Nuci Space: Q & A

By Ashley Thompson

What is Nuci’s Space?

The building on 396 Oconee St. houses the Nuçi Phillips Memorial Foundation. It was formed in 1999 by the Phillips family after losing their son, Nuçi, to suicide. The 22-year-old was a talented musician and attended the University of Georgia. In pursuit of a new, open and welcoming way to help treat and support people dealing with mental illnesses, the non-profit foundation created a place for musicians, or anyone, to receive counseling, support and even musical enrichment all in one place—or space.

In what ways does The Space provide treatment for mental illness?

Nuçi’s Space has become the face of mental health awareness in Athens, but takes a “come at your leisure” approach to offering support.
“We try to keep the ‘preachy’ stuff to a minimum,” said full-time staffer Laura Ford. “We have a library of books and resources that people who have lost someone due a mental illness can come in and use; it’s open to the public.”

The main program Nuçi’s Space offers people dealing with mental illness is counseling, she said.

The Space works with about eight different counselors from Family Counseling Services. It’s the job of staff members to match clients with the counselor best suited for their needs.
Counseling is made affordable through the foundation. The non-profit enables people to speak with a therapist, or counselor, for a $10 charge or a psychiatrist for $20 – a fraction of the normal rates.

The Space works with a psychiatrist, Dr. Orr, when a client’s counselor determines they need medication in addition to counseling. The combination of medication and therapy has been proven to be the most effective treatment for depression, according to Ford.


How is Nuçi’s Space funded?

Nuçi’s Space is funded mostly through private donations. Although the foundation receives a few small grants, it relies on every penny of every donation to make the organization successful. The Space also has fundraising events throughout each year, such as the S.P.A.C.E. Race, to raise money.


What is the S.P. A.C.E. Race?

The 5K Suicide Prevention Awareness Community Education Race, or S.P.A.C.E. Race, is held on Oct. 24 on the University of Georgia’s campus. People either walk or run the 5K, and the goal of the race is to raise awareness--and money-- for the foundation.

“It’s the biggest fundraising event of the year,” said Ford.

The event has two goals, she said. The first goal is to raise funds for the non-profit organization, and the second is to raise suicide awareness. The race starts at 9 a.m. at Memorial Hall on the university campus. The 5K ends around 9:45 a.m. Winners receive awards—a trophy and gift certificates--and refreshments are served afterwards. The cost is $20 for students and $25 for non-students. All participants receive a free T-shirt.

What are some of the resources the non-profit foundation provides for musicians?

The Space provides an affordable way for musicians to practice. Practice rooms are $6 to $8 an hour between noon and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend and late night rates are $8 to $10 an hour.

“When it comes to practice space, it's the best in town,” said Nuçi-frequent Eric Keaton. “All the other places require people to rent the room on a monthly basis and it's more expensive [that way].”

Nuçi’s Space also provides various resources for local musicians, such as their full-size post board that’s covered in “band seeks musician” notes, which greets people as they walk in the building.

What’s the best way to contact Nuçi’s Space?

Anyone interested in volunteering or interning can contact The Space through their website, http://www.nuci.org/ or call (706) 227-1515

Edited by Ashly Luckose