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
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: Monday, May 18 from 4:00-8:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Registration: To register for a Homebuyer Education class, contact us at financialhelp@geshermi.org or 248-233-4299.
Expanding Your Professional Skillset
Life Skills & Education
This webinar explores practical ways to build new professional skills without returning to school. Participants will learn about online learning platforms such as Coursera and Udemy, as well as industry-recognized certifications offered by companies like Google and Microsoft.
Date and Time: Wednesday, May 20 10:00am – 11:00am
Location: Virtual
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/IewazdduRsOw7EZpbkmaxQ
Virtual Volunteer Meet & Greet
Life Skills & Education
Discover Meaningful Ways to Share Your Time and Talents!
Are you passionate about the arts, inclusion, behavioral health, or helping others grow in their careers? At Gesher Human Services, there’s a place for your passion, and a person whose life you can help strengthen.
Join us for a Virtual Volunteer Meet & Greet, where you’ll get an inside look at who we are and the impact we can make together. You’ll learn about Gesher’s mission, values, and wide range of programs, and explore current and upcoming volunteer opportunities that empower individuals to build more stable, fulfilling lives.
Whether you’re looking to connect, contribute, or create change, we’re excited to meet you and help you find the right role.
Date and Time: May 24, 2026 at 2PM
Location: Virtual
Registration: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/60f02329-7348-4304-b97d-3446769c32b4@91c0952c-d08d-411c-b814-df9af66c578e
Office & Computer Essentials
Life Skills & Education
Date & Time: May 26 – July 2nd 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Gesher Human Services, 29699 Southfield Rd., Southfield, MI 48076
Office and Computer Essentials: Microsoft Word and Excel
Helping Job Seekers Learn Microsoft Word and Excel
This class is designed for job seekers wanting to gain office computer skills for increased confidence and preparedness to enter or re-enter the workplace.
Students will learn how to:
- Create and edit Word and Excel files
- Format text in Word
- Create headers and footers in a Word document
- Create basic Excel worksheets
- Use simple formulas in Excel
- Create PDF files
- Move files to and from a flash drive
After completing this class, the student will:
- Be more confident in their job search for a position that requires proficiency in Word or Excel.
- Be able to create custom resumes and write custom cover letters.
- Have obtained the general computer skills that are expected of an applicant for an entry level office position.
Students must be able to learn independently in a classroom or group setting. Course prerequisites include basic keyboarding, email, and internet access, and access to a computer for practice. Taught by an engaging and experienced instructor.
Fee: $499. Full and partial scholarships are available. Students must fill out an Enrollment Application form to qualify for a scholarship.
Registration: Download an Enrollment Application form (click here) and email it to drotter@geshermi.org or call Dave Rotter at 248-233-4243.
Virtual Volunteer Meet & Greet
Life Skills & Education
Discover Meaningful Ways to Share Your Time and Talents!
Are you passionate about the arts, inclusion, behavioral health, or helping others grow in their careers? At Gesher Human Services, there’s a place for your passion, and a person whose life you can help strengthen.
Join us for a Virtual Volunteer Meet & Greet, where you’ll get an inside look at who we are and the impact we can make together. You’ll learn about Gesher’s mission, values, and wide range of programs, and explore current and upcoming volunteer opportunities that empower individuals to build more stable, fulfilling lives.
Whether you’re looking to connect, contribute, or create change, we’re excited to meet you and help you find the right role.
Date and Time: May 27, 2026 at 6:30PM
Location: Virtual
Registration: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/bb275c34-67fb-4b7f-bfac-dd69680b0093@91c0952c-d08d-411c-b814-df9af66c578e
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: