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.

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.

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.

Next Event

14July
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: Monday, July 14 from 9:00 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

Upcoming Events

15July
Leveraging LinkedIn for Job Seekers
10:00 am - 11:00 am

Leveraging LinkedIn for Job Seekers

Life Skills & Education

Designed for infrequent or casual users of LinkedIn, this presentation offers best practices and strategies for getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. It will also include basic instructions for optimizing your LinkedIn profile to advance your search for employment.

Date and Time: Tuesday, July 15 at 10:00 am

Location: Virtual

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/U8tZ739nRdqY1nHMy5tpfQ

17July
Smart & Secure: Financial Empowerment for Seniors (In-Person Workshop)
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Smart & Secure: Financial Empowerment for Seniors (In-Person Workshop)

Life Skills & Education

Join us for a two-part in-person workshop designed specifically for adults aged 60 and older. This empowering program will help you protect your finances and build smart saving habits in your golden years.

Topics include:
· Understanding and identifying financial abuse
· Why older adults are at higher risk
· The emotional and financial impacts of abuse
· Practical steps to protect yourself
· Financial literacy and empowerment strategies
· Knowing your legal rights and advocacy resources
· Smart saving tips tailored for seniors


Bonus:
Participants who attend both sessions will receive a $150 grant to support their journey toward becoming a savvy saver.

Dates: Thursday, July 17 from 1:00-3:00 pm

Location: 29699 Southfield Rd, Southfield, Michigan, US, 48076

Registration: Space is limited. To register contact us at financialhelp@geshermi.org or 248-233-4299.

18July
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 from 10 am to 1 pm

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

21July
Office & Computer Essentials - PM Class
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Office & Computer Essentials - PM Class

Life Skills & Education

Date & Time: July 21st 1:00 pm – 3:30 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.

22July
Resume Writing Workshop
10:30 am - 11:30 am

Resume Writing Workshop

Life Skills & Education

Join Gesher Human Services for a free Resume Writing Workshop by Certified Professional Resume Writers. Gain valuable tips and tools to write a dynamic resume. There will be an opportunity to sign up for free 1-on-1 resume assistance at the conclusion of the workshop.

Date and Time: Tuesday, July 22 from 10:00 – 11:30 am

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

Registration: https://jlive.app/events/11760

Take the first step toward a more stable and fulfilling life