Bergen Family Center Annual Gala 2026

Wednesday, November 18, 2026

6:00 – 9:00 PM

Montammy Country Club • Alpine, NJ

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2026 Gala Honorees

Dara & Alex Smith

Community Philanthropists and Volunteers

Together, Dara and Alex Smith bring creativity, leadership, and professional achievement to their community, combining Dara’s acclaimed career as a voice-over artist with Alex’s expertise in business and finance.

Joe Vogler

BFC Board Member

Joe Vogler is a dedicated husband, father, and longtime supporter of Bergen Family Center whose leadership, generosity, and service have helped strengthen BFC and its work with children, families, and older adults throughout our community.

Edna Salcedo

BFC Team Member

For 15 years, Edna has been a trusted presence at BFC, breaking down language barriers, helping families navigate important moments, and making sure everyone who comes through our doors feels heard, understood, and supported.

Find Out More About
Toddlers
Teens
Help for Parents
Seniors
Counseling
Serving Bergen County Since 1898

Strengthening Families Across Generations

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.

Family services

Early Learning

Building confidence and emotional connections through group activities.

Children programs

Early Childhood Development

Fostering growth through play and structured learning activities.

Teen programs

Teen Empowerment

Supporting teens through education, counseling, and leadership programs.

Parent-child programs

Parent-Child Connection

Strengthening family bonds through interactive programs and support.

Staff

Dedication Makes It Happen!

staff

The ZONE at Bergen Family Center

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.

Ryan White

Ryan White HIV Program

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.

Family Success Center

Family Success Center

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.

Early Childhood Education

Building Brighter Futures Through HIPPY

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.

780
Educational Lessons Delivered
691
Home Visits Conducted

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.

HIPPY Program Staff working with families

Senior Power

Senior Care That Makes a Difference

At Bergen Family Center, we cherish our senior community by providing essential support and care through comprehensive programs and personalized assistance.

6,000+
Healthy Meals Served
4,987
Case Management Sessions
267
Counseling Sessions
145
SESCIL Participants

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.

Senior support services at Bergen Family Center
History

A Legacy of Helping Families

Founded in 1898

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.

Stronger Together

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.

125 Years of Excellence

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.

Historical photos of Bergen Family Center through the years

Memorial House circa 1904

Peace of Mind

Our Safety Pledge

At Bergen Family Center, the safety and well-being of our families and staff are our top priorities, particularly in today's uncertain environment.

Dedicated Security Team

Led by Jaquan Howze, our security team provides a constant reassuring presence throughout the day.

24/7 Monitoring

Continuous monitoring of all premises ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

Secure Drop-off/Pick-up

Supervised arrival and departure procedures ensuring safe transitions for all families.

Safety Protocols

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.

Security