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 Susan Silva at [email protected] or
(248) 233-4331.

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:

  • Recognizes and utilizes daily talents and abilities
  • Encourages participation in consensus-based decision-making
  • Provides opportunities to obtain paid employment through a Transitional Employment Program
  • Offers access to educational resources, crisis intervention services, social and recreational events, and safe and affordable housing

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.

Click here to learn more about our artists!

For more information, contact Craig Nowak at [email protected] or
(248) 663-4345.

Community Support Services

Supports Coordination

The LIFE program in Oakland County & the Bridges program in Wayne County help 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 [email protected] or
(248) 233-4244.

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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, contact Sydney Wharram at [email protected] or (248) 233-4247.

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.

Next Event

02December
Homebuyer Education: Empowered Homeownership
9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Homebuyer Education: Empowered Homeownership

Life Skills & Education

Taught by Gesher Human Service’s HUD certified homebuyer education counselors, you will learn about the entire homebuying process, including credit education, how to qualify for a mortgage, mortgage terminology, proper home maintenance and how to avoid foreclosure.

$50 fee per household. This class is also approved for the MSHDA Down Payment Assistance Program.

Date and Time: December 2 from 9:00 am -1:00 pm

Location: Virtual

Registration: To register for a Homebuyer Education class, contact us at [email protected] or 248-233-4299.

Upcoming Events

04December
Professional Branding on Social Media       
10:00 am - 11:30 am

Professional Branding on Social Media       

Life Skills & Education

Elevate your online presence! This workshop equips you with strategies to build a strong professional brand and stand out on social media.

Date and Time: Wednesday Dec 4 at 10:00 am

Location: Virtual

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsc-CrqD4iEtOMB6ARj8fGUh6mTOnKnCI7

06December
Open Computer Lab
10:00 am - 1:00 pm

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 starting November 1st to December 27th 10 am to 1 pm

Location: Gesher Human Services 29699 Southfield Rd. | Southfield, MI 48076

06December
Holiday Budget Bootcamp: Stress-Free Spending
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Holiday Budget Bootcamp: Stress-Free Spending

Life Skills & Education

Are you tired of the holiday blues taking a toll on your wallet? Join us for this informative workshop and learn how to conquer holiday costs with ease. We’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to gather essential information, take inventory of your situation, set a realistic budget, and master comparison shopping. Leave this workshop feeling confident and prepared to enjoy the holidays without breaking the bank.

Date and Time: December 6 at 1:00 pm

Location: Virtual

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vf-6hqzwoH9FO1eRl14ruoic7v8k_6rwx

10December
Job Search Synergy: The Power of a Strong Resume and Intentional Networking 
10:00 am - 11:30 am

Job Search Synergy: The Power of a Strong Resume and Intentional Networking 

Life Skills & Education

This beginner-friendly workshop combines two crucial elements on the path to employment: crafting a compelling resume and building a professional network. We will discuss current best practices in resume writing, tailoring a resume to the unique needs of the job seeker, and leveraging connections to open doors and advance your job search. 

Date and Time: December 10 at 10:00 am

Location: Virtual

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpdeioqT8rHN1VuRQPx51Br1VgyByGf5HX

12December
Using AI To Assist In Your Job Search
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Using AI To Assist In Your Job Search

Life Skills & Education

Demystify the power of AI in your job search! This beginner-friendly workshop equips you to perform a modern job search and to utilize AI tools to build a strong resume that gets noticed. No experience needed – become an AI-powered job search pro!

Date and Time: Thursday, December 12 at 1:00 pm

Location: Gesher Human Services | 29699 Southfield Rd., Southfield, MI 48076

No registration required.

Take the first step toward a more stable and fulfilling life