OCTOBER 2015
the newsletter for nuçi’s space, a nonprofit musicians’ support/resource center
In a Little Corner of the World by Linda V. Phillips
I
have a confession to make. Fifteen years ago when the doors to Nuçi’s Space swung open; I had a dream that maybe one day we’d be as “big” as the Susan Komen Foundation! As you probably already know that didn’t happen. Well, not exactly… Disappointing? No. Over the years I’ve learned that “big” can mean different things and dreams can take different shapes. Yes it’s a fact that we were small in 2000 and we’re still small in 2015. By that I mean our name is not known worldwide and many, many people (even those not living in caves) have no idea who or what Nuçi’s Space is. I live in New York City now and I have yet to see a Nuçi’s Space tee shirt here other than the ones my husband wears almost daily! He’s trying to get something going! It’s true my ‘60s generation was full of idealism and dreams— thinking that we could save the world, establish world peace, feed the hungry (all the hungry) and in general make the world a more perfect place to live. You don’t need me to tell you that that hasn’t happened either. Oh, I’m still an idealist (it’s probably genetic) but I’ve taken off the rose colored glasses and now look through clear (prescription) glass. No one person, one organization, one foundation or one government can save the world. But one can make a difference! Finally, I come to the point! Nuçi’s Space is not a household word and not as well-known as the Susan Komen Foundation and that’s okay because the important thing is we have grown in impressive ways. We have a committed director who leads a staff of capable, knowledgeable and caring people who work exceedingly hard for nothing near what they’re worth but do so because the other paybacks are so gratifying. We have a Board that supports and works tirelessly in the community to insure our continuance. We have volunteers who willingly give hours of their time. We have Camp Amped that is run by accomplished and ever generous professional musicians. Not only do the campers benefit but also everyone involved does. Recently one counselor told me that this season’s camp sessions had had a life changing effect on her. Each year at our anniversary party, one or more parents approach me to say how much camp means to them and their children. We have a Survivors of Suicide Support group that meets monthly at the Space. It’s lead by a very special woman who with great compassion guides those who are in the depths of grief and pain onto a path of healing. We have psychiatrists and therapists who devote themselves to making our people well and comfortable in their skins. And… most important of all, we have the privilege of helping those in need! I could go on and on! If it sounds like I’m crowing, I am! Talk about a dream coming true beyond my imagination! Only having my family has brought me such satisfaction. I knew in 2000, the first time someone came into the office needing help that the concept on which Nuçi ‘s Space is based was solid and strong. Crippling anxiety and depression debilitated this person and he had suffered in isolation for a long time. Because of his illness he struggled to keep his job and his life together. We immediately got him in to see a therapist. Because he was unable to afford treatment and to sustain the stigma such illnesses instill, he had endured alone. By the very simple act of
listening with compassion, finding a therapist for him, being there to support him through treatment and making it affordable, we had started him on the road to wellness. The work to get well would be his but now he was no longer alone in his struggle. He had found help. The look of relief and disbelief in his eyes will be with me forever. After Nuçi died in 1996, my husband said something so touching. He said that he believed that whenever someone died, a hole was left in the universe’s goodness quotient and it was up to those left behind to try to fill it. That’s what we’ve tried to do at Nuçi’s Space. For convenience I’ve written this in first person. In fact, so many have made Nuçi’s Space what it is—a living, growing part of the community. I’d like to mention a very few who early on shaped Nuçi’s Space: My three very special friends (Virginia, Jan and Lonnie) held my hand and comforted me after Nuçi died and then helped to formulate a plan on which to build Nuçi’s Space. David Barbe was the first person I called when I had the idea for Nuçi’s Space. I had no clue what was needed in a rehearsal room. He said something to the effect of “well you need electricity…” That sounded pretty doable to me! David also guided me to specific people in the community who could help. Family Counseling Services under the direction of Teddy Kemp along with their therapists have been constant, tireless and invaluable to our musicians and to us. Dr. Bill Orr. What can I say? When searching for a psychiatrist and while telling Bill what I wanted to do, he said that all sounds good but how are you? That did it! I knew I had found the right doctor for my musicians. Bob Sleppy. Bob came to me after leaving a Nuçi’s Space benefit that was poorly attended. He was so earnest, sincere and totally understood my plan and wanted to make it work. He has been my rudder through it all. His mother has graciously allowed me to call Bob my third son. The list goes on—I know who they are—thanks to all of them! The moral of my story is that the word “big” is relative and probably has no place or meaning here. As for my dream, we’re not exactly a household word but the positive effect we’ve had in reality is more than I could have hoped. For those of you reading this, you have supported us and made it possible for us to continue. You are our family and we never forget family. Thank you! SO… yes, we are small but our heart is huge, much like Nuçi’s was in his short life. We can’t light the world by ourselves and make all of mankind healthier. But with our big heart, conviction and hard work, as small as we are, we can and have shone a little light into dark places where so many reside in isolation and pain. And in my opinion, that makes us a giant at least in our little corner of the world. Happy 15th Anniversary Nuçi’s Space! May you continue forever and may the world be a brighter, healthier place because you are here!
nuçi’s space 396 Oconee Street Athens, GA 30601 706.227.1515 space@nuci.org www.nuci.org www.facebook.com/ nucisspace Newsletter Contributors
Bob Sleppy Chris Byron Lesley Cobbs Debbie Watson Dave Chamberlin Kristie Greene Photos
Lesley Cobbs Design & Layout
Larry Tenner