldest social services agency, we're committed to building a stronger, more equitable community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Building confidence and emotional connections through group activities.
Fostering growth through play and structured learning activities.
Supporting teens through education, counseling, and leadership programs.
Strengthening family bonds through interactive programs and support.
We empower more than 1,358 teens each year with counseling, summer programs, and career guidance. Our dedicated team supports their personal and academic growth, building a foundation for future success. Your support is crucial to keep these life-changing programs thriving.
Our Staff at The Ryan White HIV Program at Bergen Family Center delivers vital services to vulnerable individuals, and provides medical care and mental health support. Your contributions help us provide hope and compassionate care to those in need.
The Family Success Center at Bergen Family Center empowers 469 families annually with essential services like back-to-school supplies and monthly food donations. Your support helps us continue building stronger, more resilient communities.
Every child deserves a strong educational foundation. Through HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters), we're empowering parents to become their children's first and most important teachers—creating a legacy of learning that lasts a lifetime.
What started with 20 families has blossomed into a movement—today, we've helped 550 families graduate from our program. This year alone, 80 families and 82 children are building the skills they need for lifelong success through personalized, in-home support and structured learning experiences.
Senior Power
At Bergen Family Center, we cherish our senior community by providing essential support and care through comprehensive programs and personalized assistance.
Through our SESCIL program, seniors engage in lifelong learning and social interaction, while our counseling services provide a safe space for sharing concerns. Every service at Bergen Family Center strengthens our community and enriches the lives of our seniors.
From its founding in 1898 as an organization of boys' clubs, Bergen Family Center has developed into the county's oldest continuously operating family service agency. The Woman's Club of Englewood, which started the boys organization, added a day nursery in 1900 which launched a total family-supportive mission. For the next several decades the agency operated under a number of different names and in varied locations, becoming the Social Service Federation in the 1920s.
The 1950s saw a spinoff of the clinical counseling and family advocacy departments into a separate entity, the Family Service of Bergen County headquartered in Hackensack. In 1997 the two organizations reunited and five years later took the name of Bergen Family Center, better reflecting our commitment to the diverse needs of our county's families.
Just last year we celebrated 125 years of service in Bergen County, we've established ourselves as the recognized leader in delivering social services to families. Our century-plus of experience has given us deep insights into the evolving needs of our community, allowing us to provide the most effective and compassionate support to those we serve.
Memorial House circa 1904
Led by Jaquan Howze, our security team provides a constant reassuring presence throughout the day.
Continuous monitoring of all premises ensuring a safe environment for everyone.
Supervised arrival and departure procedures ensuring safe transitions for all families.
Comprehensive safety procedures and regular staff training to maintain the highest security standards.
Our commitment to protection and support allows our community to focus on learning, growing, and connecting, knowing they are always in safe hands.
