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 Craig Nowak at cnowak@geshermi.org or
(248) 663-4345.
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.
Adult (55+) Engagement Opportunities
Encore 55+ Interest Groups
Gesher provides Encore Programming for active adults aged 55 and older. These programs are designed to engage participants more deeply with their community while providing mental stimulation, enjoyment, and opportunities to connect.
The Meeting Place: Do things you enjoy with others who have similar interests. Examples of affinity groups include book clubs, film discussion groups, and armchair travel. Do you enjoy cooking, crafting, nature walks, writing, card playing, or building? Let’s form a new group to connect and get the most out of life.
For more information, call (248) 233-4000.
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 - PM Class
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, AM or 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, June 10, 2025 – July 10, 2025 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!
Master Your Job Search: Practical Tips for Landing Your Dream Job
Life Skills & Education
Gain actionable insights into effective job search strategies. This workshop covers resume writing, interview preparation, networking, and utilizing online job boards. Learn how to stand out from the competition and achieve your career goals.
Date and Time: Wednesday June 18 at 10:00 am
Location: Virtual
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/dOkxEit8TzyZ3ZBr88ROnw
Savvy Savers
Life Skills & Education
Savvy Savers is a program that is designed to assist you with becoming a saver or help you get started with learning how to save and begin investing. Each monthly meeting will include topics related to improving your savings skills.
Date and Time: Join our Savings Support Group held month for one hour on Wednesdays, April 16, May 21, and June 18 at 12:00 pm.
Location: Virtual
Registration: To register for this free, virtual program: email financialhelp@geshermi.org or call 248-233-4299.
Open Computer Lab
Life Skills & Education
Join us for our Open Computer Lab, where you’ll have the chance to enhance your computer skills, work on projects, or get help with tech questions in a relaxed, supportive environment. Free of charge and no appointment needed! Bring your own laptop or use ours, and simply sign in at the front desk on the 2nd floor.
Date and Time: Every Friday from 10 am to 1 pm
Location: Gesher Human Services 29699 Southfield Rd. | Southfield, MI 48076
Shopping for a Home: Insights from Local Realtors
Life Skills & Education
Embark on your home-buying journey confidently by joining our workshop, where you’ll gain valuable insights from local realtors. This session is designed to guide you through the essential steps of purchasing a home, from searching for the perfect property to understanding the intricacies of purchase agreements.
Date and Time: Monday, June 23 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Location: Gesher Human Services 29699 Southfield Rd. | Southfield, MI 48076
Registration: To register for a Homebuyer Education class, contact us at financialhelp@geshermi.org or 248-233-4299.
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: