At Keystone, we often talk about “building”—building portfolios, building relationships, and building the future of commercial real estate. But as we begin 2026, we wanted to focus on building a different kind of foundation: mental health and community safety.
Earlier this month, members of the Keystone team stepped away from their desks to participate in safeTALK, an internationally recognized suicide prevention program developed by LivingWorks.
What is safeTALK?
safeTALK is a 3.5-4 hour training session designed to bridge the gap between noticing a struggle and finding professional help. While many believe suicide intervention is only for medical professionals, safeTALK is built on the premise that everyone can play a role in saving a life.
The program focuses on three core pillars:
- Notice: Recognizing when someone may be in distress or having thoughts of suicide.
- Talk: Starting a supportive conversation using clear, non-clinical language.
- Connect: Safely and quickly connecting that person to the professional resources they need.
“safeTALK isn’t therapy; it’s a practical, skill-based tool. It gives our team the confidence to respond appropriately if someone shows signs of crisis.”
Why This Matters in Commercial Real Estate
You might wonder why a real estate company is prioritizing suicide prevention training. The answer is simple: our business is built on people. Whether it’s our internal team, our clients, or our partners across the country, mental health challenges impact every industry. In a high-energy field like ours, the ability to recognize when a colleague or client is struggling silently is invaluable. By empowering members of our team with these skills, we are fostering a workplace culture where it is safe to be human and where support is always within reach.
As we move through 2026, we remain committed to the idea that our success isn’t just measured by square footage, but by the strength and safety of the communities we serve.
To Learn More & Get Involved
We believe that suicide prevention is a community-wide responsibility. If you or your organization are interested in building these life-saving skills, or if you are looking for support, we encourage you to explore these resources:
- Bring safeTALK to Your Team: Visit LivingWorks to learn more about safeTALK and other suicide intervention programs available for businesses and community groups.
- Local Training in Michigan: Organizations like the Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) often provide free or low-cost mental health training (including safeTALK and Mental Health First Aid) right here in our backyard.
- National Advocacy: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) offers extensive research, resources, and local chapters (including a very active Michigan chapter) that host community walks and educational events.
- Immediate Support: If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line.
