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

11October
Book Club Fridays - Encore 55+
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Book Club Fridays - Encore 55+

Life Skills & Education

Members decide which books to read, then discuss pertinent issues and themes. Books can be mailed right to your door. Past books include: Someone Else’s Shoes, The Unhoneymooners, and When We Believed in Mermaids. (Requires a small fee).

Date and Time: October 11th at 10:00am

Location: Virtual

Registration: For more information please contact us at (248) 233-4247 or [email protected].

Upcoming Events

11October
Financial Peace of Mind: The Money Wellness and Financial Therapy Series, Financial Trauma (Part 1)
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Financial Peace of Mind: The Money Wellness and Financial Therapy Series, Financial Trauma (Part 1)

Life Skills & Education

This workshop will help participants learn about financial trauma and will focus on the causes, symptoms, treatments, and when and where to seek treatment. During Part 1 of this series, participants will understand the role of a financial therapist, Your money and mind, Empowering communication about money, and Financial Trauma Impacts.

Date and Time: October 11 at 1:00 pm

Location: Virtual

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkd-uuqDgqGNDim99qxN019cyrVutf8stB

14October
Film & Forum Discussion - Encore 55+
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Film & Forum Discussion - Encore 55+

Life Skills & Education

Join us for Film & Forum! Enjoy an engaging discussion from our previous movie screening via Zoom. Everyone’s welcome to share their thoughts. (A small fee is required.)

Date and Time: Monday, October 14th at 7:30pm-8:30pm

Location: Virtual

Registration: For more information please contact us at (248) 233-4247 or [email protected].

15October
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: Tuesday, October 15, 10 am 

Location: Virtual

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsf-msrzIjH9ZWJzgwfISF7SbryEAeYHmT

15October
Safe Banking for Seniors Workshop
10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Safe Banking for Seniors Workshop

Life Skills & Education

Join us for an interactive workshop with tips to help keep you and your money safe.

Topics include:

Avoiding financial exploitation
Guarding against identity theft
Planning for unexpected life events
Preparing for financial disasters
Helpful resources on managing money and reporting financial exploitation
Understanding common scams
Importance of smart money decisions

The program concludes with a game of BINGO that reviews topics covered during the workshop and tips for smart money decisions.

Snacks, Bingo, Prizes & MORE!

Date and Time: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Gesher Human Services I 29699 Southfield Rd Southfield, MI, 48076

Registration: https://jlive.app/events/9327

15October
Fit as a Fiddle - Encore 55+
3:15 pm - 4:15 pm

Fit as a Fiddle - Encore 55+

Life Skills & Education

Discover how rhythm motivates movement and music inspires action with Julie Bodson, MT-BC. This FREE program is proudly brought to you by the Hyman-Kaplan Foundation.

Date and Time: October 15th from 3:15pm-4:15pm

Location: In-person at Gesher Human Services 29699 Southfield Rd, Southfield

Registration: For more information, please contact us at (248) 233-4247 or [email protected].

Take the first step toward a more stable and fulfilling life