Anita Ramsarup has been a part of MusiCares for over 12 years. As a Client Manager on the Human Services team, she plays an integral role in providing supportive services and programs — including emergency financial assistance for basic living expenses, disaster relief, legal resource referrals, affordable housing resources, financial wellness resources and more — to the music community in need.
Below, learn more about Anita's path to MusiCares, her favorite Human Services initiatives, and her dedication to supporting creatives.
What led you to a career in Human Services at MusiCares?
In college, I was surrounded by creatives, musicians and dancers. It was a community I loved being a part of and who shaped my love of creativity and learning.
After graduating from the State University of New York at Purchase with a BA in Anthropology, I joined AmeriCorps, a federal agency for national service and volunteerism. I volunteered for two years working with disadvantaged youth living in a residential setting. I led and built a local volunteer network to provide academic and social resources to young people working towards post-secondary education. This work solidified my interest in charity work and supporting communities in need.
I later joined MusiCares, which combined my interests of serving others and supporting creatives. I have been with MusiCares since 2013 working with musicians and music professionals.
What does your job entail?
I work with music industry professionals facing unforeseen hardships who need short-term relief with basic needs. Our assistance includes needs such as rent, mortgage, utilities, car payments/insurance, storage, and funeral expenses. Our team also provides educational programs and resources topical to the music community such as senior resources, financial wellness and affordable housing opportunities.
What inspires you the most about working at MusiCares on the Human Services Team?
We are always moving and evolving with the music community. Over the years, I have seen MusiCares respond to the changing needs of industry professionals through financial wellness programs and senior resources to direct support during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.
Read More: How MusiCares Supports Music Professionals Year-Round, From Wellness To Disaster Relief
What keeps you motivated at work?
Having friends and family as creatives, I have seen firsthand how a sudden change in personal or medical circumstances can impact music industry professionals. Every day I see our teams — Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Services, Health Services and Human Services — work tirelessly to support and provide resources to our clients. It is incredibly motivating to see how being that safety net provides relief and helps keep music industry professionals doing what they love.
What is your current favorite Human Services initiative at MusiCares?
MusiCares provides programs and resources to help support musicians working towards financial stability. We provide 1:1 Financial Coaching sessions, a complimentary year subscription to YNAB (a financial app tool) and financial wellness webinars. These programs help provide tools and skills to support stability for musicians and music industry professionals beyond emergency financial aid.
What would you say to individuals who are hesitant to reach out to MusiCares?
When applying for assistance with us, you are not alone. We are here to help walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Once we receive your grant request form, you are assigned a client manager who will be your main point of contact through the grant request process. Questions? Concerns? Not sure where to start? Give us a call or email us and we can see how best we can assist you and help you through a challenging time.
What are you most proud of in the last year at MusiCares? What are you looking forward to?
I am most proud of every single person that makes up MusiCares. The work we have done and will continue to do is a team effort. Every department and team at MusiCares work in tandem together to serve music people in need.
I am proud of my colleagues and the passion they have for the work we do. I look forward to further serving clients in need and working with passionate individuals to respond to the evolving needs and challenges facing music industry professionals.