http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/index/ en robert@eyeonlinemedia.com Copyright 2013 2013-02-27T03:04:39+00:00 http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/hear_the_music_jam_session_a_birthday_success http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/hear_the_music_jam_session_a_birthday_success#When:03:04:39Z I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to Professor Ron Borczon, Director of the Music Therapy Wellness Clinic, California State University Northridge, and Helen Dolas, Founder/CEO of Arts & Services for Disabled, Inc. Because of their effort and concern we were able to collaborate and quickly pull together a fabulous “HEAR the MUSIC” JAM Session and birthday celebration for my brother, Nathaniel, who prefers to be called Tony Ocean at this time. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to Professor Ron Borczon, Director of the Music Therapy Wellness Clinic, California State University Northridge, and Helen Dolas, Founder/CEO of Arts & Services for Disabled, Inc. (http://www.artsandservices.org/) Because of their effort and concern we were able to collaborate and quickly pull together a fabulous “HEAR the MUSIC” JAM Session and birthday celebration for my brother, Nathaniel, who prefers to be called Tony Ocean at this time. Tony is what our mother called him and he loves to play by the Ocean. Such a fitting name. Tony had the time of his life playing improv with Certified Music Therapists and Music Therapy students, along with members of LAMP Community, who were able to enjoy an afternoon of music, food and fun. The pizza from Waleeto’s in Hawthorne, CA, was great!  Thanks Wally.  Thank you, Hayk Makhmuryan, Fine Arts Coordinator, LAMP Community, who took the time to bring the members.  The JAM Session was held on Saturday, February 2, 2013, at the Cultural Education Center for the Arts in Hawthorne, CA. Here’s the link to a short video of the JAM Session we have to share with you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_QyKkTrpOg I traveled to LA with my dear friend and colleague Dr. Barbara Lattimore, Counseling Psychologist/CEO, Alternative Research and Development Services. The trip was a challenge for me, because I was ill, yet I made it through.  The students from Cal State were excellent volunteers and participants. Also in attendance were Steve Lopez (Tony’s dear friend), his lovely wife Alison and daughter, and Professor Janise White, conductor of the Afro-American Chamber Music Society Orchestra (https://www.facebook.com/AACMS?ref=stream). Tony is a huge fan of Professor White and plays with the Orchestra when he is healthy enough to join them. Also Joanne Pierce Martin, an amazing pianist for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, came along with her husband, Gavin, who is also a very talented pianist. It was Joanne’s birthday and the LA Phil had a concert that night, so what a sacrifice for her to attend.  The huge sacrifices that everyone made to be there were so heart felt. Even our hometown friend Bobby Witbeck, who grew up down the street from us back in Cleveland, Ohio, and his beautiful wife and girls were there. Our sister Lydia from our father’s second marriage was in attendance along with her husband, Vance, and granddaughter, with whom I am just getting acquainted, and it has been a pleasure. It was awesome to see so many people there to simply enjoy the JAM Session and to see the Music Therapists control the set with their expertise. Most of all it was great to see Tony have such a wonderful time for four hours, in what seemed to provide him with freedom from the torment his mind faces in day-to-day life.  Thank you everyone for your time and contributions. Tony thanks you as well. I know he does! THANK YOU JANSSEN Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson (http://www.janssenpharmaceuticalsinc.com) for your support and sponsorship of the “HEAR the MUSIC” JAM Session.  We appreciate your commitment to those diagnosed with mental illness, with your research and continuous efforts to develop new treatments. Hear the Music/Stop Stigma Jennifer Ayers-Moore, Founder and Executive Director, The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation Photos courtesy of Yessenia Gonzalez, CSUN Music Therapy Student 2013-02-27T03:04:39+00:00 http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/youre_invited_jam_session_with_nathaniel_ayers_the_soloist http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/youre_invited_jam_session_with_nathaniel_ayers_the_soloist#When:14:52:00Z Sat, Feb 2, 2013 at 2:00 PM WHERE: Cultural Education Center for the Arts 3827 Rosecrans Avenue Hawthorne, CA 90250 The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation is partnering with the Arts & Services for Disabled, Inc., in Hawthorne, California (close to LA) to celebrate Nathaniel’s birthday by hosting the “JAM Session with Nathaniel Ayers, The Soloist.”Sat, Feb 2, 2013 at 2:00 PM WHERE: Cultural Education Center for the Arts 3827 Rosecrans Avenue Hawthorne, CA 90250 The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation is partnering with the Arts & Services for Disabled, Inc., in Hawthorne, California (close to LA) to celebrate Nathaniel’s birthday by hosting the “JAM Session with Nathaniel Ayers, The Soloist.”  