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Any individual who has derived his or her primary income as
a professional singer for five years or more may qualify
for services.
Financial Aid
SOS helps singers who have financial needs resulting
from personal, family, or medical crises. Charitable grants
may be provided for basic needs including rent, utilities,
medical/dental expenses, substance abuse rehab, psychotherapy
and HIV/AIDS treatment. Grants are always paid directly to
creditors. SOS is unable to provide assistance for credit
card debts, tax debts, loans, voice lessons, demos, head-shots
and other music projects.
To request an Application for Assistance please call toll-free,
866.767.7671. Applications must be submitted with 5 years of
career documentation, current income verification, current bank
statements and tax returns, and copies of bills.
“Your generosity and assistance
in settling my medical bills has made room for hope. Your
caring support of me, my
family and my work has been a tremendous help and inspiration.”
— Michael G., Opera Singer for 25 years
Case Management and Referrals
Due to the often unique circumstances of singers, each request
is handled on a case-by-case basis. Individual attention
from qualified social workers is provided to help clients
through crises. The Human Services Department offers a full
range of free services. Many applicants require assistance
in areas such as securing public benefits and insurance,
budgeting, money management, and career counseling. In order
to help meet this variety of needs, individual counseling,
planning and community resources are provided.
“The support of
the Society took a burden off my mind and pocketbook as I
deal with
my personal and professional
recovery… I am happy to report that I have been approved
for state income support. I am also awaiting approval for Social
Security Disability,
Public Assistance and Medicaid.” — Richard
B., Broadway
Singer for 15 years
“Challenged
with anxiety disorder and agoraphobia, I was at my wits end
and facing eviction. SOS gave me hope for the future. My
heartfelt gratitude to SOS for being there.”
— Michael S., Soul
Singer for 25 years
Thanks to a generous donation from Alex Donner and the
William H. Donner Foundation, the purpose of this fund is to assist New Orleans singers
and musicians who lend their voice to song. Our goal is to
help performers maintain their homes and other obligations in
the New Orleans and surrounding areas and to assist those who
wish to return home. For singers, eligibility is noted
above. Musicians applying for aid must be able to document
the same five years plus vocal credits or backing vocals to
demonstrate that their talent goes beyond that of solely playing
an instrument. All applicants must have been actively
performing at the time of Katrina. Assistance may be
provided toward basic necessities as well as reasonable
household items that require replacement or repair.
SOS has established annual scholarships that have been awarded
to students at the National
Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (based in Miami) and
at pre-selected universities in southern California.
The Vocal Arts Scholarship Program awards Masters level students
nationwide by providing grants to help meet the expense of a
vocal arts education from an accredited university or performing
arts institution. Grants for tuition are provided to
students who demonstrate the highest level of talent and
financial need. SOS is known for aiding those who have
already worked as professional singers, but with the
establishment of these scholarships SOS helps deserving
students take that first step toward becoming professionals in
the vocal arts.
“Your thoughtful support of music
education through this gift allowed me to begin my studies
at the Thornton School.
My current professional goal is to be an operatic singer and
teach voice to aspiring singers. Thank you again for your wonderful
support of my education.” — Sarah N.
SOS has aligned itself with a network of entertainment unions
and benevolent organizations to expand its outreach and maximize
opportunities for singers who need assistance.
“I spoke to a girlfriend
who made me aware of an option I never knew existed, Society
of Singers. From the moment I
spoke to the office, they kindly listened to the details of
my circumstance and not only had encouraging words, but gave
me hope. They suggested I contact two other entertainment assistance
organizations, both of which work in harmony with Society of
Singers for the greater good.”
—
Lauren K., Pop
Singer for 8 years
Opera singer for 25 years • SOS negotiated payment reductions,
covered medical and hospitalization debts incurred from clinical
depression and anxiety disorder while this singer was out of
work and uninsured. — Michael G.
Alternative rock performer for 5
years • Addicted
to heroin, SOS paid for this singer's substance abuse rehabilitation
and rent at a sober living facility.— Ed L.
Current big band singer for 15 years • Suffered
deterioration of all teeth due to an auto-immune disease.
SOS helped with
funds to restore her teeth while coordinating additional aid
from other sources.— Cassie M.
Lounge singer for 10 years • SOS
helped with funds for basic living expenses during his recuperation
from open-heart
surgery. Unable to work for several months, he was also without
income as he was not eligible for disability benefits. —
Sammy G.
Mariachi singer for 7 years
• Diagnosed with AIDS, SOS helped this low-income artist with
ongoing rental assistance until his death. —
Alex B.
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