The driving force behind the foundation is Jennifer Ayers-Moore’s desire to share her understanding of the plight of family members of individuals who sink into the darkness of mental illness. Her first-hand experience growing up with her brother Nathaniel gives her an authoritative perspective on the challenges family members face, and the benefits they can gain from organizations willing to help them through these traumatic times. The Friends of Ayers Foundation, Incorporated became officially active in March of 2021. Though it has been a work in the making since 2008 after the publication of a book about Nathaniel, “The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music,” by Los Angeles Times writer Steve Lopez. The book was followed by the film “ The Soloist” starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey, Jr. These two highly visible projects helped elevate the nation’s conversation about mental illness, giving Jennifer the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to begin helping what could eventually be thousands, even millions, of families. In November 2020 Jennifer released her book entitled “Hear The Music, memoirs from the sister of The Soloist.” Jennifer and Nathaniel need your help to continue their fight to keep public awareness about mental health’s effects on society at the forefront of the nation’s consciousness. We are completely committed to spreading the value that artistic expression makes in the advancement of wellness and treatment. Further, we will continue to strengthen our collaboration with mental health and arts organizations to identify and exhibit the work of the artistically gifted and we will strive to provide support to other nonprofit organizations that embody the foundation’s mission, We will continue in our efforts to develop various awareness campaigns to provide support.