ENGLEWOOD — The Bergen Family Center is celebrating its 110th year of helping local families. The Center was founded in 1898 by the Englewood Woman’s Club and is dedicated to enriching the lives of community households. The President of Bergen Family Center, Mitch Schonfeld, emphasizes the mission. "We can touch a family in so many different ways, we might work with a family with a preschooler, we might be able to help a grandparent at same time. We can be of service at any point in the life cycle," said Schonfeld.
He explains that tough economic conditions present a challenge. Tough times means there are more families in need. At the same time, it is harder for the Center to sustain its programs. "The staff even made some sacrifices, like reduced employee benefits. Yet, the dedicated staff at the BFC is determined to keep families the main concern and maintain its level of service," said Schonfeld.
The Bergen Family Center has done a lot in 110 years. It has developed a comprehensive program to make sure people of all age and stature are cared for.
The agency has an adult care program for nearly 100 frail and visually impaired elderly. It includes hot nutritious meals, health checks, and enhancing social, physical, and intellectual activities. An intergenerational cultural arts series is also included. This allows the elderly to mentor the agency’s young children while they do artwork. This is a proven strategy to reduce depression among elderly people.
There are also a variety of programs for youngsters ranging from ages 1 to 10. The child care, pre-school, and after school programs are designed to provide a safe affordable environment with nurturing adults and learning opportunities. Programs like this assure working parents their children are well and learning.
Bergen Family Center provides support through counseling as well. Families who struggle with trauma, medical issues, job loss, or parent/child conflict have a place where specialists can help reduce their stress. Victims of domestic abuse, sexual crimes, and HIV/AIDS infected or affected people have a haven through BFC also.
Despite these dificult times, the Bergen Family Center has endured 110 years and is doing much to ensure its future. Schonfeld thanks the area's philanthropic community. At the October 16th Annual Awards Dinner, honoring Monica & Stephen Borg and Leslie & Luz Castillo, much needed funds were raised to support the approximately 5,000 BFC clients. The message is spreading and new local volunteers are getting involved donating their expertise in areas like marketing, public relations, fund raising, and finance. Others are seen reading to the children or paying visits to the elderly. "We certainly could not have been here for 110 years without support from the local community. We are very appreciative of their being behind the organization from the beginning and look forward to continued partnership. They are helping us take care of the same local people they may see at grocery store or post office," said Schonfeld.
These volunteer efforts along with grant contributions from Englewood Rotary Club, the Council for Jewish Women, Van Houten Memorial Fund, and the Hoffman Family Foundation have helped tremendously to keep program cuts to a minimum.
"Our highest priority is to provide support for families in times of stress, they are looking for a sense of care and guidance. The BFC is here to do that," said Schonfeld.
