Tackle the Stigma!

In 2017, The ORION Foundation became a non-profit organization to provide education, advocacy, and funding to aid in preserving artistic identity and preventing suicide. ​The ORION Foundation was created in memory of Oriona “Ori” Jada Sims – a selfless, artistic young lady who knew how to find the beauty in everything. Ori was an honor student with many innate artistic abilities. She was an upcoming sophomore in high school who had a sincere passion for the arts. Ori participated in her high school choir, concert band, and winter guard. She learned to play various musical instruments: viola, trumpet, euphonium and piano (self-taught); and she enjoyed twirling flags and rifles to choreographed routines. Additionally, Ori’s fondness for performing arts was demonstrated in show stopping performances where she acted, sang, danced, and completed gymnastics routines. Concurrently, Ori’s hobbies of sewing, fashion design, painting, digital photography and videography were steered by her love for creative and visual arts. Besides being imaginatively talented, Ori’s smile, sense of humor, and noble character confirmed her heart of gold. Her peaceful spirit spoke volumes to everyone who knew her. She was her ma’s right-hand-woman, she was truly daddy’s little girl, her sister’s confidant, and her brother’s keeper. On July 25, 2014, Ori's life ended due to suicide. Oriona "Ori" Sims' individuality and fervent pursuits in the arts are remembered through The ORION Foundation's work to preserve artistic identity and prevent suicide. https://www.theorionfoundation.org