ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—Two of Bergen County’s leading social service agencies—the Bergen Family Center (BFC) and the Southeast Senior Center for Independent Living (SESCIL)—have joined resources and talents to provide a combined agency that will serve seniors, young adults, toddlers and families in Bergen County.
“With SESCIL becoming a part of BFC, we can help even more people in Bergen County,” said Mitch Schonfeld, president and CEO of Bergen Family Center. “We’re excited for this great opportunity.”
A celebratory ribbon cutting was held on Oct. 6 at SESCIL on Grand Avenue in Englewood. It was attended by 50 residents and several dignitaries—including Mayor Michael Wildes, Englewood City Council President Katharine Glynn, Councilman Wayne Hamer, Community Relations Specialist for County of Bergen Lakesha Jean (representing James Tedesco, Bergen County Executive’s office) and Englewood Chamber of Commerce President Carol Rauscher.
They were joined by: Mitch Schonfeld, president and CEO of BFC; Harry Martin, vice chair of the BFC board of trustees; Peter Croonquist, chair BFC board of trustees; Liz Corsini, vice president, BFC; Barbara Ryder, chair of SESCIL; and Scott Reddin, director of SESCIL.
Mayor Wildes cut the ribbon and both he and Schonfeld gave speeches.
“This is a hallowed place that has kept a lot of people young and rejuvenated,” Wildes said. “My wife’s 102 year old grandmother, before she passed, got 10 years younger every year that she was here!”
Jean then presented SESCIL with a State of New Jersey proclamation.
There were refreshments provided by BFC, and the mood was very upbeat.
BFC, founded in 1898, is one of the oldest not-for-profit agencies in the state of New Jersey. BFC provides services for 5,000 toddlers, young children, teens and older adults every year. SESCIL serves some 400 clients (55 and older) by offering innovative programs that enrich the mind, body and spirit of older adults.
“For the past 41 years SESCIL has been encouraging seniors to lead active healthy lives,” said Barbara Ryder, SESCIL Chairwoman. “By joining our friends at BFC, we will continue that legacy.”
“We think this is a perfect fit both for BFC and for SESCIL,” added Croonquist. “The joining of the two agencies creates a synergy and allows us to expand our services. This is right on track with our long-range plan.”
Officials at BFC plan on continuing virtually all of the existing programs at SESCIL and combining others that exist at BFC. Plans also include keeping, and possibly expanding, facilities at the SESCIL offices, at the historic Lydecker Homestead at 228 Grand Ave., Englewood.
“We’re encouraged that all of the SESCIL board members are joining the BFC Board of Trustees and serving on committees in our organization,” said Schonfeld. “SESCIL will become a significant program within the BFC family, and we welcome the expertise and passion of both board members and staffers alike.”
For an extensive list of programs offered by SESCIL, visit: bergenfamilycenter.org/SESCIL.html.