On Saturday, May 25, many people gathered on Main Street, Appomattox to walk a mile to raise awareness for mental health.

Behind a Smile is a faith-based mental health advocacy organization founded by Lisa Harris and her family. The organization strives to destigmatize the pursuit of healthcare, counseling and healthy open conversation for youth struggling with a mental health crisis. Mrs. Harris founded the organization in memory of her grandson, Xzavian, who in 2021 tragically took his own life.

“It’s a nonprofit created to bring awareness to mental health issues or obstacles in children in their teens,” Harris explained. “Besides bringing awareness, what we do is, we pay for those who can't afford to get the counseling services that their children need.”

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