Gila’s Way provides educational programs and resources that promote mental health awareness, suicide prevention and treatment, to help save lives
We focus on the challenges of today to enable people to cope with tomorrow
Our programs promote dialogue and provide tools to help and offer support. They include 6 informative lectures, 2 experiential workshops, and an interactive exhibition which help expose and deepen our understanding of mental health challenges.
Each program is based on lived experience, and emphasizes a commitment to creating meaningful change in our community.
Talking about wanting to die or to commit suicide
Searching for ways to commit suicide
Expressing hopelessness or lack of purpose in life
Talking about being "trapped" or expressing unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden on others
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Anxious, agitated, or reckless behavior
Sleeping too much or too little
Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities, or feeling isolated
Displaying anger or talking about revenge
Inconsistent or extreme moods
Gila’s Way offers consultation services for families and those close to individuals who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
The purpose of the phone consultation is to provide help in understanding the situation, and guidance regarding appropriate treatment and available resources.
All consultations are scheduled in advance, and are free of charge.
Gila’s Way’s vision is to raise awareness, and prevent and treat suicide.
CAMS training is a central pillar of this effort—driven by the understanding that expanding a therapist’s toolkit is a vital component in saving lives.
“I had been trying to manage a very difficult situation with my teen son. I reached a point where I knew I needed professional support but I was concerned about the language barrier. Any support available through the kuppat cholim would likely be in Hebrew and confusing for me.
This past Shabbat as we learned from The Family Parsha book, I recalled that the author, Rabbi Shalom Hammer, had an organization with which to educate about and help families manage with mental health care. I found Gila’s Way website and sent a short text message to the number on the home page.
Literally, within a few minutes I received a response and an invitation to speak on the phone. I was so relieved and grateful that R’ Hammer truly listened and demonstrated that he cared about our family. He asked the correct questions for clarification and together we started making a list of tasks as part of an action plan that could prove to be helpful. Knowing that I would have a case manager to help shoulder these great challenges was both relieving and inspirational.
Thank you Rabbi Hammer and Gila’s Way for helping us navigate out of the darkness.”
With sensitivity and professionalism, and blending collaboration with humor, Shalom manages to convey the level of responsibility and attention we all need to give to children and those around us. His approach creates a meaningful shift in perspective.
“Rabbi Hammer was an exceptional presenter whose energy bounced through the screen. His presentation “From Concern to Conversation: Navigating My Child’s Mental Health” brought his lived experience to our audience in a way that was both informative, practical and readily applicable. His insights were deeply thoughtful, and he has a wonderful ability to connect with and empower parents with real tools and strategies they can use to support their children, while building their own confidence, despite the many challenges they may be facing.”
Gila’s Way came to Ben-Gurion University as part of a day focused on mental health. With warmth and joy, they engaged the students, inviting them to learn about Gila and how to approach the field of mental health in the right way. It was inspiring to see how the topic resonated with both students and staff, and how moved everyone was by the presence of Gila’s parents, as well as by the team’s ability to bring a smile to people’s faces. I’m so glad I invited them, and I’m certain we’ll invite them again next year!
I just attended your lecture for the Education Officers course and I wanted to start by saying a huge thank you. Your sharing really touched me personally and made me look at life from a completely different perspective. I think your outlook is amazing, inspiring, and I’m 100% sure that, God willing, when I reach my own unit as an Education Officer, you’ll be the first person I call to come speak about Gila and the choice for life. So, thank you so much! 🙏🏻
A heartfelt thank you to the team at Gila’s Way for leading two impactful sessions with our group of rabbis. The focus of the training, recognizing early warning signs and taking responsible action to prevent suicide, is incredibly important.
The way the workshop is delivered raises genuine awareness and empowers participants to take personal responsibility, approach individuals in crisis with sensitivity, and involve professional support when needed. The tools and guidance provided are practical, meaningful, and presented in a clear and accessible way.
