# Battle Creek MWR builds resilience through virtual event

/ Published Nov. 23, 2021
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., 
The Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center's Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosted a virtual Building Resilience event Nov. 16 featuring guest speaker Scott Teichmer, who is the suicide prevention facilitator for the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Calhoun County.

“Most people that die by suicide have indicated their desire to die before taking their life,” said Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Deputy Director Army Col. Franyate Taylor. “Unfortunately, for many of us, we do not know what to say or do in those times. Because of this, the warning signs, subtle hints or even overt cries for help may go unacknowledged and are met with silence.”

The presentation focused on bringing attention to suicide awareness, encouraging a sense of community and developing resiliency within each of us.

"Resiliency is a way to find that inner strength, being able to ask for help, and rebound back," said Lisa Grenon, Battle Creek MWR’s family program manager. "Building and practicing resilience can become second nature and is imperative to have these skills to get through life's struggles."

Scott discussed his lifelong struggles with depression as well as his prior suicide attempt. Scott explained that one of the reasons he discusses his past is to help others realize they aren't alone in their struggles. He also aims to give others the tools that may one day help save someone's life.                 Battle Creek MWR hosts virtual resiliency building event                            On Nov. 16, 2021, The Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center's Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosted a virtual Building Resilience event featuring guest speaker Scott Teichmer, who is the suicide prevention facilitator for the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Calhoun County.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: DLA Disposition ServicesVIRIN: 211123-D-AU600-201

“If we want to prevent suicide and if we want people to feel less alone and build resilience, one of the best things we can do is to practice empathic listening – which is a specific form of active listening," Teichmer said.

People can also become a source of resiliency for others by offering their support. According to Mr. Teichmer, the surrounding community is vital in helping to reduce the number of suicide attempts.

"It does take a community to prevent suicide," said Teichmer. "Community is not something that is found it is something that we create one person at a time. The fact is, we create the culture, and we create community. We create family."

Having a supportive community is one of the reasons MWR hosted this event. Ms. Grenon went on to mention the importance of the Disposition Services community being there for one another throughout the difficult times life may present.

"There are a lot of hurting people that we encounter each and every day," Grenon said. "It is important to have that sense of community, to know you have people who care and that you can trust when you are struggling mentally."

*For anyone who feels in need of help – please reach out to someone. Resources are available to you through the Employee Assistance Program, MWR’s Family Advocacy Program, Veteran Affairs or your local community.*