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.
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, 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.
Upcoming Events
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 fulfilling employment: crafting a compelling resume and building a solid 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, April 22 at 10:00 am
Location: Virtual
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/spbfDl38SauVhkYJNhxGBg
AI in the Job Hunt
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, April 24 from 1pm to 2:30pm
Location: Gesher Human Services 29699 Southfield Rd. | Southfield, MI 48076
No registration required.
FAFSA Friday
Life Skills & Education
Join us for FAFSA Friday, a dedicated time to receive personalized assistance with completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Our Certified FAFSA Specialist will guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help maximize your financial aid potential.
Why FAFSA Matters:
Access federal grants, work-study funds, and loans.Free and easy to complete. Helps you pay for college or career school.
Date and Time: Friday, April 25th from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Gesher Human Services 29699 Southfield Rd. | Southfield, MI 48076
For more information, contact Tim Haugh at [email protected] or 248.233.4361.
Financial Peace of Mind: The Money Wellness and Financial Therapy Series, Financial Trauma (Part 2)
Life Skills & Education
This workshop will help participants learn about financial trauma and will focus on its causes, symptoms, treatments, and when and where to seek treatment. During Part 2 of this series, participants will understand how to identify money scripts, mental and physical health impacts, cultivating financial well-being, and healing from financial trauma.
Date and Time: Friday, April 25 at 1:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/t0I-LpJhTYiYczxPl8ZRwQ
Computer Basics - PM Class
Life Skills & Education
Students will learn basic computer skills needed for work, school and life. Each student will also receive a workbook and
a portable flash drive to transport files. Classroom time is 12 hours total. (Six 2-hour sessions, AM or PM Classes). Free for unemployed job-seekers.
Computer Basics Class topics include:
Creating, editing, naming, saving and moving files
Keyboard, mouse and trackpad usage
Navigating the internet
Tech terms translated
The Cloud
Safety
Date and Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting Tuesday, April 29, 2025 – May 15, 2025 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Gesher Human Services 29699 Southfield Rd. | Southfield, MI 48076
Registration: For more information, contact Dave Rotter at [email protected] or 248.233.4243. geshermi.org Registration is required!
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: