NOVEMBER 14 • 2024 | 21

decades working within the 
Jewish community, Tsila Pleasant 
hasn’t forgotten what it’s like to 
come to a new country without 
language or opportunities.
“People aren’t just looking for 
a job,” she says. “In conversations 
with newcomers to this country, 
it doesn’t matter where they come 
from, you have to understand 
the family dynamics; you have 
to understand the person here 
[today] and where they left from.”
For Tsila Pleasant, that 
understanding goes beyond 
simply helping people identify 
meaningful career paths. 
Daughters Erika Jones and 
Rachael Pleasant say their mother 
often collects items for clients 
to help them feel more at home 
and, for many, more human and 
dignified.
Growing up, Rachael Pleasant 
recalls picking up toothpaste, 
diapers and feminine products 
for families in need. While it 
wasn’t necessarily part of Tsila’s 
job description, it was something 
her mother did. “Clients would 
cry because they were so 
overwhelmed and so grateful,” she 
says.
What sets their mother apart, 
the sisters say, is her humility. 
Pleasant has never sought 
recognition for her efforts, and to 
her, the greatest reward in life is 
helping others live fully.
For now, Pleasant has no plans 
to retire. She continues to work 
at Gesher Human Services as 
an employment specialist and 
enjoys spending time with her 
granddaughter, Samantha Jones.
“My mom has come across 
really tough stories and really 
tough backgrounds,” Jones says. 
“For 35 years to collect those 
experiences and still love what 
you do takes a very specific 
human being. She’s truly a rock 
for so many individuals and 
families.” 

For the Joys 
of 
Independent 
Senior Living

2024

AGING IS INEVITABLE 

FEATURING ALYSSA J. TOBIA, 
MSW, CDP, LLC, SENIOR ADVOCATE 

Join us for answers to all of the the questions you’re 
afraid to ask about navigating the aging journey for 
yourself or a loved one.

November 20, 2024 • 5:00 PM

Please RSVP by 11/18/24 to 248.237.6948 or aswb.dsm@allseasonsliving.com

5600 Drake Road | West Bloomfield, MI 48322 

AllSeasonsWestBloomfield.com

FEATURING ALYSSA J. TOBIAS,

