Community
Integration
Gesher helps people across metro Detroit get involved in their community through a wide range of enrichment programs and activities.
At Gesher, we believe that a happy and healthy community is the result of happy and healthy individuals. That’s why we provide a wide range of community-based activities for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. From cultural programs, to volunteering, to arts and music, to social inclusion, Gesher has something for everyone.
Get started today by learning about our programs below, or exploring upcoming community events
Community Engagement
Choices Program
Gesher’s Choices Program provides enriching activities for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities to help them stay active and involved in the community. Choices utilizes an individualized, person-centered planning model to best meet the interests and needs of each person. Choices participants determine their own activities, which can occur in a wide variety of community settings, in the facility, and even as part of daily virtual programs for individuals at home who desire vibrant social engagement.
Within Choices, the Caring Companions service provides a safe and secure environment for adults with disabilities and dementia, allowing them to engage in stimulating activities while maintaining their dignity and the highest level of functioning.
For more information, contact Julia Tapper at (248) 233-4335.
Arts, Music, and More
Creative Expressions Program
The Creative Expressions Program provides education, enrichment, cultural experiences, and professional arts opportunities for Gesher participants. This program collaborates with community partners to offer a wide variety of art-based classes and activities that include visual and performing arts, photography, sculpting, writing, poetry, etc. Participants often uncover new talents and create their own journey based on their individual interests. Creative Expressions also assists to further hone participant skills, show their work in galleries, performances, etc., and develop as entrepreneurs, if desired.
Activities may include lessons or individual/group activities at the Lois and Milton Y. Zussman Center, the Gesher Diem Building, the Gesher Frank Building, at our community partner locations, art galleries and fairs, community expos, and at other organizations or public settings. Creative Expressions is currently offered to Clubhouse members, Choices Program participants, Brown Center participants, and Vocational Skill Builders.
For more information, contact the Creative Expressions Program at 947-517-6895.
Community Support Services
Supports Coordination
The Bridges program in Wayne County helps individuals with disabilities pursue their interests, live more independently, and make important decisions. The program links participants with services including medical, social, vocational, educational, and community support services as well as assistance in obtaining legal representation, transportation, and respite care.
For more information, contact Laura Hearshen at lhearshen@geshermi.org or
(313) 446-8179.
Support for Individuals Living With Dementia and Their Family Care Partners
Dorothy and Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Program
The Dorothy & Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Program is dedicated to supporting people living with dementia and their family care partners. The day program is focused on providing dignity and respect through engaging programming and socialization, provided in a safe and secure environment.
Participants benefit from individualized attention, socialization and recreation, therapeutic activities, creative expressions in music and art, health monitoring, nutritious Kosher meals and snacks, and spiritual and cultural support.
Families enjoy flexibile program hours, transportation services, a break from 24-hour care, and social work support services such as support groups and educational workshops.
The Adult Day Program is nonsectarian.
For more information contact our Social Worker at info@brownadultday.org or (248) 233-4392
Financial Capability and Education
Facing a financial crisis? Looking to purchase a home? Need help with a budget? We can help! Our HUD certified housing counselors work with individuals to develop a stronger understanding of basic financial concepts through the use of resources, trainings, workshops, and one-on-one meetings in order for them to achieve financial wellness. Our free services focus on:
- Credit education, including how to establish and manage credit
- Help for homeowners
- Budgeting and spending
- Debt management
- Savings
- How to avoid identity theft
For more information, contact financialhelp@geshermi.org or
(248) 233-4299.
Homebuyer Education
Homebuyer Education is an approved Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) course that helps potential homeowners learn everything they need to know regarding purchasing a home and ensures that a homebuyer will have a good understanding of their loan, the closing process, budgeting, recapture taxes, avoiding predatory lending and foreclosure. This includes mortgage prequalification, shopping for a home, and what borrowers need to qualify such as budgeting, credit and money management, and savings skills.
