Serving more than 3,500 men, women and children in just the last year, Travelers Aid Family Services (TAFS) is one of the largest service providers to homeless families in Massachusetts- families who are now welcomed by 34 works of original art donated through The Art Connection.
Travelers Aid Family Services has a long and proud history of helping individuals and families in need. The agency arose from 19th century social movements that formed to help immigrant single women and families find housing and jobs. The agency was incorporated in 1920 with the mission to assist the traveling public, including the poor and disadvantaged. Since that time, TAFS has been there for those without a home and away from home.
It is the overarching goal of Travelers Aid Family Services to end family homelessness in our community. They hope to reach this goal by focusing their energies to: increase prevention efforts to stop families from becoming homeless, focus on more lasting approaches to family housing retention, ensure that 100% of children in homeless programs are enrolled in school and receiving health care, and create more affordable housing for low-income families in and around Boston.
Now in a beautiful office space near South Station, TAFS recently participated in their second art selection process and are the new home to a range of prints, paintings, and photographs donated through The Art Connection. The diversity of the art collection reflects their diversity of clients including people who are homeless, people living a transient lifestyle, and those who are isolated and disconnected from other means of support.
Of the process, Operations Associate Sarah Chapple-Sokol noted, "It was really exciting to look at so many pieces of art and think about which would be best for the agency. We hope the new art provides stimulation and opportunity for reflection for all those who come through our space." Zach Sherman, Senior Property Coordinator shared, "I would never think in a million years that an organization like this existed. The generosity is through the roof, we could not be happier. And I was so surprised at the quality of the art offered to us - it is truly amazing work and we are honored to have it on display in our building."
For more information, please visit: www.tafsboston.org