I’m Marj Kleinman, founder and executive director of Stoop Stories. We’re a community organization in New York City that connects neighbors across generations through storytelling, films, photo stories, and workshops. My goal is simple: reduce loneliness and increase compassion, one story at a time.
Stoop Stories started on my own Brooklyn stoop during the pandemic. Quarantining alone, I found myself longing for connection. Friends would visit from a safe distance on the sidewalk, and I realized that by photographing and interviewing them, I could capture moments of joy, resilience, and everyday life. What began as a solo effort soon grew into a collaborative project with filmmakers, photographers, writers, and volunteers, turning my neighborhood stoop into a stage for real, meaningful conversations.
Our programs go beyond storytelling — they build community. Intergenerational workshops pair participants together, while films and stories give people a platform to share their experiences. Even the smallest story circles can spark lasting connections. I’ve watched confidence grow and bonds form that last years. That’s the real gift of Stoop Stories: bringing people together in a city that can sometimes feel so big and isolating.
For me, the project is about more than documenting local life — it’s a vision for what it means to be American. Being American is about embracing diversity, showing kindness, and investing in your community. Through Stoop Stories, I hope to inspire people to connect with their own hearts and with each other, one stoop at a time.
Stoop Stories started on my own Brooklyn stoop during the pandemic. Quarantining alone, I found myself longing for connection. Friends would visit from a safe distance on the sidewalk, and I realized that by photographing and interviewing them, I could capture moments of joy, resilience, and everyday life. What began as a solo effort soon grew into a collaborative project with filmmakers, photographers, writers, and volunteers, turning my neighborhood stoop into a stage for real, meaningful conversations.
Our programs go beyond storytelling — they build community. Intergenerational workshops pair participants together, while films and stories give people a platform to share their experiences. Even the smallest story circles can spark lasting connections. I’ve watched confidence grow and bonds form that last years. That’s the real gift of Stoop Stories: bringing people together in a city that can sometimes feel so big and isolating.
For me, the project is about more than documenting local life — it’s a vision for what it means to be American. Being American is about embracing diversity, showing kindness, and investing in your community. Through Stoop Stories, I hope to inspire people to connect with their own hearts and with each other, one stoop at a time.
