BeWellATL Means No One Faces Struggles Alone

A parent recently shared that after her teen completed BeWellATL’s Smart, Affirming Choices program, he packed Narcan in his college bag. Months later, he used it to save the life of a fellow student overdosing in a dorm.  

When a high school student in Atlanta noticed her friend was struggling she was terrified. But because of BeWellATL’s Teen Mental Health First Aid training, she had the words, the confidence, and the support to start a life-saving conversation.  

Jewish teens equipped with the training and courage to step in, to reach out – these are the moments why BeWellATL exists.  

And the reminder feels especially urgent right now. September was National Suicide Awareness Month, a time to spotlight resources, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversation. For BeWellATL, that mission is year-round, but last month underscored just how critical the work is. 

“BeWellATL is truly a community collaboration guided by a task force of community experts,” said Annie Garrett, VP of Planning at Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. “Federation’s role is to convene, fund, and amplify this work, JF&CS provides the clinical expertise and direct services, and guidance from the Zalik Foundation. Together, we’re bringing the national BeWell initiative to Atlanta and creating a network of support that both prevents crises and responds when they do happen.” 

The initiative’s main beneficiaries are preteens to young adults (10-26)—a group that fits squarely into Federation’s JTeen program, reaches into YLD (Young Leadership Division), and even touches PJ Our Way families. Just as important, BeWellATL engages parents, giving them tools and confidence to support their children. That’s why BeWellATL is now partnered on every JTeen event, ensuring mental health is woven into Jewish teen life from the ground up. 

Jessica Sacks, BeWellATL’s Community Outreach Coordinator, says mental health is as important as physical health. “Just like you’d see a doctor for a persistent stomachache, you need to treat mental health with the same respect. We want teens to understand that asking someone directly, ‘Are you thinking about killing yourself?’ can actually save a life. It’s not making things worse—it’s showing them that someone cares” 

That care extends to every facet of life. At home parents use BeWellATL’s Tackling Tough Conversations cards —developed by teens themselves—to spark honest dialogue. Young adults gather for Shabbat dinners where, alongside friendship and challah, they gain tools for resilience and self-care. And when tragedy strikes—a suicide, a car accident, or the shadow of antisemitism—BeWellATL clinicians are in schools, synagogues, camps, and even living rooms, offering immediate, compassionate support. BeWellATL offers a variety of resources, programs, trainings, and so much more. 

BeWellATL Director Strategic Initiatives, Anat Granath put it simply: “Mental health touches everybody. We’re talking to students, parents, teachers, rabbis, camp counselors—any adult in a child’s life. Our goal is to make sure the whole community feels comfortable asking questions, reaching out for help, and knowing that resources are right here for them” 

Anat says if you don’t see what you need in the BeWellATL resources, reach out directly–many of the resources are built based on community input and need.  

The initiative reaches across all five of Federation’s impact areas: It cares for those in need; it educates; it builds safety with trainings to recognize warning signs; it connects Atlanta’s Jewish community to Israel and global Jewry by addressing the trauma of antisemitism and conflict; and it engages and connects communities. 

There’s a Jewish teaching that resonates deeply with this work: “It is not your obligation to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” BeWellATL knows it cannot erase every mental health struggle in our community. But the goal is to show up, to reduce stigma, to provide resources, and to make sure no one faces these challenges in silence. Every conversation, every training, every act of support is a step toward healing. 

“BeWellATL is about weaving mental health into everyday Jewish life,” Annie reflected. “You can’t talk about Jewish teens—their leadership, their Jewish journeys, their education—without talking about mental health. It touches everything”. 

BeWellATL is proof that when Federation’s reach meets JF&CS’s expertise, the community is stronger, safer, and more resilient. Together, they are ensuring that every person in Jewish Atlanta knows they are seen, supported, and never alone. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, thoughts of suicide, or substance use-related problems, call or text 988 anytime for confidential, free support from a skilled and compassionate crisis counselor. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national hotline not affiliated with JF&CS.