Photo by Mikhail Nilov
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (Nov. 2025) – Gesher Human Services, one of the largest human service agencies in metro Detroit which provides programming, services and job opportunities for local people with disabilities, will for the first time be assisting young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Wayne County. The nonprofit has already been providing supports coordination services, through its Bridges program, to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The services are provided at Gesher’s Detroit location (4250 Woodard Ave, Detroit, MI 48201) and are funded by Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN). Bridges currently helps approximately 150 individuals pursue their interests, live more independently, and make important decisions. It links participants with services including medical, social, vocational, educational, and community support services as well as assistance in obtaining legal representation, transportation, and respite care. Now, for the first time in its history, Gesher will be working with children from birth on up, coordinating vital services for families whose children are diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability, which may also include autism spectrum disorder. For images click here.
Gesher’s VP of Clinical Services Vanessa Haviland,
said that that Gesher engaged in conversations with DWIHN to start providing children’s services because Gesher has a lower caseload than some other organizations, which will allow more time and attention to be offered to children and families needing assistance with securing a diagnosis, navigating the community mental health system, and getting supports in place to enhance their quality of life. She added that Gesher is diligent in following policies and procedures and recently achieved a 100 percent compliance on its last audit.
“Bridges is all about helping people with disabilities reach their full potential and having the best quality of life we can help them achieve. We have so many success stories,” said Haviland.
She highlighted one recent case: Gesher supports coordinator Roxie Armstrong worked with Naia Cook, who is her early 20s, helping her complete paperwork and find a psychologist to complete a psychological evaluation, and assisting her mother in securing guardianship. The Supports Coordination department also connected Cook with resources for low vision, including a support group, art classes at Disability Network, and a literacy program.
“Naia’s goals of becoming more independent have been encouraged and supported. She has made improvements with cleaning and has been learning new kitchen skills, such as using a potato peeler. She is also a patient advocate at Henry Ford Hospital and was recently in a commercial for them. We are proud of Naia and her accomplishments and humbled to be the bridge that helps her live her best life,” said Haviland. “Now that we will be working with Wayne County children for the first time, this new effort will help them, like Naia, prepare for a quicker and very successful transition into adulthood.”
DWIHN serves 123,000 children and adults in Detroit and Wayne County.
It’s provider network supports and services individuals with serious mental illness, children with serious emotional disturbances, people living with autism, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities along with individuals with a substance use disorder
Haviland said that there is a great need for services and that each month there are hundreds of families in Wayne County calling to get services, desperately in need of vital support for their loved ones with a disability.
It is expected that Gesher will initially work with 40 to 50 children. The nonprofit hopes that with the addition of Children’s Supports Coordination Services, it will be able to expand its supports coordination staff and begin entertaining expanding clinical staff, to include clinical therapy, psychology and psychiatric services.
Wayne County families in need of help for their children who have been diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability can call DWIHN toll free on 800.241.4949 or local 313.833.2500. For more information on Bridges contact program director Laura Hearshen at lhearshen@geshermi.org or call 313.446.8179.
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.