Southfield human service agency offers free ‘Women to Work’ program

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.

Program vital aid for unemployed women

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 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.

Gesher saves the day

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,

Happy ending

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.