“Not One More”: Chattooga County Launches Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative After Weekend Tragedy

Something essential is happening in Northwest Georgia, sparked by a heartbreaking weekend that left a community grieving. Instead of letting that grief sit in silence, two men—Coach Blaine Woody and Michael Farmer—chose action. Looking at the rising crisis of youth suicide, they said the words more communities need to echo: “This has to change.”

They prayed, talked, cried, and then began building something they hope will save lives. From that painful moment emerged a mission now taking shape as The “I Matter” Project of Chattooga County.

The “I Matter” Project: A Community Lifeline

The goal of the “I Matter” Project is simple yet powerful—surround local youth with counseling, mentorship, support systems, and positive experiences that reinforce one essential truth: their lives hold value.

The organizers envision group outings, life-skills training, emotional support, and, most importantly, a network of trusted adults who will show up when kids need someone to lean on. Their long-term goal is to establish a fully functioning nonprofit so the initiative can grow and remain rooted in the community.

First Initiative: “Adopt an Athlete,” Honoring Two Lives

The project’s first major effort is “Adopt an Athlete,” created in honor of Jonathan Arehart and Juancea Hunter. The program focuses on the emotional gap many young athletes experience after games—whether they win or lose.

 

Many youth walk off the field carrying pressure, disappointment, criticism, or anxiety. Even in victory, they may feel the weight of expectations or fear of letting people down in the future. “Adopt an Athlete” creates a supportive environment immediately after athletic events, similar to a “5th Quarter” gathering, where trained mentors offer a listening ear, guidance, and reassurance.

This program is not about handing out praise or softening every blow. Its purpose is to help kids process emotions in a healthy way, understand that struggles are normal, and learn that their worth isn’t tied to a scoreboard.

How the Program Works

Post-Game Support Sessions

After football, basketball, baseball, and other events, youth can spend time with mentors who will help them talk through their emotions—why they feel stressed, how to deal with disappointment, how to manage success, and how to cope in healthy ways.

A Consistent Mentorship Model

Athletes will be paired with mentors who stay with them over time. These adults are not coaches or parents but neutral, caring supporters who provide consistent encouragement, honest conversations, and a stable presence whether times are good or difficult.

Expanding Beyond Sports

Once the structure is in place for athletes, the program will expand to other groups—band students, academic clubs, alternative students, and any youth who feel unseen or overwhelmed. As athletes share the program’s impact, organizers believe more students will request the same support.

The larger vision:

• Help youth handle pressure without breaking
• Teach resilience and emotional balance
• Build trust between adults and adolescents
• Remind kids they are valued beyond performance
• Create a community where no one feels alone in their struggles

A Crisis That Can’t Be Ignored

Communities across the region are losing young people at an alarming rate. Many kids are hurting quietly, trying to carry burdens that adults never see until it’s too late. Families are grieving. Friends are asking questions without answers. Statistics only confirm what many already feel—the crisis is growing.

The work Coach Woody and Michael Farmer are doing matters. They are telling local youth what many have not heard clearly enough:

You matter. You are loved. You are seen.

Community Cookout: Share Input, Show Support

To share their vision and invite community involvement, the organizers will host a community cookout on Sunday, November 30, at 2 PM at the Summerville Recreation Department. There will be food, kickball, and games, along with opportunities for parents, mentors, and community members to offer feedback.

“We would love any feedback,” organizers said. They are seeking volunteers, mentors, donors, and anyone willing to help them formally establish their nonprofit.

Those who wish to “adopt an athlete,” help with planning, or offer professional guidance are encouraged to reach out through direct message to The “I Matter” Project of Chattooga County. 

A Model Other Communities Can Follow

Though born in Chattooga County, the need for something like the “I Matter” Project stretches far beyond Northwest Georgia. Imagine if every county had a network of mentors, post-event support sessions, access to counseling, and adults committed to saying, “Not one more.”

To those stepping up locally—thank you for choosing courage over silence. And to those reading from outside the area—consider what this model could look like in your own hometown.

Our kids deserve to feel valued, heard, and supported. They deserve adults who show up. They deserve hope.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for confidential, 24/7 support.