Mrs. Field’s Closet opens sixth location
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Teachers are essential to any community as they support and raise each generation. Mrs. Field’s Closet is a local nonprofit inspired by the late Becky Field that was founded by fellow educators who wanted to honor her passion for helping students and setting them up for success beyond the classroom. With Roosevelt Elementary becoming its sixth location, the nonprofit is making a difference that will benefit the community for years to come.
Discussing Field at the Friday, Aug. 14, ribbon cutting, founder Tammy White said she was, "the person that taught me the one important thing as an educator - to make relationships with the kids. I know that seems like it would be a lot of work. It is. But it's so much more important than sometimes the education."
School supplies, hygiene products, winter clothing and a safe space are all things Mrs. Field’s Closet provides for K-12 students through counselors and teachers. The circumstances of a child does not limit their access to the resources, the closet is for everyone. A simple product can motivate a student to show up to school and participate.
During the ribbon cutting, Marissa Nehlsen, CEO of Freedom Financial Group, recalled a conversation when White told her, "I think if we help our kids, we can change the world. And I said, ‘You can change the world, you can be the difference maker. How we change the world is to change their world – One kid at a time, one classroom at a time and one closet at a time.'”
After the speeches during the ribbon cutting, the Magic City Lions and Freedom Financial Group presented White with donation checks for the closet. As community support grows, the nonprofit is aiming to be in schools across the state and potentially out of state. The supplies come from local and national supporters through their Amazon wish list that is tailored for each schools’ needs.
In White's speech, she announced that Mrs. Field’s Closet would be offering mental health resources this fall, along with some physical resources for families.
"Empowering our students is important and empowering our families is the same thing. When the relationship building happens, the learning happens as well," White said. "It's very important to talk about the mental health of students, of our families, because it could be a big problem at times."
According to Mrs. Field’s Closet information, in the 2024-2025 school year, 3,957.00 items were distributed and for 2025-2026 year, the number reached 67,10,00.
White said, "People want to make a change and a difference for our kids."