Bergen’s Promise has been invited to serve as a featured community partner in a free regional storytelling initiative led by the Center for Modern Dance Education (CMDE) in collaboration with coLAB Arts.

This initiative will spotlight the voices, histories, and lived experiences of youth, families, staff, and alumni across the greater Hackensack community — culminating in a public StorySlam performance in June 2026.

This partnership offers a meaningful opportunity to amplify the voices of our families and youth while strengthening partnerships within the Hackensack community. Through storytelling, we celebrate resilience, connection, creativity, and shared legacy.

Bergen’s Promise youth, families, staff, and alumni are invited to register for: Two interactive workshops, including 1:1 coaching, leading to a live StorySlam performance in Hackensack on June 25, 2026. Stories curated during the workshops will speak to the themes of legacy, identity, and belonging. No storytelling or public speaking experience required.

Workshop 1:
April 30, 2026 – Finding Your Story
Bergen’s Promise Office, 6:30pm

Workshop 2:
May 14, 2026 – Shaping Your Story
Bergen’s Promise Office, 6:30pm

StorySlam Performance
June 25, 2026
Venue in Hackensack, TBD

This is a valuable opportunity for our youth and families, and our organization as a whole. This project:

• Builds confidence and public speaking skills
• Celebrates the voices of youth and families
• Strengthens community partnerships
• No cost to participants