About
Gesher
With a network of more than 400 employees and volunteers across 25 locations in southeast Michigan, Gesher delivers a continuum of services and support that directly impacts the lives of more than 32,000 individuals and families annually.
Gesher Human Services is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people across metro Detroit lead more stable and fulfilling lives through career development, behavioral health, and residential services that strengthen our community by strengthening the individual.
Uniting two of Detroit’s most influential Jewish human services agencies, JVS Human Services and Kadima, Gesher brings over 110 years of combined experience facilitating equitable employment opportunities and better mental health outcomes for local residents.
Our Mission
Gesher Human Services is a bridge to hope and opportunity for people at work, at home, and in the community. Gesher’s workforce development, behavioral health, and inclusion programming serves all Metro Detroiters while meeting the needs of the Jewish community.
Our Vision
A world where each person will have the tools to cross life’s bridges and realize their potential.
Our Values
People First
Integrity
Kindness
Forward Thinking
About
Our Name
Gesher is the Hebrew word for bridge. The symbolism of the bridge represents progress, transition, and, ultimately, safe passage. This name pays homage to our founding by Detroit’s Jewish community and embodies our work: Gesher is the bridge that gets you to where you want to be.
Brief History of Gesher
Executive Team
Paul Blatt
President & Chief Executive Officer
Eric Adelman
Executive Vice President & Chief Advancement Officer
James Willis
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Marie Sickon-Burke
Chief Financial Officer
Jane Brumer-Cullen
Chief Human Resources Officer
Leadership Team
Rene Dell, MA, LPC, NCC, CRC
Vice President, Vocational Rehabilitation
Jillian Geyman, MA, LPC
Vice President, Workforce Development
Vanessa Haviland, MA, CRC, LPC
Vice President, Clinical Services
TBD
Vice President, Residential and Supportive Housing
Nathan Volz
Vice President, Community Inclusion
Board Members
Officers
- Dani Gillman
Chair - Chad Techner
Vice Chair - David DeVine
Vice Chair - Barbara Bressack
Secretary - Jean Phelan
Treasurer
Directors
- Josh Eichenhorn
- Billy Harris
- Zain Ismail
- David Jaffe
- John Kessler
- Andy Meisner
- Jon Modiano
- Jared Rosenbaum
- Allyson Rosman, NextGen Liaison
- Linda Schlesinger-Wagner
- Dan Serlin
- Richard Shapack
- Eva Shapiro
- Charlie Shaw
- Gail Stewart
- Yoni Torgow
- Adele Weisler
We partner with public and private organizations
that share in our vision and advance our common cause
