About
Gesher

With a network of more than 400 employees and volunteers across 25 locations in southeast Michigan, Gesher delivers a continuum of services and support that directly impacts the lives of more than 32,000 individuals and families annually.

Gesher Human Services is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people across metro Detroit lead more stable and fulfilling lives through career development, behavioral health, and residential services that strengthen our community by strengthening the individual.

Uniting two of Detroit’s most influential Jewish human services agencies, JVS Human Services and Kadima, Gesher brings over 110 years of combined experience facilitating equitable employment opportunities and better mental health outcomes for local residents.

Our Mission

Gesher Human Services is a bridge to hope and opportunity for people at work, at home, and in the community. Gesher’s workforce development, behavioral health, and inclusion programming serves all Metro Detroiters while meeting the needs of the Jewish community.

Our Vision

A world where each person will have the tools to cross life’s bridges and realize their potential.

Our Values

People First
Integrity
Kindness
Forward Thinking

About
Our Name

Gesher is the Hebrew word for bridge. The symbolism of the bridge represents progress, transition, and, ultimately, safe passage. This name pays homage to our founding by Detroit’s Jewish community and embodies our work: Gesher is the bridge that gets you to where you want to be.

Brief History of Gesher

Executive Team

Paul Blatt

President & Chief Executive Officer

Eric Adelman

Executive Vice President & Chief Advancement Officer

James Willis

Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Marie Sickon-Burke

Chief Financial Officer

Jane Brumer-Cullen

Chief Human Resources Officer

Leadership Team

Nancy Bogdan

Senior Vice President, Quality and Compliance

Rene Dell, MA, LPC, NCC, CRC

Vice President, Vocational Rehabilitation

Jillian Geyman, MA, LPC

Vice President, Workforce Development

Vanessa Haviland, MA, CRC, LPC

Vice President, Clinical Services

Clifton Phillips

Vice President, Residential and Supportive Housing

Nathan Volz

Vice President, Community Inclusion

Board Members

Officers
  • Dani Gillman
    Chair
  • Chad Techner
    Vice Chair
  • David DeVine
    Vice Chair
  • Barbara Bressack
    Secretary
  • Jean Phelan
    Treasurer
Directors
  • Josh Eichenhorn
  • Billy Harris
  • Zain Ismail
  • David Jaffe
  • John Kessler
  • Andy Meisner
  • Jon Modiano
  • Jared Rosenbaum
  • Allyson Rosman, NextGen Liaison
  • Linda Schlesinger-Wagner
  • Dan Serlin
  • Richard Shapack
  • Eva Shapiro
  • Charlie Shaw
  • Gail Stewart
  • Yoni Torgow
  • Adele Weisler

2021-2022 990 Public Disclosure

We partner with public and private organizations
that share in our vision and advance our common cause

Take the first step toward a more stable and fulfilling life