Nathaniel’s birthday is January 31st, but the JAM Session will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2013.  Not only will this be a birthday celebration, it will be an opportunity for mental health consumers to participate in a day of music therapy (with Certified Music Therapists and students from California State University, Northridge - Music Therapy Department) and a therapeutic drum circle, enjoy lunch and simply have a day of mental freedom.  The two organizations look to this event as being only the beginning of what the future will hold for organizations that understand the importance of collaboration and reaching out to serve.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Nathaniel, (aka Tony Ocean)!” Please support this effort by donating whatever you can in honor of Nathaniel’s birthday. Follow this link to donate now: http://www.naayers.org/donate.html All gifts to The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation are tax-deductible. Thank you! Hear the Music/Stop Stigma Jennifer Ayers-Moore, Founder and Executive Director, The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation 2013-02-01T14:52:00+00:00 http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/best_holiday_wishes_from_the_nathaniel_anthony_ayers_foundation http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/best_holiday_wishes_from_the_nathaniel_anthony_ayers_foundation#When:02:18:16Z The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  We are forever grateful for your contributions to help us help all “HEAR the MUSIC!” Stay tuned for 2013!  We hope to bring our “HEAR the MUSIC” program your way. Please keep the Foundation in mind as you make your decisions about year-end giving. All gifts to The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation are tax-deductible. Follow this link to donate now: http://www.naayers.org/donate.htmlThe Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  We are forever grateful for your contributions to help us help all “HEAR the MUSIC!” Stay tuned for 2013!  We hope to bring our “HEAR the MUSIC” program your way. Please keep the Foundation in mind as you make your decisions about year-end giving. All gifts to The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation are tax-deductible. Follow this link to donate now: http://www.naayers.org/donate.html  Season’s Blessings! Jennifer Ayers-Moore, Founder and Executive Director, The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation 2012-12-12T02:18:16+00:00 http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/support_naayers_foundation_on_georgia_gives_day_dec._6_2012 http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/support_naayers_foundation_on_georgia_gives_day_dec._6_2012#When:02:05:14Z Gifts_small.bmpThe Georgia Center For Nonprofits has made it easy for you to donate to The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation during Georgia Gives Day, Dec. 6, 2012. Just follow this link to Click & Pledge! https://www.gagivesday.org/c/GGD/a/naayersThe Georgia Center For Nonprofits has made it easy for you to donate to The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation during Georgia Gives Day, Dec. 6, 2012. Just follow this link to Click & Pledge! https://www.gagivesday.org/c/GGD/a/naayers As you know, donations to the Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation support our efforts to stop the stigma of mental illness. We want to increase public awareness about mental health’s effects on society. Further, we continue to strengthen our collaboration with mental health and arts organizations to identify and exhibit the work of the artistically gifted with mental health problems. We continue to expand our “HEAR the MUSIC” program.  We contract with Music Therapists, organize and coordinate “HEAR the MUSIC” sessions with agencies that serve the mentally ill. The result is an hour music therapy session that makes a difference and allows the person diagnosed a chance to “HEAR the MUSIC!” Even if it’s just for a moment. We thank you for your continued support—on Georgia Gives Day, and every day. No gift will go unappreciated. Please help as much as you can. 2012-12-06T02:05:14+00:00 http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/applebees_flapjack_fundraiser_a_success http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/applebees_flapjack_fundraiser_a_success#When:22:01:11Z The Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser on Saturday, August 25, 2012, was a success.  