About
1971
About Us
The stoop is New York's original third place: a shared threshold where neighbors gather, tell stories, and come to know each other's lives. As modern life has emptied our gathering spots, Stoop Stories is rebuilding one of the oldest.
We are a Brooklyn-based, public-health-minded arts and culture organization that connects, supports, and celebrates New York City neighbors through intergenerational, community-made documentary storytelling and live community programs. Our work increases social health, preserves neighborhood stories, and revitalizes communities through stoop culture, with a particular focus on underrepresented New Yorkers.
Our Impact Since 2020
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349 stories produced across all five boroughs
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39 events engaging 5,600+ community members
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59 press features, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time Out New York, NY1, and PIX11
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14 awards, including two Anthem Awards for community engagement
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Exhibitions at the International Center of Photography, Photoville, Brooklyn Children's Museum, and Arts Gowanus
The Problem & Our Solution
Americans are facing a public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, disconnection, and trauma, one that is particularly acute among youth and elders. Our programs, including our award-winning intergenerational "Stoop Chat" series, bring these groups together through short documentaries and workshops. In surveys, 90% of workshop participants reported a greater sense of connection, and 82% said the workshops made them feel like they matter. At our screenings, 72% of audience members said the film made them feel less lonely.
Our Story
Stoop Stories was founded in March 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, by visual storyteller Marj Kleinman, a lifelong Brooklynite still living in her childhood brownstone. From the sidewalk six feet below, Marj began photographing her neighbors on their stoops and asking how they were coping with COVID. What started as a solo pandemic portrait project grew into a Collective of more than 30 New Yorkers and, in June 2025, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
How We Work
We operate through two arms. Stoop Stories Productions produces photo stories and short documentary films. Stoop Stories Community Programs delivers workshops, festivals, exhibits, and screenings. Both are powered by the Stoop Stories Collective, artists and community builders ages 16 to 75 who co-create and lead our programs.
Partners and Leadership
Our partners include CoGenerate, Generations United, DOROT, SAGE, the Eisner Foundation, Heights & Hills, Henry Street Settlement, United Neighborhood Houses, New Neighbors Partnership, Arab American Family Support Center, Five Boro Story Project, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NY, Citizens Committee for NYC, Atlantic Avenue BID, and Brooklyn Arts Council.
Our work is guided by a Board of Directors and an Advisory Council, whose members bring deep expertise in community engagement, public health, anthropology, arts, media, and assessment.
Contact us if you are interested in collaborating.