The life skills program for adults at risk of suicide, the first in Wisconsin

KENTWOOD, Wis.

— Life skills for adults who are at risk for suicide may soon be available at a newly opened rehabilitation center near me.

The Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday that Life Skills Village is opening in the town of Woodlawn.

More than 30 people are now enrolled in the program, which offers support and emotional and behavioral counseling, peer support, occupational therapy and a 24-hour crisis intervention line.

It is expected to serve about 1,500 residents by the end of the year.

My daughter, she said, just turned 18 and I was the one that she needed.

I’m excited to have her in my life and to see her grow. 

A man who was also in the life skills village said he is grateful that he had a parent who could help him understand why he was feeling suicidal.

“I feel like I’m in a different world now,” he said.

In January, a man who had been in the rehabilitation center with his wife said he had been there more than 30 days.

He said he needed help.

I just want people to know that there are people out there that care.

It’s a lot to ask, but I’m glad to have someone here.

He said the counselor he has had so far has been understanding.

There are so many kids and adults in Woodlown that have struggled with mental illness and suicidal thoughts, said Julie Fieger, the director of the Woodlington Rehabilitation Center.

For many, life skills can provide a chance to reconnect with family and friends and connect with an outside source of help, she added.

Woodlawn, a town of about 2,000 people about 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Milwaukee, has a population of about 30,000.

While it may be a new facility, the life-skills program was developed by the Department of Rehabilitation and Behavioral Health and is part of the state’s commitment to helping people who have struggled.