On October 6, 2010, a Knoxville mother’s life changed forever. Shelly Braley tells KNIA KRLS News that her 15-year-old daughter, Kayla, took her own life that day. Braley says after the tragedy, she needed a lifeline. She found a suicide support group, but says she had to drive more than an hour and a half to get there. The inconvenience of the drive prompted Braley to look into opening a suicide support group in Marion County. She says about a year ago, The Safe Place support group was formed through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and meets the first Thursday of each month at Celebrate Church in Knoxville. Braley says even if the group helps just one person, it is worth it.

The Safe Place meets from 6:30 – 8, and is a support group for friends, families and loved ones who have lost someone to suicide.

For more information, call 641-891-5912 or 641-344-5681; or you can email rochelle@iowatelecom.net.