Participants that complete the entire course are provided a certification which is a requirement for borrowers using MSHDA’s Down Payment Assistance. $50 fee per household.
For more information, contact financialhelp@geshermi.org or
(248) 233-4299.
Hear From Your Neighbors
Gesher has helped build my confidence so that I feel like I can do this. I want to thank everybody who helped make Gesher possible from the bottom of my heart because you have improved my life tremendously.
Yolanda L.
Upcoming Events
Computer Basics
Life Skills & Education
Students will learn basic computer skills needed for work, school and life. Each student will also receive a workbook and
a portable flash drive to transport files. Classroom time is 12 hours total. (Six 2-hour sessions, PM Classes). Free for unemployed job-seekers.
Computer Basics Class topics include:
Creating, editing, naming, saving and moving files
Keyboard, mouse and trackpad usage
Navigating the internet
Tech terms translated
The Cloud
Safety
Date and Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Gesher Human Services 29699 Southfield Rd. | Southfield, MI 48076
Registration: For more information, contact Dave Rotter at drotter@geshermi.org or 248.233.4243. geshermi.org Registration is required!
Resume Writing Workshop
Life Skills & Education
Join Gesher Human Services for a free Resume Writing Workshop by Certified Professional Resume Writers. Gain valuable tips and tools to write a dynamic resume. There will be an opportunity to sign up for free 1-on-1 resume assistance at the conclusion of the workshop.
Date and Time: Monday, May 11 from 10:00-11:30 am
Location: Gesher Human Services 29699 Southfield Rd. | Southfield, MI 48076
Registration: https://jlive.app/events/14471
Savvy Senior Savers and Protection
Life Skills & Education
Join us for this two-part workshop designed to help seniors strengthen their financial well-being and protect themselves from financial abuse.
Participants will learn about: • What financial abuse is and how to recognize it • Why seniors are at higher risk and how to stay protected • The emotional and financial impacts of abuse • Practical steps to safeguard your finances • Financial literacy and empowerment strategies • Legal rights and advocacy resources available to seniors
Each participant will also receive helpful tips for saving wisely during their golden years — plus a special microgrant opportunity to help you become a Savvy Senior Saver!
Date and Time: May 11 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Gesher Human Services (29699 Southfield Road in Southfield)
Registration: https://jlive.app/events/14636
Ask, Answer, Ace: The Art of Interviewing
Life Skills & Education
Insightful and interactive webinar on the art of interviewing. We will cover tips of building self-confidence and asking the right questions.
Date and Time: Monday, May 11 from 11:00 am -12:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/GEztX9YoSHmcMW_BXPV_2w
Gesher Volunteer Coffee Klatch
Life Skills & Education
You’re invited to our next Gesher Human Services Volunteer Coffee Klatch!
We are “brewing up” many new ways for you to get involved and help provide hope and opportunity for people at work, at home, and in the community.
The main ingredient is you! Whether you’re passionate about the arts, inclusion, behavioral health, or career advancement, Gesher has a way for you to strengthen our community by helping individuals build more stable lives.
Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Location: Matari Coffee Company, 6225 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322
Your first cup is on us!
Drop by any time and learn more about how to share your time and talents with us and our program participants. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions of our volunteer and engagement coordinator, Mark Osborne, about volunteering with Gesher.
Everyone is welcome, so bring friend if you would like!
For questions, please email Mark Osborne at mosborne@geshermi.org.
Social and Cultural Enrichment
The Clubhouse for the Common Good
The Clubhouse for the Common Good, housed in the Lois and Milton Y. Zussman Center, provides a Clubhouse-designed setting based on the standards outlined by Clubhouse International. It was designed by and for individuals with a mental health diagnosis who seek a welcoming and engaging community atmosphere where they can enjoy social and cultural activities, educational classes, culinary experiences, vocational support, and volunteer opportunities.
Our ‘Clubhouse’ is a local community center that provide members with an environment that: