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Eric Miller has spent his life serving others.

Growing up in Detroit, Miller started manicuring lawns when he was just 7 years old. He began by mowing grass for his grandmother and other elderly people in the neighborhood. Now, through the nonprofit organization he created, the Lawn Academy program, Miller mentors several Detroit-area youth, helping them realize their full potential and make positive connections in their community.

Young people, between the ages of 11-18, cut the lawns of elderly people and those with special needs free of charge. However, Miller doesn’t just teach them about serving others, he helps them do well in school, shows them how to be leaders, and provides the tools they need to be successful in life.
Eight years ago, Miller started the program for two youth. Now he serves hundreds. While many programs struggled through the pandemic, the Lawn Academy actually expanded under Miller’s strong leadership. Recently, The Lawn Academy received $100,000 in grant funds, through Impact 100 Metro Detroit, used to establish a hub in East Detroit and helping double capacity.

“We have more 90-year-olds calling us asking for help. We are at capacity but if you are 90-years-old, the answer is always yes,” Miller said.

The pandemic forced the organization to change their model and presented many challenges. The Lawn Academy needed the extra help as it moved from face-to-face tutoring to an online e-learning platform during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We work with so many seniors and the vulnerable population, there’s no way we put them or the youth at risk,” Miller said. “With COVID we had to re-think delivery method. We saw e-learning as essential for our youth.”

Eric Miller and the Lawn Academy is an incredible example of what can happen when someone sets their mind to helping others.