Free Life-Changing Program for Metro Detroit Women Seeking Employment; Jan. 9 Info. Meeting

Photo courtesy of Gesher Human Services

Metro Detroit Women Wanting to Join the Millions of US Employees Searching for a New Job in January Eligible for Free Help from Gesher Human Services’ Women to Work Program.

Life changing program will hold informational meeting on Jan. 9 in Southfield; all participants also able to join free computer skills training classes too.

 A new study by the magazine Inc in October 2024 found that six out of 10 people want to get a new job in 2025. Pay that is too low, employee burnout and not feeling appreciated are all leading to this search. For metro Detroit women who need new skills and resume help to land a better job for themselves and their families, or for those who have been out of the workforce for some time and need help in beginning a job search process, free help is at hand.

 Gesher Human Services one of the largest human service agencies in metro Detroit,

will be holding its popular Women to Work program in January. The free program, which was launched in the 1980s to assist women needing immediate employment due to a change in their circumstances, continues to offer local women vital skills to gain immediate employment. There will be an informational meeting on Thurs. Jan 9 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the nonprofit organization’s headquarters in Southfield (29699 Southfield Road). Then the four-week program, with classes every Tuesday and Thursday, begins on Tues. Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon, and ends on Thurs. Feb. 6. In addition, all participants are also eligible to take free basic computer classes every afternoon to expand their job opportunities. For images of previous Women to Work programs, click here for the Dropbox file photos.

“Every year we see women come into the program lacking confidence in their abilities, worried about the income they need to sustain themselves and their families, and they leave after the four weeks with a renewed sense of purpose plus many valuable skills to help them get the job they deserve,” said longtime Women to Work coordinator Judy Richmond. “January is a great time to start the program when so many people are setting goals to make 2025 a better year.”

Richmond added that the addition of basic computer training to the program had become vital in recent years, particularly for those who had been out of the workforce for some time. “Computers are needed in almost every aspect of working life today and our computer training supervisor Dave Rotter is wonderful at teaching our participants the basics they need to feel comfortable in using this essential technology,” she said.

This year’s program will include:

• In depth vocational assessment
• Employment-related group counseling and emotional support
• Information and referrals to support services
• Help with networking, resume writing and interviewing
• Financial management advice
• Stress management
• Computer training

After the program finishes, Richmond stays in contact with participants and continues to provide services like interview tips and negotiating tactics with employers.

For more information go to geshermi.org/events; to register 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.