BUFORD – The vision of Kristina Miller and her family reached new heights with the simple cutting of a green ribbon in early August.
The community’s new mental health facility, named “Don’t Make it Weird,” bases from an effort by Buford graduate and Ohio State offensive lineman Harry Miller who retired from the sport due to mental health issues. Harry’s retirement from football became national news as he shared the story to not make discussing mental health “weird.”
From then on, the movement reached the Buford community. Kristina began to host speakers, groups and classes for those in need over the following months. She came to a point where there weren’t enough facilities to house her events.
Now, “Don’t Make it Weird” has a facility of its own within Historic Buford’s Tannery Row.
“It was surreal. We had about 80 people who came through and everybody really loved the space,” Kristina Miller said. “We’re looking forward to what’s to come, and it was really fantastic.”
The facility is full of light and brightness with the potential for fun. Miller said it will host numerous speakers, groups and classes with an emphasis on teens around the area along with student-athletes. Miller planned a number of events, and they can be found on the organization’s website, DMIW.org.
Miller’s hopes for these events to be always 100% funded by sponsorships and donations from those around the community. She will apply for a number of grants, but doesn’t want any barriers from receiving help or peer support for those who need it.
“From the get-go, that became non-negotiable,” Miller said. “It will continue to be that way. I don’t see any reason for that to change. “Fortunately, there’s been a lot of support from community businesses that have been very generous. They’ve made this whole thing happen.”
Ever since the organization hosted a fundraiser in mid-May, Miller noticed those who donated had at least an indirect story to mental health issues. Jayme Pervis, the owner of Buford Station Creamery, raises young boys. Pervis knows the importance of mental health and wants her boys to openly speak on it when they come across any anxiety, depression or other issues. That made it an easy decision for her to join in on the efforts.
Chris Ouimet, owner of Main Street Deli, not only focuses on “breaking the stigma,” he said, but paying it forward after the death of his young daughter, Olivia, years back. Ouimet’s family runs its charitable effort “Happy Days Foundation” to help with efforts such as “Don’t Make it Weird” within the community.
The next major fundraising effort comes in a DMIW Golf Scramble on Oct. 29 at Reunion Country Club with a lunch and live auction. Registration occurs at DMIWgolf.com.
As Miller continues to see her family’s dream come together, it leaves her in awe.
“I never thought we would be here,” she said.
