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Musicians Advisory Panel 2009
The SIMS Foundation’s Musicians Advisory Panel provides guidance to and leverages support for the organization as needed to help advance SIMS’ mission to provide access to and financial support for mental health and addiction recovery services for Austin-area musicians and their families.
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THIS MONTH'S FEATURED FRIEND

GAT5 is an East Austin based art organization founded by Charles and James Ferraro in 2003. Since it’s inception GAT5 has organized and promoted a wide range of events showcasing a diverse group of artists in Austin and New York.
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SIMS FOUNDATION
The SIMS Foundation was founded in 1995 by the friends and family of Sims Ellison, a young Austin musician who died that summer from suicide after battling depression. Their aim was to provide low-cost counseling and other mental health services that would be tailored specifically to the needs of musicians and their families. Today SIMS continues to support the local music community by providing such services. Services available from SIMS include information and referral services; individual, family, and couples counseling; therapy for children and adolescents; and addiction recovery services. SIMS services stand out from other mental health providers because of the attention paid to the specific needs of musicians and their families. SIMS welcomes musicians from all musical genres, races, and ethnicities who meet the eligibility requirements. Even those who do not meet the eligibility requirements can find support through SIMS because the clinical staff members stay well-informed of area services and can provide callers with information on other community resources that may be of benefit to them. This may include financial, medical, housing, or informational resources.
Sims Ellison (1967-1995)
If you are a musician looking for help, call the SIMS confidential line at (512) 494-1007. For emergencies, call the Travis County Help Line at (512) 472-HELP (472-4357) or the Suicide Hotline at 1-800-784-2433. Eligibility requirements for treatment are explained at www.simsfoundation.org. To make a contribution to the SIMS Foundation, call (512) 472-1008 or visit www.simsfoundation.org.
Read Michael Corcoran's Blog about Sims Ellison's death and the SIMS Foundation