42 | NOVEMBER 2 • 2023 J
N

Gesher Human Services held its 
annual awards night on Sept. 28 
at the Birmingham Community 
House, honoring staff, community 
members and participants in its 
programming. 
George Stern, a past chair of 
the board, was awarded the first 
Gesher Bridge Builder Award for 
his unparalleled commitment to the 
organization. Current board chair 
Kristen Gross described Stern as “a 
mensch in every sense of the word.
”
Heather McKenzie, an employ-
ment specialist working at the 
Oakland County Michigan Works! 
office, received the Employee of the 
Year Award; she was nominated by 
coworkers and was selected from 
the 2022 employees of the month.
Courtney Myers, a member of 
the Louis and Milton Y. Zussman 
Activity Center, often referred to 
as Clubhouse, received the Richard 
Ludwig Award for Leadership 
because of the leadership roles she 
has taken in the Clubhouse com-

munity. 
Longtime program participant 
Jackie Mendelson received the 
Impact Award because of her 
involvement, commitment, ded-
ication and great attitude in the 
Choices program, where she has 
also developed as a leader. 
The Employer of the Year Award 
went to Zolli Candy, which employs 
nine clients with disabilities, four 
who are full time and five who 
work two-to-three days or sub as 
necessary, giving them an oppor-
tunity to earn a living and learn 
new skills, and feel proud of their 
employment status. 
“Our awards night gives us an 
opportunity to acknowledge and 
show appreciation for the out-
standing people who work to make 
Gesher the strong and vibrant orga-
nization it is, while also celebrating 
those individuals who participate 
in our programs with enthusiasm 
and joy,
” said Gesher’s CEO Paul 
Blatt. 

Gesher Human 
Services Hosts 
Award Night 

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GESHER

faces&places
Rachel 
Jackson of 
Zolli Candy, 
Employer of 
the Year

Gesher 
Impact Award 
recipient Jackie 
Mendelson 
with COO 
James Willis

Courtney Myers, Clubhouse member and 
recipient of the Richard Ludwig Award for 
Leadership with board member Dan Serlin

Board Chair Kristen Gross with former board chair George 
Stern, recipient of the first Gesher Bridge Builder Award

President and CEO Paul Blatt with 
Employee of the Year Heather McKenzie

