Free Women to Work Program Helping Metro Detroit Women Re-Enter the Workforce Starts May 16

Free Women to Work Program, Helping Metro Detroit Women Re-Enter the Workforce, Begins May 16!

New April 2024 data shows the US labor market remains robust, offering opportunities to women with the necessary skills for employment.

 Gesher Human Services  one of the largest human service agencies in Metro Detroit, will be offering its free four-week Women to Work program, beginning with an informational meeting on May 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at its headquarters in Southfield (29699 Southfield Road). The program, which starts on May 21 and has sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, will also offer participants the opportunity to learn basic computer skills in afternoon sessions, and these too will be free.

Women to Work is being offered as new data announced in April by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics

 shows that the US labor market remains robust with job creations in March topping expectations with an additional 303,000 nonfarm payrolls being added. While the new data shows unemployment has dipped to 3.8 percent, unemployment amongst ‘discouraged workers’ (those who have stopped looking for work because they cannot find suitable employment options or are not being shortlisted for jobs they have applied for) and people who hold part-time positions for economic reasons, remains steady at 7.3 percent.

 “Women to Work” has been changing thousands of women’s lives in SE Michigan since the 1980s when the program was originally called “Displaced Homemakers” and offers women who have been out of the workforce for some time, or whose family circumstances have changed, vital skills necessary to gain immediate employment. Some of these participants could also be ‘discouraged workers’: people who have been applying for positions but are not having success.

“We know that there are plenty of jobs available in metro Detroit,

but for women who have been out of the workforce for many years, it can be very daunting to know how to find and apply effectively for an appropriate position,” said Women to Work coordinator Judy Richmond. “Many of our participants have lost confidence in their skills, in some cases not even being aware of the skills they have, and don’t know how to present themselves in a manner which will appeal to prospective employers.”

Richmond added that in some cases women did need to update the skills they had, because basic computer knowledge was mandatory in most jobs today. For that reason, afternoon sessions with Computer Training Supervisor Dave Rotter would be available.

During the program’s eight sessions, which run from Tuesday May 21 to Tuesday June 18

(no classes on June 13), topics will include in-depth vocational assessment; help with networking, resume writing and interviewing; financial management advice; employment-related group counselling and emotional support; information and referrals to support services; and stress management.

For more information and to register for “Women to Work” contact Judy Richmond at 248.233. 4232 or email her at jrichmond@geshermi.org.

About Gesher Human Services

Gesher Human Services is a non-profit organization providing a bridge to hope and opportunity for people at work, at home and in the community. It is dedicated to helping people across metro Detroit lead more stable and fulfilling lives through workforce development, career mobility, behavioral health, inclusion programming and residential services that serve all metro Detroiters while meeting the needs of the Jewish community. The organization works with job seekers, people with disabilities, older adults, and the community at large to provide skills, support, and equitable opportunities for people to succeed.

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 26,000 individuals and families annually. More information at www.geshermi.org.