What is This Place?

by Michelle Brock | photos by Kristen Faircloth

Nuci's Space, a local musicians' resource center, has already helped more than 150 struggling musicians in its short existence since beginning in 2000. While most local residents have heard of Nuci's Space mainly for its involvement in the music community, some might not know the full story behind the Space that plays a significant role in the Athens community.

In 1999, Linda Phillips, along with the help of the rest of her family, started the Nuci Phillips Memorial Foundation in honor of her late son Nuci, which eventually spawned Nuci's Space.

Nuci Phillips was a talented University of Georgia music student who took his life, after struggling with depression the last five years of his short 22 years of life.

The Phillips family of Atlanta had to endure what no family ever wants to experience - a death of a child.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24 years olds in the United States, according to WebMD. 30,000 ended their lives in 1999, with every three of five suicides being committed with a firearm. This figure is barely down from the almost 31,000 in 1996, according to the Surgeon General. Depression is one condition that can lead to suicide.

Fortunately, there is now more hope for those with psychological problems, like Nuci. Not wanting any other family to go through what the Phillips' family went through, the Nuci Phillips Memorial Foundation was born, according to Nuci's Space Director of Development Will Kiser.

"We are here because he is not," he says.

Nuci's Space mainly serves as a support and resource center for musicians, like Nuci. Individuals can go to Nuci's Space for help in their personal or professional lives.

"I do not know of any place that is like the Space," says Kiser. "What makes us unusual is that we are a safe haven for musicians. We are here all of the time, seven days a week."

The center helps individuals deal with life by providing low-cost resources to those who may not be able to afford costly professional care. If one needs more help than Nuci's Space can provide, he or she will be referred to a professional, for which Nuci's Space will help pay.

Furthermore, Nuci's Space doubles as a place where musicians can work on material. The center provides equipped soundproof practice rooms, a music library and a performance area.

While Nuci's Space specifically helps the musical community of Athens, it eventually reaches all corners of the Classic City, in one way or another. As Nuci's Space supports those who need psychological assistance, hope and happiness are spread to the families of those who are helped.

"We help all of their family and friends sleep better knowing that their loved one is healthy," says Kiser.

Nuci's Space even reaches beyond the families of those who are mentally helped by working closely with the University. Last year, Nuci's Space came to be an official student organization at the University, but the Space is not limited to those who are in the University organization.

"A lot of students practice here, and we have hosted events for the University Habitat for Humanity, art shows, etcetera," says Kiser.

Even though Nuci's Space has only been opened for a few years, it is already growing - every little bit seems to help. In addition to becoming an official student organization and the recent opening of the music library, a collection of mental health books were brought in and a computer was made available for musicians' use.

"We are helping more and more people each year with our counseling assistance program because of word of mouth and because of the success that we have had in helping people," says Kiser.

Students and others who want to volunteer can get involved. The center can be used for fundraising events. Or, those who want to help at Nuci's Space, can learn more about volunteering by going to their website at www.nuci.org.