Member Monday – Dean Pastras

Dean Pastras, ACSW, LCSW is the Chief Executive Officer of Bergen’s Promise the Care Management Organization for Bergen County as part of the NJ Children’s System of Care.  Bergen’s Promise is a rapidly growing, mission driven, private non-profit social service organization.  They provide in home, integrated Wraparound support to youth up to age 21 who experience behavioral, emotional, substance use challenges and/or live with developmental/intellectual disabilities.  They build a team around the family providing them with support and linkage to local resources that will address social determinants of health and help sustain their progress.   Currently they are supporting approximately 1,800 youth and families in Bergen County.

Tough times test an agency’s culture and values.  Dean and his team members at Bergen’s Promise as essential front-line workers put values into action.  They faced pandemic-related challenges with tremendous resilience and courage to continue their mission of keeping families healthy and safe at home with consistency and success.  Bergen’s Promise values include Professionalism, Talent Engagement and Development, Health and Safety, Community Collaboration, and Cultural Diversity. The pandemic challenged every aspect of agency operations and service delivery.   Families are still struggling in the aftermath, and Bergen’s Promise is experiencing a hiring crisis.

Bergen’s Promise looks to establish collaborative relationships with local businesses.  There are good and welfare events and other opportunities to help support Bergen County families that need extra assistance with some basic needs throughout the year.  We strive to keep people informed and connected to their communities and can attend employer wellness fairs.  We need YOUR help to share our career opportunities with those who may be looking to make a difference in the lives of Bergen County children and families.