Spreading Kindness. Changing Lives.
What We Do
At Gillys Friends, we spread hope with random acts of kindness. We know that one act of kindness can change the trajectory of someone’s day, week, or even lifetime. We do this through care packages of “Gilly’s Favorite Things,” “Gilly’s Friends” closets and resources in schools, and other initiatives partnering with mental health and suicide prevention organizations. In the spirit of Jordan “Gilly” Gilford, who always made space for people who felt left out or unloved, we want to remind people that they are loved, they matter, and they are needed in this world.
Mama Gilly
Jordan’s mom shares hope and encouragement and provides updates on this journey of spreading kindness.
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Sometimes, it only takes one moment to change the course of a life. Research shows that suicide is often an impulsive decision—even when there has been planning. A person may carry thoughts or intentions for weeks, months, or even years, but the choice to act often happens in a short, vulnerable window of time. That
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The inspiration for the name “Gilly’s Friends” came from the group of kids Jordan always brought to my house. I always say that Jordan collected strays. That’s not a derogatory term, but a description of the eclectic nature of his friends and his heart for people who felt left out, didn’t have a place that
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I have a lot to say about this journey and my beautiful boy, but for now, I will repeat something I said in response to a friend on social media – I want the things we do in Jordan’s honor to have the same magnitude of impact as the tragedy that brought them about. Stay
About Gilly
Jordan “Gilly” Gilford was a brilliant, vibrant soul with a healthy dose of stubbornness. He was incredibly passionate and his friends always speak of his beautiful smile and his infectious laugh. What they remember most, though, is his deep compassion and desire to help others. He volunteered his home regularly to people who needed a temporary refuge (both with and without the permission of his mom) and he was always concerned about his friends’ well-being.
Jordan could amaze you with his depth and passion. When he found something he loved, he would dive deep to learn all there was to know and given the chance, impart all of his new found knowledge to anyone who would listen. He especially loved talking political and current affairs and he definitely had opinions!
Even surrounded by tremendous love and encouragement, Jordan suffered from the sometimes-debilitating disease of mental illness. He wanted nothing more than to overcome it and was privileged to have many resources to help him do so, but sometimes the world is too hard and the weight of it is too heavy for people at a particular time and in a particular place. Unfortunately, Jordan came to this time and place and didn’t see another way out.
Jordan’s family and friends are committed to spreading the light and kindness that Jordan spread. They know how much he wanted other people to overcome the same struggles he faced and so many people have provided stories of how he convinced them to find help and that they are needed in this world. Gilly’s Friends is their way of honoring him and his beautiful spirit by providing unexpected love and a message of hope..
For more info – stephanie@gillysfriends.com
Gilly’s Friends, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All donations are 100% tax deductible.