A free four-week program for metro Detroit women who have been out of the workforce and need to learn basic computer skills, essential for many employment opportunities, and job search skills, will have an informational meeting on Sept. 7 at Gesher Human Services (29699 Southfield Road, Southfield MI 48076). The program, Springboard to Success, combines the nonprofit’s successful Women to Work program, which has helped thousands of women obtain work since the 1980s, with Gesher’s Computer Basics Class for job seekers. Women who believe their chief obstacle to successfully search for and secure a job is a lack of computer knowledge, can just take the computer training portion of the program.
Earlier this year, a report from American Progress stated that despite women’s employment levels having returned to pre-pandemic levels, having minor children at home still disproportionally reduces a woman’s employment opportunities. Springboard to Success will begin on Sept. 12 and run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, ending on Oct. 5. For more information go to www.geshermi.org/womentowork. “With inflation and mortgage rates so high, we know that many moms are now thinking about going back into the workforce this school year to help their family’s budget,” explained Employment Specialist Judy Richmond, who is the Women to Work coordinator.
Attention, ladies. If you’ve been out of the workforce for a number of years or you recently lost your job but feel you might need to buff up your skills or get counseling, a new program is here.
The program from Gesher Human Services and is called Springboard to Success. It’s helping metro Detroit women find work, and it’s 100% free.
Dafina Brown of Sterling Heights is a single mom. Shortly after giving birth to her son last year, she was laid off.
“I felt as if the roof had been pulled off from over me and the ground, and I didn’t know what to do,” she said.
You can see the interview here:
Gesher Human Services in Southfield is ensuring local jobseekers get expert help in preparing their resume without a hefty fee during September, which is International Update Your Resume Month.
During September and October, the nonprofit will be conducting a series of workshops for job seekers to understand how to prepare an outline of their resume. After attending a workshop, participants will schedule a one-on-one meeting with a career expert.
Sarah D’Agostini is a teacher at L’Anse Creuse’s Carkenord Elementary School in Chesterfield Township. As with Stryjecki she is still passionate about her career but said the post-pandemic career climate has resulted in significant self-reflection for everyone, specifically with work-life balance and the opportunities which may exist for people to achieve life goals.
“Teachers can more readily see prospects outside of the classroom,” said D’Agostini. “Educators have a vast skill set – they are experts in communication, long-range planning, problem solving and collaborating – characteristics which are desirable in a variety of careers.”
The Detroit Jewish News | August 1, 2023
Join Gesher for Mat Making Mondays to have fun and socialize while repurposing plastic bags for a great cause. Volunteers will make plastic yarn (“plarn”) and crochet mats to give to unhoused people who need clean, warm, durable, portable, waterproof mats to sleep on.
The Detroit Jewish News | August 1, 2023
The logic that helped Jason Charnas, director of business and career services at Gesher Human Services, select his job still rings true for new employees today, he says. As job seekers look for work with connection, purpose and balance, agencies can provide a match as far as mission, vision and values, he explains.
Michigan Chronicle | July 16, 2023
Detroit’s cultural epicenter at 111 East Kirby Street near the Detroit Institute of Art will transform into a vibrant artistic panorama, hosting the Midtown Art Fair. This event, free and open to all, is a unique initiative of Michigan Arts Access (MiAA), an organization dedicated to highlighting the talents of artists and performers with mental illnesses and disabilities.
For the first time, seven talented performers from Gesher Human Services’ Creative Expressions Program, currently enrolled at the Zussman Activity Center or “Clubhouse,” will grace the fair. The Clubhouse, nestled in Southfield, offers enrichment and opportunities to individuals battling mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression through the Creative Expressions program, spanning photography, painting, sculpture, music, and singing classes.
WXYZ | July 16, 2023
Midtown Art Fair in Detroit (111 East Kirby Street, close to the Detroit Institute of Art) is a free event which will be held on July 16 from 1-6 p.m. and is offered by Michigan Arts Access [miartsaccess.org] (MiAA) featuring artists and performers with mental illnesses and disabilities showcasing their talents. For the first time, there will be seven featured performers from Gesher Human Services’ Creative Expressions Program who currently attend Gesher’s Lois and Milton Y. Zussman Activity Center, known as Clubhouse.
Macomb Daily | July 15, 2023
Not all teachers returning to work this fall are headed back to school.
Some will be starting a completely new career.
For those who are considering a change but uncertain how to utilize their many skills in the job market Gesher Human Services will be offering a summer program entitled MyCoach for Teachers.
The Detroit Jewish News | July 11, 2023
Midtown Art Fair in Detroit (111 E. Kirby St., close to the Detroit Institute of Arts) is a free event which will be held Sunday, July 16, from 1-6 p.m. and is offered by Michigan Arts Access (MiAA). The fair features artists and performers with mental illnesses or disabilities showcasing their talents.
For the first time, there will be seven featured performers from Gesher Human Services’ Creative Expressions Program who currently attend Gesher’s Lois and Milton Y. Zussman Activity Center, known as Clubhouse.