Summer Internship Program Offered to 150 Metro Detroit Teens with Disabilities Now Open for Enrollment

Photo Courtesy of Gesher Human Services | Students working at a golf tournament at Saint John’s Resort 

Positions also available for 30 summer job coaches to support students in the workplace.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Gesher Human Services, one of the largest human service agencies in metro Detroit, is accepting applications to its paid summer internship program for metro Detroit high school students living with a disability. The program will accept 150 students from Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties and has job sites in all three counties. For the program to be successful, summer job coaches are needed to support and supervise these students at their places of employment which include restaurants, retail spaces, golf clubs and parks. Around 30 coaches are needed and these jobs have often appealed to educators and college students who are available for the six-week program which runs from July 16 to August 13.

“Our summer program can be life-changing for students as it gives them the confidence and knowledge to lead a fulfilling work life after school,” explained Gesher’s VP of Vocational Rehabilitation Rene Dell. “They undergo tremendous personal growth in the six weeks, learning to interact appropriately with the public, their peers, job coaches and employers, plus they learn soft skills such as making sure they are on time for work and wearing appropriate workplace clothing.”

Dell also pointed out how enjoyable the program is too.

“Last year some students worked at the LIV Golf Championship event at Saint John’s Resort, which was a global professional golf tournament and a very exciting experience for them,” she explained.  “And Busch’s Fresh Food Market in Farmington Hills is always very popular with our students as it’s a beautiful store and the staff are amazing.”

Work sites this year will include Royal Oak Golf Course, Royal Oak Golf Center, ACE Hardware locations, Meijer locations, Somerset Swim Club in Fraser, Lower Huron Metro Park in Belleville, Applebee’s locations, Burlington locations, eCycle Opportunities in Southfield, Council Re|sale in Berkley, Busch’s Fresh Food Market in Farmington Hills and Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth.  New this year is Cranbrook Swim Club in Southfield and the Marvin and Betty Danto Health Care Center in West Bloomfield.

Summer job coaches are vital for the success of the program.

“They are responsible for supervising interns on the job to ensure that good quality and productive work is being completed. These jobs are perfect for educators who are not working in the summer, or for college students who might be considering a career in human resources, social work or psychology,” said Dell.  Positions vary from 20 to 50 hours per week, and rate of pay is $16 an hour with a $500 bonus at the end of the summer for attendance. Shifts are available from 9 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Kevin Doyle, the COO of The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, which owns Saint John’s Resort and which dedicate 100% of net profits to charitable causes, said his foundation believes hospitality can be world-class, while doing good at the same time.  “Our partnership with Gesher gives students with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to do real work, be part of a team, and build confidence in themselves. And the best part is—they do a great job! They show up, they work hard, and they take pride in what they’re doing,” he said. “We’ve also seen the impact it has on our broader team. When you work alongside someone who’s been overlooked and you see what they’re capable of, it changes you. It makes our culture stronger, more grounded, and more human. We’re proud that this partnership is helping to make the world a better place, one person at a time.”

Disabled high school students interested in gaining a summer internship can reach out directly to Gesher Human Services at geshermi.org or contact their high school transitions counselor or talk to Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Potential job coaches should go to geshermi.org/careers or they can call Jon VanCamp at 248. 233. 4388 or email jvancamp@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.