U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Hackensack Meridian Health hosted a Community Violence Intervention Roundtable at Bergen’s Promise. We were proud to be joined by law enforcement, local elected officials, and community leaders from across Bergen County for this important roundtable discussion. The focus was on preventing violence, supporting victims and families, and strengthening resources throughout North Jersey.
During the August 10 discussion, Congressman Gottheimer announced that more than $1 million in federal resources has been secured to expand Hackensack University Medical Center’s hospital-based violence intervention program. The program connects victims of shootings, stabbings, domestic violence, and other forms of violence with ongoing community-based support.
Hospital-based intervention recognizes that recovery extends beyond treating physical injuries. Individuals and families impacted by violence may also face challenges related to mental health, housing, employment, safety, and other circumstances that can affect their long-term well-being. Connecting people with resources and support early can help promote recovery and prevent future violence.
For Bergen’s Promise, the conversation reinforced the importance of collaboration and trauma-informed care. Violence and trauma can have a lasting impact on children and youth, affecting their emotional well-being, relationships, education, and sense of safety. Addressing these challenges requires strong partnerships among behavioral health providers, healthcare organizations, government, law enforcement, and community organizations.
Bergen’s Promise team members participating in the roundtable included CEO Dean Paskas, Chief Operating Officer Shelisa Foster, Director of Community Resources Kathryn Werheim, Youth Justice Operations Manager Shekinah Williams, Behavioral Health Home Nurse Manager Jacqueline Yeboah, and Health Promotion Manager Kelly Kopec.
The roundtable brought together leaders from organizations including Hackensack Meridian Health, Bergen County government and law enforcement, Family Connections, Women’s Rights Information Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal and Northern New Jersey, YWCA Northern New Jersey, and Center for Hope and Safety.
At Bergen’s Promise, we believe children and families are strongest when the systems supporting them work together. We are grateful to Congressman Gottheimer for bringing community leaders together for this important conversation and for his efforts to strengthen resources that can help make Bergen County safer and healthier for everyone.
