Free Women to Work Program Begins During Highest Unemployment Rate in Four Years; Jan. 22 in Southfield, MI!

Photo by Alena Shekhovtcova

During Highest US Unemployment Rate in Four Years, Gesher Human Services Offers Free Women to Work Program; Jan. 22 Informational Meeting.

Black women particularly affected by job loss, with latest figures showing 7.1 percent unemployment compared with national 4.6 percent.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (Jan 2026) – Gesher Human Services, one of the largest human service agencies in metro Detroit, will offer its free Women to Work program in Southfield (29699 Southfield Road), starting with an informational meeting on Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  The four-week program then begins on Jan. 27, meeting every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon, offering local women the chance to gain valuable knowledge about their strengths and what might appeal to an employer, update their resume, network, improve their interview skills, plus much more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics released disappointing unemployment figures in December 2025 showing that the national unemployment rate was now 4.6 percent, the highest since 2021. According to the National Partnership for Women and Families the unemployment rate for black women is particularly troubling: 7.1 percent compared with 5.9 percent a year ago. Overall, 35,000 jobs were lost to all women between September and November. Women to Work is a life-changing program which aims to assist women who have been out of the workforce for some time gain immediate employment. In addition, free computer skills training is also available in the afternoons following Women to Work sessions. For images click here.

For Deana Robinson, 61,

Women to Work was the lifeline she needed when she started classes in October 2025. Robinson, a widow, had been a motor coach driver for most of her working life but lost her job when the department of her company closed. “I’d been there for 13 years, and the job before that for 18 years, and found that things had changed dramatically when it came to applying for a new position,” she says.

Unable to find employment Robinson unfortunately ended up losing her home and moved into a hotel in Troy to be closer to her daughter. She was referred to Gesher Human Services’ Women to Work program by 211, the helpline which connects Michigan residents to essential health and human services, offering information and referrals for food, housing, utilities, healthcare, mental health support, employment help, veteran services, disaster relief, and more.

“I was in such a dark place and all I can say is that the program really helped me see a light. I got so much great information, re-did my resume, started understanding AI, got helpful hints about applying for jobs,” says Robinson. “When I needed new clothes for a job interview, I got help with that too and the computer trainer referred me to a food bank.” In a career switch, Robinson is now working part-time as a caregiver for older residents, which she is really enjoying, and is now hopeful about her future. She is also taking an Office Essentials Class at Gesher to also improve her job prospects.

“Participants like Deana are inspiring and brave, and are the reason why we offer the program,” said Women to Work coordinator Judy Richmond. “It is a challenging job market and women who have been out of the workforce for some time may not recognize their abilities or know how to emphasize to employers just how well-qualified they are. We are here to support them in their journey and help them regain their confidence.”

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

Robinson admits that she was skeptical about the class initially, wondering how much of a difference it could really make. “The support I got from the group was just what I needed, and Judy even helped me get my job by referring me for an interview to the company I now work for. She is an earth angel,” she added.

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, 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.