Gesher Human Services Offers Michiganders Two Free Virtual Workshops: Strategic Job Searching on Nov. 19 and Mental Health and the World of Work on Dec. 3

Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA

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SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (Nov. 2025) – Gesher Human Services, one of the largest human service agencies in metro Detroit, is offering two new virtual workshops for Michiganders seeking work or dealing with workplace stress. The workshops, which are both free, are being offered at a time of economic uncertainty with the Government shutdown, Michigan’s unemployment rate rising at a higher rate than the national average and tariffs negatively affecting auto and other industries in the state. Strategic Job Search: Practical Tips for Landing Your Dream Job will be held on Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. and will provide participants with information on how to stand out in today’s tough job market with smart strategies for resumes, networking and interviews. The workshop will help participants build a focused plan to land the job they want. Mental Health and the World of Work will be held on Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. and will explore common emotional challenges in the workplace, share resilience strategies and help participants stay grounded and empowered while working in difficult situations or dealing with unemployment. Registration is at geshermi.org/events.

“There are no shortcuts in the job search process and what might seem like a lucky opportunity is actually the result of careful planning, preparation, and effort,” explained Director of Business and Career Services Jason Charnas, talking about the Strategic Job Search workshop. He explained that the program will provide a focus on how to stay organized and focused as well as learning about interviewing and networking strategies to gain an edge for landing a job.

“We will also cover how to prepare for interview questions and what steps to take to become more “visible” to people who can help you,” said Charnas. “And in the current job market this can make a huge difference in being a successful applicant.”

Career counselor Phyllis Scripsick,

who will be running the Mental Health workshop, said that people often think that their lives are divided into jobs and careers on one side and their personal life on the other, but the truth is that both lives are very intertwined. “If you are going through a lot of stress in your working life that will undoubtedly spill over into your personal life and the other way round,” she said. “Our workshop will help you learn to recognize the signs of stress from your working life, identify a toxic workplace and how to avoid burnout.”

Scripsick added that job seekers who are currently unemployed may also be dealing with stress from their situation, as well as feeling some unwarranted shame. The workshop will also be useful for them and will also provide tools for everyone to assist with stress management, such as mindfulness, meditation and journaling.

Individual career and job search advice is also available to metro Detroiters at no cost and those interested should email employmenthelp@geshermi.org or call 248.233.4245.

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.