Mariannette Miller-Meeks: “I rise today to recognize Haley DeGreve, founder and president of The Gray Matters Collective, and local leader Jon…”

“I rise today to recognize Haley DeGreve, founder and president of The Gray Matters Collective, and local leader Jon Zumkehr for their partnership in raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention among correctional officers and law enforcement officers. Their work became a lifeline for many after the tragic death by suicide of correctional officer Blake Schwarz who worked at Thomson Federal Prison but lived in Iowa, a loss that rocked our community and exposed the silent suffering of so many who serve behind the walls. In the aftermath, Jon Zumkehr, an 18-year veteran of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, reached out to Haley and invited her to Thomson. She shared her own journey of survival and hope, speaking openly about her struggles and recovery and the realities that far too many correctional officers face in silence, many of whom are former military veterans. On August 28, Haley nearly became another statistic, believing suicide was her only way out of pain. Instead, she chose to fight and founded The Gray Matters Collective, a nonprofit with chapters for veterans and first responders. She has listened to hundreds of stories like her own and like Blake's, and she has made it her mission to break the stigma and offer real support. Jon and Haley's partnership has made a real difference.”