Borough of Bergenfield Stigma Free

06/12/2026

💚 What is Stigma?

Stigma is a negative attitude, belief, stereotype, or judgment about a person or group based on a characteristic, condition, identity, or life experience. It can lead to discrimination, exclusion, shame, or unfair treatment.

People may experience stigma because of:
• Mental health conditions
• Substance use disorders
• Physical or developmental disabilities
• Race, ethnicity, or culture
• Sexual orientation or gender identity
• Medical conditions
• Poverty, homelessness, or other life circumstances

Stigma often causes people to feel isolated or afraid to seek help.

At its core, stigma is about judging people for who they are or what they are experiencing. A stigma-free community recognizes that every person deserves dignity, respect, understanding, and the opportunity to belong.

What can we do to be Stigma-Free?

1️⃣ Listen without judgment.
2️⃣ Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
3️⃣ Use kind and inclusive language.
4️⃣ Learn about mental health and wellness.
5️⃣ Challenge stereotypes and misinformation.
6️⃣ Support those who may be struggling.
7️⃣ Encourage people to seek help when needed.
8️⃣ Embrace diversity and celebrate our differences.
9️⃣ Create safe spaces where everyone feels welcome.
🔟 Remind others that they are never alone.

Together, we can build a Bergenfield where everyone feels seen, heard, valued, and supported. Because a stronger community is one where no one is left behind. 💚

06/12/2026

💚 The Bergenfield Stigma-Free Committee is proud to recognize fellow members Dr. Niharika Nath and Rev. Rich Gelson of South Presbyterian Church for their dedication to our community.

Beyond their work with Stigma-Free initiatives, they generously awarded $6,000 in scholarships to students who participated in an essay contest. We are especially proud that two of the recipients are students of Ms. Brittney Von der Osten of Bergenfield High School, who is also an active member of our Stigma-Free Committee.

Thank you for investing in our youth and helping make Bergenfield a more caring and compassionate community. 💚👏

06/11/2026

The Borough of Bergenfield, Mayor Arvin Amatorio, and Council proudly recognize the Bergenfield Stigma-Free Committee for a job well done! 💚

Throughout the year, this dedicated team serves as a source of support, advocacy, education, and friendship for our community. Made up of volunteers, healthcare professionals, educators, faith leaders, and residents, they help make Bergenfield a more understanding, welcoming, and inclusive place for all.

Their passion, compassion, and commitment to helping others make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many residents.

Thank you for all that you do to make Bergenfield a stronger, kinder, and more stigma-free community.

06/11/2026

🌈 Our Bergenfield Stigma-Free Committee could not be prouder of the success of this year’s Pride Celebration.

From our Chairwoman, MaryAnn Rivera, to every committee member and volunteer, thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to building a more inclusive community.

A special thank you to Kirsty Nicole Bocado for courageously sharing her journey and helping foster understanding through her powerful story. Thank you as well to Mae Salinas for sharing a deeply personal and heartfelt message that touched so many in attendance.

We are grateful to all of our guest speakers, performers, allies, and community members who joined us in celebrating diversity, acceptance, and belonging.

The Borough of Bergenfield, Mayor Arvin Amatorio, First Lady Ilya Evangelista Amatorio, and the Borough Council remain committed to ensuring that Bergenfield remains a welcoming, inclusive, and stigma-free community where every person is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we belong. 💜🌈

06/04/2026

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Pride is about belonging. Pride is about acceptance. Pride is about ensuring that every person feels seen, valued, respected, and safe being their authentic self.

Our Stigma-Free Chairwoman, MaryAnn Rivera, and the Borough of Bergenfield Stigma-Free Committee invite you to join us for Bergenfield’s 6th Pride Community Celebration and Flag Raising.

📅 June 10, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM
📍 Bergenfield Borough Hall

Together, we celebrate diversity, foster understanding, and reaffirm our commitment to building a community where everyone is welcome, everyone belongs, and everyone matters.

Open to all. Everyone is welcome.

We hope to see you there. 💙🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Borough of Bergenfield Stigma-Free Committee

05/29/2026

💚 Mental Health Awareness Month

The Borough of Bergenfield, Mayor Arvin Amatorio, and First Lady Ilya Evangelista-Amatorio thank the Borough of Bergenfield Stigma-Free Committee, Chairwoman MaryAnn Rivera, its members, and volunteers for their dedication all year round in raising awareness that mental health matters and helping combat stigma in our community.

During the Bergenfield Proud to be Stigma-Free flag-raising event, we also recognized the winners of the Bergenfield High School Stigma-Free Essay Contest, held in collaboration with Bergenfield High School. Out of 49 student entries, committee members, many of whom are educators and led by Dr. Niharika Nath, carefully reviewed each submission and selected the winning essays.

Three students received Certificates of Recognition and $100 awards, while three additional students received Certificates of Recognition and $25 consolation prizes.

Congratulations to all of the participants for sharing your voices and helping build a more understanding, compassionate, and stigma-free community. 💚

📸 Special thanks to AJ and Judith for the beautiful photographs capturing these meaningful moments.

05/28/2026

05/26/2026

The Borough of Bergenfield Stigma-Free Committee is proud to march in the Bergenfield Memorial Day Parade 2026. 🇺🇸💚

Mental health starts with belonging, support, and reminding one another that no one walks alone.

Together, we honor those we lost while continuing to build a stronger, more compassionate Bergenfield for all.

Together, we move forward.

Special thank you to our supporters for helping make our parade participation possible. 💚 Thank you to Luke W. Carlesimo, Senior Data Analyst at BMW North America Corporate Office in Woodcliff Lake, and MINI of Ramsey for helping provide the two MINI Coopers used during today’s parade. Special appreciation as well to Service Manager Mark Mozdiez for the support.