Get Paid to Learn: Metro Detroit Seniors to Receive $150 for Attending Two Financial Education Workshops on March 9 and 16

Photo by Kampus Production

Savvy Savers for Seniors Program offered by Gesher Human Services in Southfield; events sponsored by First Merchants Bank.

  Gesher Human Services, one of the largest human service agencies in metro Detroit, is so concerned about the financial difficulties facing many seniors that it has arranged to pay $150 to local seniors, aged 60 years and over, who attend two educational sessions on managing their finances safely. Savvy Savers for Seniors and Protection is being offered as data shows that nearly half of seniors living in Detroit are spending at least 30 percent of their income on housing costs, an indication of financial struggle. A feature by University of Michigan Poverty Solutions researcher Amanda Nothoft in Bridge Detroit magazine in Jan. 2026 said: “For Detroit homeowners over 65 who overwhelmingly live on fixed incomes, unexpected costs – increases in grocery prices, rising health care premiums or an emergency repair – heighten their risk of financial instability and can even lead to them falling into poverty.” The financial education programs will be held on March 9 and 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gesher’s headquarters in Southfield (29699 Southfield Road and will include light refreshments. Spaces are limited to the first 25; registration is at www.geshermi.org/events.

“With prices on so many everyday goods being so high, and health care costs so challenging for everyone, many seniors are struggling. While we cannot lower these costs, we can provide information to seniors about the best ways to manage their money effectively. Providing the tools for them to consider their finances with some expertise and clarity can make a large difference to their financial future,” said Gesher’s Financial Education Manager Laltsha Cunningham.

Participants of the two programs will learn about:

• Financial literacy and empowerment strategies
• Legal rights and advocacy resources
• What financial abuse is and how to recognize it
• Why seniors are at higher risk of financial abuse and how to stay protected
• Emotional and financial impacts of abuse
• Practical steps to safeguard finances

“Financial scams targeting seniors are multiplying by the week so we also want to inform people of some of the fraud that could be targeting them, whether from spam emails or phone calls posing as anything from collections to even law enforcement,” said Cunningham. “In addition, there are instances when family members or friends are taking financial advantage of seniors, so we want to ensure they are aware of potential red flags.”

The $150 payment that participants who attend both sessions will receive comes from a grant from First Merchants Bank.

It is considered a microgrant opportunity for seniors to help them on their way to becoming a Savvy Senior Saver; payment can be made electronically, or checks can be mailed to participants’ homes. While seniors can attend with a caregiver, the caregiver will not be entitled to a grant unless they themselves are 60 or older. Caregivers cannot attend the programs on behalf of a senior.

Savvy Saver financial education programs are regularly held by Gesher Human Services to assist metro Detroiters in becoming more aware of how to manage their finances effectively and ensure they have a financial safety net. For more information call 248.233.4299 or email financialhelp@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.