About Us
Our Concepts
Our Mission
Gesher is a collaborative non-profit community benefits, resource, and referral center serving the Cleveland community. Our mission is to help our clients access community resources, benefits, and government programs. Our case managers work with clients to identify individual needs, discover appropriate programs, and streamline the application process for the quickest response possible. We pride ourselves on practices that are culturally supportive, individualized, and client-centered, with a priority on maintaining privacy and dignity throughout the process. Gesher is always working towards increasing access to more programs as they become available to better assist the community.
Our view
Creating a sense of community and uniting together to support one another, are essential keys to a strong future for our community. Gesher is here to bridge the gap and connect families and community members with access to benefits and resources they need.
Our Staff
Rabbi Yitz Frank
Executive Director
Prior to his appointment as the executive director of Agudath Israel of Ohio, Rabbi Frank served as the state director for Agudath Israel of America for four years. In that capacity he engaged in multiple projects to educate community organizations about various governmental programming, funding opportunities, and served as a liaison to the Ohio Department of Education on behalf of Jewish Day Schools. Rabbi Frank was also appointed by the Ohio Senate to serve on the NonPublic School Graduation Requirements Advisory Committee. An expert in education policy, he is the Acting President of the Ohio Council for American Private Education and serves on the community relations committee of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. He is also a director of several community institutions, schools, and synagogues and has been an effective leader within the Jewish community of Ohio.
As executive director, Rabbi Frank oversees all aspects of Gesher’s development, growth, programming, and outreach. Rabbi Frank also serves as the director of government relations and is responsible for building strong community partnerships and providing guidance to our local partners and constituents.
Mrs. Chana Barrett
Case Manager, Director of Operations
Mrs. Barrett is the newest member to the Gesher team. Mrs. Barrett brings almost a decade of experience working with individuals with disabilities and older adults enabling functional integration through compassionate care. Among the roles that Mrs. Barrett will be initially filling at Gesher include supportive case management alongside Mrs. Kletski. Mrs. Barrett will be focused on further development of Gesher’s mission through increasing access, resources, and programming to help more individuals within the community. With her passion and vision for Gesher, she hopes to propel Gesher’s impact by helping more families across the continuum of needs in Cleveland.
Mrs. Chavi Kletski
Senior Case Manager
Mrs. Kletski is an Ohioan for over 20 years and prides herself on being a wife and mother. Professionally, she worked for many years at a Cleveland area private school and volunteers for many community organizations. Having been with Gesher for over nine years, Mrs. Kletski is one of Gesher’s first employees. Her expertise in understanding the intricate details of government social service programs makes her essential to servicing our clients. Her professionalism and cheerful personality keep the Gesher office running smoothly. Her care and concern for each and every client make her an invaluable asset to the Cleveland community and Gesher. Mrs. Kletski is CEOGC trained and certified.
Rabbi Avrohom Adler
Founder
Rabbi Adler is a community activist, who works to assist and nurture growth within Cleveland’s Greater Jewish community. In 2013, after witnessing first-hand the demand for a more modern and proactive approach to assist people in financial distress, Rabbi Adler founded Gesher.
Rabbi Adler also works as a manager at Seyear Management. He serves the community in a variety of capacities, including: as Executive Director of The Cleveland Chesed Center, Vice President of Agudath Israel of Ohio, a board member of Naaleh, and the Cleveland Community Mikvah.
Clients
What They're SayingWhen I work with families struggling with parnassah, Gesher is my first stop. Together we’ve saved families in crisis.
Thank you for your kindness, patience and devoted help. I so appreciate that Gesher is helping me find a way to cover my medical co-pays and electric bills.
Of all the people I’ve met, no one has helped me the way you have. Although I am not religious, I thank Hashem for putting you in y life. Certainly, you have done more for me than anyone and for that I am grateful!
It is a pleasure to partner with Gesher to create new opportunities for success within our community.
Geshers Oshiip program was a lifesaver, saving me thousands of dollars on my Medicare prescription drugs plan.
I never thought I’d find myself in the position of needing help from others, but Gesher has assisted me with the greatest respect. They not only helped me, but allowed me to maintain my dignity in a time of crisis.
Gesher made our SNAP application simple and easy. Thanks to you, we got approved and received our cards today!
Thanks to the timely involvement of Gesher, our whole family is still under Medicaid coverage.
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