Thank you so much to all those who purchased tickets or made donations and Thank you, to our FABULOUS VOLUNTEERS! We could NOT have pulled this off without our volunteers.The Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser on Saturday, August 25, 2012, was a success.  Thank you so much to all those who purchased tickets or made donations and Thank you, to our FABULOUS VOLUNTEERS!  The volunteers were asked to be there by 7:30 am and they were all there on time!  This is a clear indication that they believe in our mission!  We could NOT have pulled this off without our volunteers.  We had friends and family who helped us sell nearly 150 tickets.  Most of which people just wanted to donate the $7.00 and could not make the breakfast.  We had approximately 80 people to actually come for our private flapjack breakfast. Applebee’s in Fayetteville did a great job, the food was delicious and the manager there, Jeff, and staff were just great!  Thank you.  It was a very wonderful fun atmosphere which allowed Jennifer Ayers-Moore, Founder and Executive Director and Dr. Shondrika Moss-Bouldin, Artistic Director, the opportunity to speak with guests table by table.  And there were so many people who wanted to know more, share their stories, ask questions and one person even asked “when will you do this again?”  That we can’t answer right now.  But keep your ears tuned in and eyes opened. Thank you to Dr. Moss-Bouldin for initiating this event.  She says, “This is only the beginning, we have to raise more funds to continue with our programming, particularly our Hear the Music program.”  We need your help to identify mental health organizations that would be interested in a “Hear the Music” therapy session. Scroll down to see more photos from the Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser! 2012-10-13T22:01:11+00:00 http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/come_eat_breakfast_for_a_great_cause http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/come_eat_breakfast_for_a_great_cause#When:22:17:39Z We proudly announce Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser, benefiting The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation. When: Saturday, August 25, 2012 Where: 792 Glynn Street North, Fayetteville, GA Seating Times: 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. OR 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Cost: $7.00 per ticket - Tickets must be purchased in advance and will be held for you at the door. We proudly announce Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser, benefiting The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation. When: Saturday, August 25, 2012 Where: 792 Glynn Street North, Fayetteville, GA Seating Times: 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. OR 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Cost: $7.00 per ticket - Tickets must be purchased in advance and will be held for you at the door.  Click here to purchase tickets online. A $1 processing fee will be added to the ticket price when purchasing online. Or, mail a check before August 15 to: The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation, PO BOX 143116, Fayetteville, GA 30214. Questions? Call 877-272-5272.  The first 5 people to arrive for each serving time (8 a.m. & 9 a.m.) will receive a special gift! Your ticket purchase for this event will also get you $5.00 off on a return visit meal! See details below: •  Food items only - Dine-in only. •  Minimum purchase of $20.00 or more. •  Not valid with other promotions, offers, or discounts. •  Tax, alcohol, and gratuity not included. •  Coupon expires September 16, 2012. Offer only valid at the location listed above. •  Offer not valid unless apple punched on your ticket during Flapjack Fundraiser. At this time, we still need VOLUNTEERS for the “Flapjack Fundraiser” event. Please email us at either shonmb@naayers.org or jennifera@naayers.org, or call 877-272-5272 for more information. Please include your phone number so that we may contact you. Yes! Come to Applebee’s in Fayetteville on August 25 and eat flapjacks with us to support a great cause!! We hope to see you there. Remember, tickets must be purchased in advance. 2012-08-01T22:17:39+00:00 http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/hear_the_music_--_eat_pizza_for_a_good_cause_--_june_12_in_fairburn_ga http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/hear_the_music_--_eat_pizza_for_a_good_cause_--_june_12_in_fairburn_ga#When:01:56:28Z Hear the music, stop stigma, and eat mouth-watering pizza! You have a chance to support a great cause while eating delicious food on June 12th at Oz Pizza (Fairburn location). Please join us for our first 2012 fundraiser on Tuesday, June 12th from 5-10pm at Oz Pizza, 5 West Broad Street, Fairburn Georgia 30213.Hear the music, stop stigma, and eat mouth-watering pizza! You have a chance to support a great cause while eating delicious food on June 12th at Oz Pizza (Fairburn location). Please join us for our first 2012 fundraiser on Tuesday, June 12th from 5-10pm at Oz Pizza, 5 West Broad Street, Fairburn