HACKENSACK—County Executive James J. Tedesco III, the Bergen County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen County Department of Human Services announce the implementation of an Office of LGBTQ+ Services under the Bergen County Department of Human Services.
The Office of LGBTQ+ Services will create a safe and welcoming environment for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, while working to ensure visibility and acceptance within the Bergen County community. The Office will promote awareness, education, and training to effect systemic change that guarantees safe and equitable services, and by creating inclusive and supportive environments for all LGBTQ+ residents. One of the primary objectives is to build relationships with LGBTQ+ allies in the community while partnering with the County’s Department of Human Service.
“Having an Office of LGBTQ+ Services where our residents can access culturally competent, inclusive resources is incredibly important for our LGBTQ+ residents and allies. It promotes awareness and visibility, and it lets the community know that we have their backs. The County of Bergen will always push for inclusive policies and services for our LGBTQ+ residents,” said Tedesco in a press release shared with Pascack Press on Oct. 11
“As the second in the state to form an LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee and the first to host an LGBTQ+ Youth Summit, Bergen County continues to ensure that our LGBTQ+ residents have their needs met,” said Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur. “This office will strengthen the connectivity among our residents and our partner organizations and continue to foster an inclusive environment for all.”
The centralized Office of LGBTQ+ Services will allow Bergen County’s LGBTQ+ residents streamlined access to the various local LGBTQ+ resources the County has to offer, including: the LGBTQ+ Health & Wellness Center at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, the Bergen County Prosecutors Bias Crime Unit, the Bergen County LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee, the Bergen County LGBTQ+ Alliance (BCLA), Buddies of NJ, and The Trevor Project (NYC).
The Office of LGBTQ+ Services can be reached by phone at (201) 336-6008 or by email at lgbtqservices@co.bergen.nj.us. Operating hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.