On May 16th, Bergen’s Promise proudly hosted the 2025 Annual Legislative Breakfast at Biaggio’s Restaurant and Banquet Hall in Paramus. We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended in support of our mission to foster collaboration in helping youth and families across Bergen County.
The event was moderated by our Chief Executive Officer, Dean Pastras, and featured opening remarks from Jeffrey Kahn (Bergen’s Promise Board of Director’s President) and County Commissioner Mary Amoroso. We were honored by the presence of several distinguished guests, including our Keynote Speaker, Mary Coogan (CEO/President of Advocates for Children of New Jersey). She delivered a very informative speech on the state of Medicaid and the impact it has on mental health services such as those provided by Bergen’s Promise.
A highlight of the morning was a moving sergment from a family positively impacted by our services. Their heartfelt story was a powerful reminder of the real-life impact of our work. Their expansive Child & Family Team also contributed remarks on the value of the Wrapround Approach and collaboration.
We were thrilled to welcome nearly 350 attendees representing a broad cross-section of partnership and collaboration. We also had many people representing the leadership of Bergen County such as:
- Assemblywomen Shama Haider
- Assemblywoman Lisa Swain
- Assemblyman Dr. John Azzariti
- Deputy Chief of Staff for Bergen County Executive for James Tedesco, Jared Lautz
- Commissioner Germaine Ortiz
- Commissioner Tracy Silna Zur
- Commissioner Rafael Marte
- Deputy Chief of Staff for US Congresswoman Nellie Pou, Carol Caudrado
- Congressional Aide for Andy Kim Jason Richard Ingle
- Assemblywoman Ellen Park
- Commissioner Chairwomen Mary Amoroso
This memorable event would not have been possible without the generous support of our 17 bronze sponsors, 2 silver sponsors, and 9 gold sponsors. Our Gold sponsors were:
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- New Bridge Medical Center
- Brown & Brown
- CarePlus NJ
- Empower U
- Generations Family Guidance
- Jersey Innovative Services
- M&S Psychotherapy and Counseling
- Mercedes and Family
Many of these sponsors have long been active partners in advocating for the wellbeing of youth and families in our community.
As a follow-up to this great Legislative Breakfast event, we look forward to welcoming guests to our upcoming Open House this summer. This will be a great opportunity to build upon the collaboration of this event. We look forward to seeing everyone at our office on Thursday July 17th from 3pm-7pm.