Georgia 30213. In order for The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation to receive some of the proceeds from your pizza order, you must dine in and mention The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers foundation. It’s that easy! Are you out of town or you can’t make this date? There are still ways you can support us. Click here to donate money to The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation. Slice $5 Small Pizza $10 Medium Pizza $15 Large Pizza $20 Extra Large $ Enter your own amount! Thanks for your support! We can’t wait to see you on June 12th at Oz Pizza! The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers foundation 2012-05-24T01:56:28+00:00 http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/naaf_and_gigis_playhouse_hear_the_music_together http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/naaf_and_gigis_playhouse_hear_the_music_together#When:16:55:24Z On May 1st 2012, The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation launched our newest program, Hear the Music, at GiGi’s Playhouse.  Andrea Johnson, a certified and licensed therapist who specializes in working with Down Syndrome children, is one of NAAF’s musical therapists working with our program. GiGi’s mission is to increase positive awareness of Down Syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.  They are doing a fine job fulfilling their mission. “HEAR the MUSIC” Message From the Founder On May 1st 2012, The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation launched our newest program, Hear the Music, at GiGi’s Playhouse.  Andrea Johnson, a certified and licensed therapist who specializes in working with Down Syndrome children, is one of NAAF’s musical therapists working with our program. GiGi’s mission is to increase positive awareness of Down Syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.  They are doing a fine job fulfilling their mission. Even though our organizations work with different populations, we have one commonality, STIGMA! Our partnership with GiGi’s playhouse was a natural one because both of our organizations are working very hard to spread a positive message regarding the populations that we serve. We had a great time sharing Hear the Music with GiGi’s parents and children! What really blessed me was to see that even though one child may have down syndrome, all members of the family participated in the program. The families seem to understand it is a family affair. This is a lesson we must learn with mental illness. It includes everyone. As I observed the interaction of the children with Andrea, I noticed the faces of the parents who really seemed to be totally engaged with their children enjoying the moment.  It made me very emotional.  It is what I hope for many families: interaction, understanding, and opportunity. This was a moment of validation and hope for our Hear the Music program. This is just the beginning for all the populations we can reach with musical therapy.  The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation wants all to “HEAR the MUSIC.” If you have an organization that would benefit from Hear the Music, please contact Dr. Moss-Bouldin at shonmb@naayers.org or 877-272-5272. To donate to the Hear the Music program, click here. Thank You for your support, Jennifer Ayers-Moore Andrea Johnson, Music Therapist, interacting with children and parents as she reads them a story to encourage participation. Andrea Johnson, Music Therapist, leads the group in a song. Andrea with her little helper. Andrea Johnson, Music Therapist, all smiles and readly to lead the families at GiGi’s Playhouse with a little music therapy! Andrea Johnson, Music Therapist Andrea leading a song involving a tug-o’-war activity Founder and Executive Director, Jennifer Ayers-Moore, along with Dr. Shondrika Moss-Bouldin, Artistic Director of The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation Adrienne Mulligan, GiGi’s Atlanta owner, with her daughter; Jennifer Ayers-Moore, the NAAF Founder/Executive Director; and Andrea Johnson, Music Therapist 2012-05-19T16:55:24+00:00 http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/new_outreach_program_offers_music_therapy http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/new_outreach_program_offers_music_therapy#When:13:04:51Z The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation is taking musical therapy to a new level with our new and innovative program, Hear the Music. Hear the Music places licensed musical therapists with organizations that see the importance of music as therapy. Our new partnering with licensed music therapists and the American Music Therapy Association will be launched with one of our local partners, The George Center, founded by Jamie George, a licensed musical therapist. The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation is taking musical therapy to a new level with our new and innovative program, Hear the Music. Hear the Music