Free Women to Work Program Offers Metro Detroiters Vital Skills to Gain Employment

Gesher Human Services’ Free Women to Work Program Offered to Metro Detroiters During Period of Economic Uncertainty Informational meeting to be held in Southfield on June 5; four-week program begins on June 10.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (May, 2025) – Gesher Human Services, one of the largest human service agencies in metro Detroit, will be offering its free, life-changing Women to Work program in June, to help metro Detroit women gain the skills and resume development to quickly land a job. The four-week program, which has been improving the lives of thousands of women since it began in the 1980s, is being offered at a time of economic uncertainty. Recent research shows that employees are more concerned now about losing their jobs than even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also, concerningly, data from the State of Michigan’s Department of Technology,

Management and Budget, found that Michigan’s unemployment rate increased in March, the third consecutive month for it to do so. Women to Work is offered to women who have been out of the workforce for some time, who have suddenly lost employment, or who have experienced a change in family circumstances that necessitates them gaining employment immediately. The program is held in person at Gesher’s headquarters (29699 Southfield Road, Southfield) from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays and will begin with an informational program on Thursday, June 5 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the program beginning on June 10. Participants who need computer training to make themselves more marketable to employers can take advantage of free afternoon computer classes following each session of the Women to Work program. For images of a recent program click here.

“Unemployment in Michigan may be showing an unwelcome trend, plus there is uncertainty over tariffs and federal layoffs all of which are making many metro Detroit families anxious about their economic future,” said Women to Work coordinator Judy Richmond. “There can be countless reasons why a woman needs to find a job immediately but if they don’t have the skills necessary for a suitable job, or the know-how about networking and job applications, these can all be immense barriers which we are here to break down for them. Also, new this year, we are introducing a session on how to use AI for job searching which is an important new skill for job seekers.”

This year’s Women to Work 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
How to use AI in a job search
Financial management advice
Stress management
Computer training

“Women who take the program come out with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence,” added Richmond. “It’s an amazing opportunity for them to improve their lives starting now.”

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.