Free Program for Metro Detroit Women to Learn Computer Skills Plus Obtain Employment-related Counseling in Fall 2023

A free four-week program for metro Detroit women who have been out of the workforce and need to learn basic computer skills, essential for many employment opportunities, and job search skills, will have an informational meeting on Sept. 7 at Gesher Human Services (29699 Southfield Road, Southfield MI 48076). The program, Springboard to Success, combines the nonprofit’s successful Women to Work program, which has helped thousands of women obtain work since the 1980s, with Gesher’s Computer Basics Class for job seekers. Women who believe their chief obstacle to successfully search for and secure a job is a lack of computer knowledge, can just take the computer training portion of the program. Earlier this year, a report from American Progress stated that despite women’s employment levels having returned to pre-pandemic levels, having minor children at home still disproportionally reduces a woman’s employment opportunities. Springboard to Success will begin on Sept. 12 and run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, ending on Oct. 5. For more information go to www.geshermi.org/womentowork. “With inflation and mortgage rates so high, we know that many moms are now thinking about going back into the workforce this school year to help their family’s budget,” explained Employment Specialist Judy Richmond, who is the Women to Work coordinator. “There can be many obstacles to a woman getting appropriate employment, especially when their children are young, and we are able to provide the vital skills they need to land a job which works for them, whether it is full-time, part-time, or remote.” The program is completely free and includes: • Computer basics: creating, editing, saving, and moving files; keyboard and mouse usage; navigating the internet; translating tech terms; the cloud; safety • In-depth vocational assessment • Employment-related group counseling and emotional support • Help with networking, resume writing and interviewing • Stress management • Information and referrals to support services Richmond added that stress management is an important part of the program because of the added pressures so many women have faced in recent years from the pandemic and the economy. “Many women remain their family’s primary caregivers, whether that is for children or looking after elderly relatives, and we know that to be successful at balancing work and family, keeping stress in check is vital,” she explained. Women to Work was a program founded in the 1980s to help women who suddenly needed immediate employment due to bereavement, divorce, loss of a spouse’s job or other similar situations. The program has helped more than 2,000 women in Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties prepare themselves to get back into the workforce. For more information, reach out to class coordinator Judy For more information, reach out to class coordinator Judy Richmond, by calling 248.233.4232 or emailing jrichmond@geshermi.org.