DARIEN — Actress and best-selling author Jenny Mollen has used her struggle with mental health issues in her comedy and writing.
Now she is bringing that same sympathetic wit to Darien.
Mollen will be the keynote speaker at The Center for HOPE’s annual 40th anniversary luncheon on September 15.
Known for sharing hilarious, unfiltered stories in her New York Times bestselling books, Mollen has been candid about her own struggles with depression and eating disorders.
She is the author of two collections of essays, a novel, and a new Dictator Lunches cookbook. Formerly known as one of the funniest women on Instagram and Twitter, she frequently shares stories about her life and her family with her half million followers.
He has appeared in numerous film and television projects, most notably as a guest star on Chicago Fire, Girls and Angel. Her most recent credits include the 2016 film Amateur Night opposite her husband Jason Biggs and the series I Like You Just the Way I Am, based on her book of the same name.
Mollen is an advocate for mental health counseling and has been candid about her own struggles with depression and eating disorders.
She said she was drawn to the Center for HOPE because of the wide range of resources available, calling the programs provided by the Center “a gift to a community to have that kind of support.”
Five years ago, Mollen’s brother was hospitalized with an infected atrial myxoma, a rare noncancerous tumor in his heart. She credits the therapy with helping support her brother and her family through the life-changing experience.
“When something tragic or traumatic happens, it doesn’t just happen to that person, it really happens to the whole family,” Mollen said. “If it wasn’t for therapy, I don’t know if we would have been able to get through the way we did.”
Founded in Darien in 1982, Center for HOPE provides counseling and support services to people dealing with illness, grief, or loss. The organization merged with Greenwich-based Family Centers in 2005.
“It’s a wonderful milestone,” said Family Centers Executive Director Bob Arnold. “I think it’s worth celebrating that we have this resource here in Fairfield County and that it’s benefiting so many people.”
Arnold praised the “funny and humorous” Mollen for sharing her experiences with guests at lunch.
“You can see people who are moving on with their lives, they’re successful, they present a really positive image, and yet they’ve also had to overcome difficult problems,” he said. “The extent to which we share that with each other, I think it’s heartwarming and inspiring.”
The Center for HOPE will also present the Spirit of Resiliency Award to interior designer Amanda Lindroth.
Proceeds from the luncheon, which begins at 11:30 am at the Wee Burn Beach Club in Rowayton, will benefit the Center for HOPE and The Den for Grieving Kids, programs that offer grief and critical illness support.
Tickets are available on the Family Centers website for $125. Included with your ticket is a copy of Mollen’s debut novel, “City of Stars.”
