Social Services

Diane Besserer
(201) 664-1849 Ext. 25
[email protected]

Joan Brodeur
Nancy Graham
Nora Mann
Michele Mascolo
Crissy Rosenblum
Nicole Scott

Old Tappan Social Services is coordinated by the Director of Social Services and a committee of locally appointed residents, who together, constitute the Local Assistance Board. The Board works together to help our neighbors maintain their quality of life and personal dignity during times of unexpected hardship.

The mission of the Local Assistance Board is to assess the social, health, welfare and recreational needs of the residents of Old Tappan and assist in a confidential, supportive and professional manner during difficult times. These services are available to children, individuals, couples, families, seniors and the disabled in our community.

Food and Pantry Supplies can be dropped off at the Borough Hall during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Items can be placed on the cart in the front Borough vestibule.

 A sample of items needed are...

Please do not drop off perishables, opened items and items that have an expiration date of over a month.

There is a Gift Card Donation Card box located in the Borough Hall for your convenience.  Contributions can be mailed to or dropped off at Borough Hall.  Contributions are tax deductible 

Social Services greatly appreciates and accepts donations of food, gifts, volunteer services, financial donations from individuals, organizations, schools and businesses and distributes them to area residents as needed. With the help of these individuals and organizations, Social Services is able to provide our community with Special Programs such as:  Adopt-a-Family Holiday Program,  Holiday Gift Program, Make-a-Senior-Smile Program, Spring/Fall Yard Cleanup, Snow Removal, Food Pantry, Emergency Financial Assistance, etc., which are all possible through our community contributions.

Please continue to help us help others. 

Bi-State Shipping N’More
Butterworth's Bagels
CDW National Junior Honor Society
GOYA Foods
Mindy's Munchies
Old Tappan DPW
Old Tappan Environmental Commission
Old Tappan Girl Scouts
Old Tappan Police Department
Old Tappan Public Library
Old Tappan Teachers Association
Old Tappan Woman's Club
St. Pius X Church
Starbucks of Old Tappan
TBD Elementary School
Trinity Reformed Church
Westwood Elks

How can I help Old Tappan Social Services?

1. Financial Contributions

2. Donations to the Food/Supply Pantry

3. Volunteer your time

4. Get your organization involved in our programs  

What programs does Old Tappan Social Services offer: 

1. Adopt-A-Senior (On-going contact with senior members in our community, providing friendship, social calls, grocery shopping and extras).

2. Food/Supply Pantry (Stocked by contributions from individuals and local organizations).

3. Support many Old Tappan Senior Programs

4. Holiday Programs (Adopt-A-Family, Adopt-A-Senior, Holiday Gift Program, Holiday Wish Tree, Holiday Gift Cards)

5. Bi-Monthly Meal Program (Provided by local businesses, organizations, and individuals and delivered by volunteers).

6. Case Management /Information/Referral (Office hours by Appointment only).

7. Emergency Financial Assistance for Old Tappan Residents (Offers help to provide emergency rent, payment of utility bills, medical needs, aftercare, etc., funded by donations)

8. Annual International Senior Lunch & Learn.

How are referrals received?

Residents can call the Old Tappan Social Services Office directly for assistance.  We also receive referrals from our schools, churches, and concerned residents.

Financial donations are always appreciated.

Checks should be made out to Old Tappan Social Services and mailed to the Borough Hall at 227 Old Tappan Road.

The annual donation request letter can be accesed by clicking the blue link above ton the left or wait for the annual Old Tappan resident mailing.  Please consider a tax deductible donation to support our programs.