Jared Zachary Baillargeon Zimmerman

Who Was Jared

Jared grew up in Montclair, attending local schools through Montclair High School, where he graduated in 2013. He was someone who genuinely loved people — curious, warm, drawn to deep conversations about music and philosophy. He spent time outdoors, skateboarding, and running cross-country.

During high school, Jared participated in the Civics and Government Institute, served on its Supreme Court, and joined the Fed Challenge program. He was engaged, thoughtful, and full of potential.

Around his junior year, Jared developed what was likely schizophrenia — a diagnosis that was never formally confirmed by his doctors. After time away from school, he enrolled at Bard College. His mental illness ultimately led to his death on April 15, 2016, at just 20 years old.

Our Story

The Fund began unofficially on the day of Jared's passing. Friends, neighbors, and community members reached out and asked how they could help. Initial donations were directed to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Farm & Wilderness — a Vermont camp that Jared had loved.

Over time, the Fund formalized into what it is today: a nonprofit supporting the Youth Fellowship at Montclair High School and providing camperships for low-income New Jersey youth at Farm & Wilderness.

Our family aims to reduce mental illness stigma, create supportive community spaces, and encourage research and advocacy. We believe that if Jared's story can help even one family navigate mental illness with less shame and more support, his legacy lives on.