Notice, invite, challenge and empower. Those are the words that make up the mental health education curriculum for schools in Muskegon County, a curriculum inspired by a family tragedy and a sad statistic regarding mental health in teens. In 2015, one family took a difficult and painful experience and raised funds to drive the be nice. movement.
 
Jeff Elhart of Elhart Automotive in Holland lost his brother and business partner, Wayne Elhart to depression. In response, Jeff and his family have been on a transformative journey of grief, understanding and hope. Elhart, along with Larry Hines, president of the Hines Corporation of Muskegon, led the charge to fund a program that creates a positive, cultural change through simple, daily actions.
 
“We believe the be nice. program will better prepare our young people to deal with the day-to-day challenges they face, and provide them with a valuable resource to help them air their concerns without fear or humiliation,” said Hines.
 
According to the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, one in five people will develop a mental health condition at some point during their lives, and 50 percent of all mental illnesses develop by the age of 14.
 
be nice., a product of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, is a self-starting curriculum and kit for schools, communities and businesses that provides comprehensive mental health education for elementary, middle and high school students. It also complements other mental health initiatives already established within the schools.
 
The curriculum is currently active in 84 schools across West Michigan and Ohio and is rapidly expanding, with increased desire from districts for mental health education and access to funds. 
 
Muskegon Area Intermediate School District Superintendent John Severson said, "We are extremely grateful for the investment our business and community leaders have made in the be nice. program to benefit all 28,000 of our students. The mental health of our students directly impacts their success in the classroom and their future as career- and college-ready adults.”
 
As of April 22, 2016, 17 area businesses and organizations have collectively invested $250,000 to fund the be nice. mental health program. The money is set to benefit students enrolled in all schools within Muskegon County for the next five years.
 
Donors include the Hines Corporation, Nichols, ADAC Automotive, Betten Baker Auto Group, CCM Investments, G & L Chili Dogs, Huntington Bank, Lorin Industries, Northern Machine Tool & Die, Parkland Properties, Port City Group, Quality Tool & Stamping, Swanson Pickle Co., Tyler Sales, Warner Norcross & Judd, Webb Chemical and the Wayne Elhart Memorial Fund.
 
The first year investment for the be nice. kit is $1,500, plus an optional $500 fee for a professional kick-off assembly with special guest speakers and musicians. The second and third year renewal fee is $500, which includes updated lesson plans, additional online resources and marketing collateral. For more information on the be nice. program, visit beniceonline.com.