Free Support Classes for Unemployed Metro Detroiters Begin August 15
Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
Work Intervention Network (WIN) virtual workshops aim to reduce loneliness, build emotional resilience, and help plan job searches during six sessions
Gesher Human Services (formerly JVS + Kadima) will be offering a free series of six Zoom workshops called the Work Intervention Network (WIN) program to provide emotional support to unemployed or underemployed metro Detroiters as they search for work.
Participants will be encouraged to network during the class and continue to connect with one another once the program has been completed. The course will be held on Zoom from Aug. 15-31 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. and participants are expected to participate in every class.
The new program, designed by psychologists, sociologists, and career counselors, is being offered by Gesher Human Services, one of the largest human service agencies in metro Detroit, with an expectation of automotive job losses being announced shortly. In addition, a survey of economists by Bloomberg found that the probability of an economic downturn over the next 12 months was 47.5 percent in July, up from 30 percent in June.
“Due to the pandemic, looming job losses, and now fears about a recession, people really need support,” explained Phyllis Scripsick, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and a career counselor at Gesher Human Services. “Research has shown that people who do not feel isolated during their job search are more successful at getting employment, so networking is an important part of our program. Our mission is to promote hope during difficult times.”
The WIN workshop topics will include:
· Deepening and sustaining relationships
· Fostering social awareness and reducing self-blame
· Learning helpful mindful tools to reduce anxiety
· Building emotional resilience and self-care
· Planning, exploring, and engaging in the job search process
Scripsick added that the stigma of not having a job often led to feelings of guilt and shame, however, misplaced such feelings were. “Our classes will address these emotional responses and give people tools to manage those feelings and have the confidence, plus skills, to secure a suitable job,” she said.
Space is limited for these free classes. To register, contact Phyllis Scripsick at 248.233. 4278 or email pscripsick@jvshumanservices.org.
About Gesher Human Services
Gesher Human Services is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people across metro Detroit lead more stable and fulfilling lives through career mobility, behavioral health programs, and residential services that support our community by strengthening the individual.
Uniting two of metro 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 residents.
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 over 12,000 individuals and families annually.
