kesher
Building Connection, Confidence, and Resilience
A mentorship program for Jewish girls in Metro Detroit
What’s the Science Behind Kesher’s Approach?
CDC data shows that 52.6% of high school girls experience persistent sadness or hopelessness, and 38.8% struggle with poor mental health.
Kesher addresses this by pairing school-aged girls with a trained Big Sister who offers culturally sensitive support to build connection, self-esteem, and emotional resilience.
Psychologist Donald Hebb’s principle — “neurons that fire together wire together” — shows how repeated positive experiences strengthen neural pathways, especially during childhood. When a Big Sister consistently offers time, attention, and compassion, she helps her Little Sister form healthy core beliefs and stronger emotional foundations.
Kesher collaborates closely with local Jewish Orthodox schools and community organizations. Most Little Sisters are referred through school personnel or community partners; some are referred by parents who feel their daughter would benefit from mentorship.
Kesher is a preventative program. Most participants do not have major mental-health struggles — they simply need self-esteem building, consistent attention, and a supportive relationship. Big Sisters help their Littles identify strengths, build confidence, and develop a healthier sense of self.
How Does Kesher Decide Which Little Sisters to Serve?
Kesher requires a referral, usually from school personnel, who determine whether a girl is a suitable fit and will benefit from a Big Sister.
A helpful analogy: in a class of 20, every girl could benefit from mentorship — but there are usually 2–3 who need self-esteem building more than their peers. Those are the girls Kesher aims to support.
How Little Sisters get involved
Big Sisters apply to Kesher and go through a screening process to ensure they are suitable for a mentorship role. Once accepted, they receive training from a mental-health professional to prepare them for their responsibilities.
Who Benefits More — the Little Sisters or the Big Sisters?
Kesher’s primary purpose is to support Little Sisters. However, Big Sisters gain tremendously as well. Volunteers consistently share how much they love their time with their Littles and how meaningful the experience is.
Big Sisters develop confidence, relationship skills, and a sense of accomplishment. As the Jewish saying goes, “When you give, you get.” These relationships are truly a win-win.
How Big Sisters get involved
Your contribution helps us establish lasting mentorship connections and provide the emotional support our little sisters need to thrive.
Kesher: Building Connection, Confidence, and Resilience
Every girl deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. Kesher is proud to support Orthodox Jewish girls through meaningful mentorship, emotional support, and community connection.