Tara’s Closet, launched by Jewish Family Services to an organization to fill the need for clothing and raise awareness about mental illness, will be open through Aug. 10 and for back-to-school week from Aug. 15-19.

Barbara Roth holds her daughter Tara’s coat. Submitted photo

Submitted

Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford (JFS) is proud to launch Tara’s Closet which provides clothing to individuals and families living in West Hartford, Bloomfield, and the entire Greater Hartford area during temporary or long-term times of need.

Tara’s Closet will be available to clients seasonally, by appointment, to try on clothing and take quality items in a boutique-style environment at no charge while maintaining one’s dignity.

This new initiative honoring Tara Savin’s memory was developed through the generosity of Barbara Roth, Tara’s mother. “I was cleaning my closet, thinking that if people are having trouble feeding their families, how are they clothing them? I decided to create a program called Tara’s Closet. Tara loved fashion and she was all about humanity,” explains Barbara. “It’s a perfect fit for everything Tara believed in. If telling my story can help even one person, it is worth it.”

Tara was a bright woman who suffered from bi-polar disorder. A graduate of Kingswood Oxford, where she was yearbook co-editor and voted Best Dressed, Tara had a flair for fashion.  She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Boston University where she majored in International Studies and minored in Women’s Studies. Armed with a strong foundation and a Masters Degree in Communications, Tara enjoyed a successful career at Town & Country Magazine in NYC. She pursued a second graduate degree from Fordham University in Social Work. She moved back to Hartford and had an internship in 2010 with JFS. Eventually, Tara’s mental illness took her life.

“It affects your entire family. There are so many components to it. People have to be counseled about mental illnesses. The families have to be counseled about the aftermath. I can’t imagine how families deal who don’t have the resources. That’s where JFS comes in. What JFS does every day is indefinable.”

“Our mission is to help people advance along the path toward emotional well-being, self-reliance, more positive relationships, and a renewed sense of possibility. Through Tara’s Closet we can continue to embrace possibility,” states Anne Danaher, JFS Executive Director. Funds raised for Tara’s Closet will support education and awareness programs to help other families impacted by mental illness.

For clothing for men, women and children at NO COST, people are invited to make an appointment Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m. to noon. to browse this boutique style setting for clothing.  To schedule an appointment please call Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford at 860.236.1927.

About JFS

JFS focuses on three core areas: Counseling, Education, and Community Support, and utilizes a variety of counseling treatment approaches and can help clients address a wide range of issues.  Visit www.jfshartford.org to see a list of clinicians and their areas of expertise.  For information about giving opportunities, contact Kim Margolis at 860-236-1927 or [email protected].