BERGEN COUNTY, NJ – Last week, Senator Kim spent the day in Bergen County hearing from those who care for the county’s most vulnerable as he works to advance his goal of bringing affordable, quality care to all who call New Jersey home.
“It was inspiring to witness the passion of those across Bergen County who have dedicated their lives to ensuring not only Bergen residents but anyone in need across the state have access to lifesaving programs and reliable food,” said Senator Andy Kim. “These visits reaffirm how critical federal and local partnerships are when it comes to taking care of residents and supporting caregivers. I look forward to advancing the ideas discussed, in Washington.”
As part of his caregiving agenda, Senator Kim spent time in Paramus, visiting Bergen New Bridge Medical Center which is the largest publicly owned hospital in the state and fourth largest in the country. Relying on Medicaid funding for the majority of their care, Senator Kim was joined by Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III, and Bergen County Commissioner Chairman Steven Tanelli. Together, they toured the facility and spoke with patients, doctors, and New Bridge leadership to discuss the cuts to Medicaid and its overwhelming impact on Bergen’s most vulnerable residents, and how New Bridge is the backstop for so many across the state when it comes to accessible healthcare and treatment for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
“What has taken place at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center over the last several years has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said County Executive, James J. Tedesco, III. “Through the leadership of Deborah Visconi and her team, the hospital has expanded access to care, strengthened critical services, and become a model for integrated healthcare and behavioral health services. We are honored to welcome Senator Andy Kim for his first visit and look forward to sharing the hospital’s continued growth and its mission of ensuring that no one is turned away and every person who walks through its doors receives the care, dignity, and support they deserve.”
Looking to ensure New Jersey’s vulnerable communities can worship in a safe and secure manner, Senator Kim joined members and leaders of Barnert Temple in Franklin Lakes, including Rabbi Rachel Steiner, Temple President Alan Leiber, Mitchell Hausman, Co-Chair for Barnert Temple’s security committee, and members of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. After touring the Temple, they gathered to discuss how Barnert and other Jewish houses of worship have utilized funding secured from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to keep their members safe while worshipping and socializing, including children in daytime programming. They also discussed the importance of supporting legislation that continues to keep communities of worship safe, including the Jewish American Safety Act, a bipartisan bill which Senator Kim joined as a co-sponsor last week.
Senator Kim ended his day by rolling up his sleeves in Hackensack and serving dinner as part of the Family Promise of Bergen County’s Walk-in Dinner Program, a Bergen County staple that serves 150 – 200 meals a night to those in need. Joined by the County Executive and Commissioners Tom Sullivan and Rafael Marte, Senator Kim spoke with the Family Promise team about ways he can offer support at the federal level and the important roles these programs play to ensure no one goes hungry. After, he participated in that evening’s dinner program, serving over 150 meals to those who participated.
“A no-questions-asked program, the Family Promise of Bergen County has never missed a day of providing free, nutritious, hot meals for over 35 years,” said Paul Shackford, President of the Board of Family Promise. “With 150-200 dinners served each day, Senator Kim was able to join us to prepare and serve meals to those in the community who rely on us. We are grateful he was able to hear the stories of those we serve as we work to feed nearly 55,000 meals this year alone.”
This day-long visit comes as Senator Kim continues his mission to find caregiving solutions for New Jersey’s most vulnerable. Since joining the United States Senate, Senator Kim has led efforts to ensure places of worship across New Jersey can continue practicing safely, calling on DHS officials personally and signing onto a letter demanding that DHS continue fully funding the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. In 2026, Senator Kim also successfully secured millions of dollars in federal funding for programs throughout Bergen County looking to aid Bergen’s most vulnerable when it comes to recovery and out-patient needs, transitional housing programs, and rapid-response placement support for families with young children experiencing homelessness.
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