The Promise News & Events
Events:
News:
May 19th - Bergen’s Promise was
one of several mental health agencies to sponsor the 2nd annual Bergen County
Legislative Breakfast titled “Wellness
is Everybody’s Business.” The morning provided a
chance for mental health and behavioral health agencies to remind
legislators and the community about the importance of ensuring care is
available for those who need it. Guest speakers included DHS Deputy
Commissioner Kevin Martone and DCBHS Deputy Director Brian Hancock. Each
discussed the economic challenges that affect everyone throughout New
Jersey. Very special guest speakers included a Bergen’s Promise youth
and his mother. They shared their story of dealing with both mental health
challenges and ongoing health issues. This family’s voice was
powerful and extremely relevant, bringing many in the audience to tears. We
know that their willingness to share these experiences will have a positive
impact on all of us who are concerned about behavioral and mental health
issues.
April 15th – Bowling day is a
hit! School is out for Spring break. What could be a better time to get
some youths together for an afternoon of bowling? About 40 youths between
the ages of 4 and 14 showed up and donned colorful shoes to try and knock
the pins down with their parents and Bergen’s Promise Care Managers.
The event was a great way for kids to get together and socialize in a positive
setting and expel some of the Spring time energy.
 
March 25th – Bergen’s
Promise invited its families to join us for an evening of fun, art, food
and creativity. Close to 40 guests showed up and spent some time
socializing with staff and other families. The project of the night was
“Family Shields.” Each family took some time to remember their
strengths and positive characteristics and then built a shield with
pictures, sayings and decorations. When everyone was done it was time for
show-and-tell. It was a lot of fun as youths picked up their shields and
walked around the room to show off the work they had done. We also want to
give a special thanks to Cosmo the therapy dog and his owner Diana. They
made the evening even more special.
February 2009 - Bergen’s Promise is
pleased to announce two new and exciting partnerships with area
organizations. We’ve recently joined with Jewish Family Service to
support a new Ready to Work program designed and run by that agency.This
program will deliver employment services to a number of our youths
including resume and interview assistance, goal identification, employment
workshops and more. Bergen’s Promise is proud to support this program
and we truly look forward to the positive outcomes to be provided. We would
like to thank Jewish Family Service for creating such an important and timely
program.
(From L to R) Dean Pastras – Executive Director at
Bergen’s Promise, Julye Brown - Director of Operations at Jewish
Family Service, Stephanie Cohen – Clinical Director of Operations
Bergen’s Promise is working with Family in Touch
– a nonproft located in Palisades Park, NJ which assists families and
children in the Korean-American population. With support from Bergen’s
Promise, Family in Touch will be providing parent mentoring, youth
mentoring and drug abuse prevention seminars to at-risk families.
Holiday Gift Drive – December marked the
culmination of a holiday gift drive held by Bergen’s Promise for its
families. With assistance from the Bergen County FSO, local donors,
and Knovel – a NYC-based online reference company – we were
able to collect enough family-oriented gifts to make sure each of our 200
families would be able to share in the holidays. After rounding up all the
gifts, staff from the CMO worked together to wrap them in just under 90
minutes!
In November, Bergen’s Promise
partnered with Take My
Hand, a local child care agency, and the Bergen County FSO to gather
food for families. With the help of staff and these community
partners, we were able to help make this holiday more enjoyable for many
families in these tough economic times.
In November, Bergen's Promise welcomed its
partners and providers to join us for an interactive and
informative Provider Forum. These discussions will allow for stronger
partnerships and continued communication between our agencies. We would
like to thank our partners for their continued dedication to providing
quality services in the spirit of Wraparound care, and we honor their
ongoing commitment to the families and children of Bergen County.
On November 17th, Bergen’s Promise
awarded its annual Quality
Service Provider Award to Scott Rossig, Board Certified
Behavior Analyst. Mr. Rossig was recognized for the outstanding work he has
done with the families of Bergen’s Promise since 2007. In addition to
working as an ABA, Mr. Rossig has also provided an informational Autism
presentation to the staff of Bergen’s Promise.
Presentation of the 2008 Quality Service Provider Award
Pictured L to R:
Stephanie Cohen, Clinical Director of Operations; Scott Rossig; Dean
Pastras, Executive Director
November 14, 2008 - Bergen's Promise hosted Dr. Mark
Perrin, President of the New Jersey Chapter of NAMI, to
speak to staff about psychotropic medications - their uses, related
diagnoses, and side effects. We thank Dr. Perrin for his time and
effort in sharing this important information with our staff.
November 7, 2008 - Bergen's Promise welcomed Scott
Rossig, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, to present to
staff on Asperger's and the Autism spectrum. Scott is well-regarded for his
work with children whose lives are affected by Autism and was able to
provide detailed information about its symptoms, characteristics of
children who have Autism, and some modes of treatment currently being used
in working with these kids. Joining the staff were our partners from the
Bergen County FSO who work closely with families throughout the county.
June 27th, 2008: Bergen's Promise held its annual
BBQ for families and providers. Over 150 people attended on
a day when the weather cooperated with warm temperatures and a fresh
breeze. Some of the activites that were enjoyed included dancing,
basketball and badminton, crafts and games. A lucky family won a drawing
for Yankees tickets and car service to and from the game!
June 18th, 2008: Bergen's Promise Executive
Director, Dean Pastras, was the recipient of the 10th
Annual Courage Award from the Care Plus Foundation. Mr. Pastras was given
the award in recognition for the work he has done in the field of Social
Services with children, families and individuals for over 28 years.
Congratulations!
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