places licensed musical therapists with organizations that see the importance of music as therapy. Our new partnering with licensed music therapists and the American Music Therapy Association will be launched with one of our Atlanta partners, The George Center, founded by Jamie George, a licensed musical therapist. We begin this extremely important crusade with GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta on May 1st 2012. GiGi’s Playhouses are Down syndrome awareness and educational centers that provide resources, specialized teaching, and support to individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Though The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation focuses on mental health we have NO problem stepping outside the box to work with GiGi’s, which serves children with Down syndrome. We believe in what they do for their children, and we understand the stigma they face.  Hear the Music features various artists and/or licensed Music Therapists that will present concerts and interactive music programming to various facilities that want to add music therapy to their programming to work toward our effort to STOP STiGMA. If you know of any organizations that would benefit from this series locally in Atlanta, Cleveland, or Los Angeles, or if you are an artist that would like to be added to our roster, please contact: Dr. Moss-Bouldin at shonmb@naayers.org or call 877.272.5272. Read about Andrea, one of our licensed therapists: Andrea Johnson, MT-BC (The George Center for Music Therapy, Inc.) loves making music with people of all ages and abilities! She received a Bachelor of Music Therapy Degree from Georgia College and State University. She completed her internship with The Baldwin Life Enrichment Center and Creative Expressions Studio in Milledgeville, GA, working with adults with developmental disabilities. Andrea is a board certified music therapist and a licensed Kindermusik® Educator.  Andrea is a member of the American Music Therapy Association and the Music Therapy Association of Georgia. She performs as a cellist with various Atlanta area music organizations, including the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, and is also proficient in piano, voice, and guitar. What is Music Therapy? Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.  Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. After assessing the strengths and needs of each client, the qualified music therapist provides the indicated treatment including creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music. Through musical involvement in the therapeutic context, clients’ abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives. Music therapy also provides avenues for communication that can be helpful to those who find it difficult to express themselves in words. Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in many areas such as: overall physical rehabilitation and facilitating movement, increasing people’s motivation to become engaged in their treatment, providing emotional support for clients and their families, and providing an outlet for expression of feelings. The George Center for Music Therapy, Inc. is committed to providing a creative approach to therapy by fostering an environment of fun and achievement. They provide individual and group music therapy services in the Metro Atlanta area. Their programs include adaptive music lessons, early intervention, Kindermusik, mental health support services, and therapeutic support of individualized goals. 2012-04-27T13:04:51+00:00 http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/we_celebrate_nathaniels_birthday_today http://www.naayers.org/index.php/site/we_celebrate_nathaniels_birthday_today#When:16:44:55Z Join us in wishing Nathaniel Anthony Ayers a very happy birthday today! The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation sends abundant good wishes to Nathaniel. Please honor him by making a donation to the Foundation; any size donation will help. Thank you for supporting The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation!  Donate now. Join us in wishing Nathaniel Anthony Ayers a very happy birthday today! The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation sends abundant good wishes to Nathaniel. He celebrated his birthday on Thursday with friends and family at Montrose Bowl, in Montrose, CA—Our thanks to owners Helga and Bob! We hope that Nathaniel and The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation can accomplish big things in 2012. If you want to be a part of the Foundation’s accomplishments in 2012, please honor Nathaniel by making a donation to the Foundation today; any size donation will help. You will be helping to set up Nathaniel’s Place with art supplies and musical instruments to help mentally ill clients find healing through their art and music. Thank you for supporting The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation!  Donate now. 2012-01-31T16:44:55+00:00