Free Life-Changing Women to Work Program for Metro Detroit Women, Starts Oct. 23!

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As U.S Job Market Weakens, Gesher Human Services offers Free Women to Work Program, Oct. 23!

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (Oct. 7, 2025) –  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 Thursday Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at its headquarters in Southfield (29699 Southfield Road). The program, which starts on Tues. Oct. 28 and has sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, offers women the opportunity to gain vital information necessary to gain immediate employment. It is being offered as new data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics is ringing alarm bells. In September, data showed that Michigan ranked fourth highest in the nation for unemployment; in addition there was an announcement that 911,000 fewer jobs were added during a large part of 2024 and into March this year than had previously been stated. Additional figures showcased that unemployment amongst black women in the US had risen to 7.5 percent in August, compared with 5.4 percent in January, which may be due to cuts in the federal work force. For images of previous Women to Work programs in session click here.

“With the job market seemingly weakening, we know our life-changing program has never been more important. High prices for groceries and other goods are also affecting many families, so women are needing to either return to the workforce or search for higher paying jobs,” said Women to Work coordinator Judy Richmond. “However, needing to get a job and applying for a job doesn’t always translate to getting a job unless you have an up-to-date and effective resume, confidence in applying and interviewing with prospective employers, and strong networking skills.”

Richmond said that for some women who have been out of the workforce a number of years,

their computer literacy skills may not be adequate for today’s competitive job market. To address that, Women to Work participants have the opportunity to learn basic computer skills after each morning session of the program; these computer classes are free too.

During the program’s eight sessions 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. Women to Work has been successfully helping women re-enter the workforce since it was founded in the 1980s, and thousands of women have benefited.

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, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and the broader community to provide the skills, support, and equitable opportunities necessary for people to succeed. Gesher draws on over 110 years of combined experience to facilitate equitable employment opportunities and enhance mental health outcomes for Metro Detroiters. With a network of almost 500 employees and volunteers across more than 25 locations in southeast Michigan, Gesher delivers a continuum of services and support that directly impacts the lives of nearly 34,000 individuals and families annually. More information at www.geshermi.org.