SOUTHFIELD — Data from the Detroit Regional Chamber shows there are more than 2 million adults aged 50 and over in the 11-county Detroit region, and for many mature adults there eventually comes the question of “What’s Next?”.

Children may require less time or could be leaving home, work schedules may be changing or perhaps retirement is approaching. National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan (NCJW | MI), a 134-year-old nonprofit organization in metro Detroit working towards the betterment of the lives of women, families and children, will be offering a free educational program called Your Next Chapter from 7-9 p.m. on Thurs. June 5 at the organization’s headquarters in Southfield (26400 Lahser Rd, Suite 306). The event, open to all ages, genders, races and religions, is offered by the nonprofits Outreach Committee which aims to encourage the community to become involved in its many programs which include volunteer and advocacy opportunities and eco-conscious programming. Some programs are in person while others are available as webinars. Your Next Chapter will discuss the social, emotional and health issues that can arise as one approaches a new phase of life – which could be at any stage, not necessarily at retirement - and will provide tips and advice as well as sharing community resources and exciting new programming information. While the event is free of charge, pre-registration by June 2 is required; call NCJW | MI at 248.355.3300 ext. 0 or email mail@ncjwmi.org.

“For any big change in life, at any age, people need to be prepared and to have a plan of “what’s next?”,” said NCJW | MI President Amy Zeskind, a speaker at the event.

“There may be some loss associated with change so we want to provide resources so that people can fill any new-found time with interesting opportunities.” Senior Director of Community Outreach and Wellness at Jewish Family Service of Metro Detroit, Evie Lynn Breuer, another presenter, explained that schools, colleges and other training programs for younger adults are about helping people become successful in their careers and for the years when they are raising their families. “But we don’t have preparation for the third phase, when people might be empty nesters or have finished their working life, and that should be just as fulfilling and enjoyable as earlier times in life.” she said.

“Usually the only guidance readily available for retirement planning is financial, and while important, this is not the only indicator for a satisfying next chapter.” There are also challenges that mature adults might face, such as health issues, declining cognition and less sense of purpose and identity. “There are so many areas where we can be very proactive in facing such obstacles and we want to show that planning for this third phase doesn’t have to be done years in advance – it can happen at any time and our goal is to empower people in retirement to make choices that align with their hopes for the future,” said Breuer.

Her colleague Program Manager of Retirement Reimagined at Jewish Family Service of Metro Detroit Becky Eizen, also speaking at the event, agrees. “Metro Detroiters might not be aware of the many programs and volunteer opportunities available in the community and we can share our insight into those,” she said.

“Our event is a perfect starting point for anyone wanting to see the possibilities of their next chapter.” NCJW | MI is a 501(c)(3) organization which runs many volunteer projects. These include the annual Back 2 School Store which provides free clothing and school supplies to 900 Detroit children in need each year, and another program which provides backpacks and school supplies to 1000 homeless children through Oakland Schools Student Education Services plus 500 children in need identified through Jewish Family Service. Other initiatives include literacy outreach, fleece blankets for children in hospitals and in foster care, and Kosher Meals on Wheels. The organization is also at the forefront of voter advocacy and women’s reproductive rights, holding programs and educational initiatives to promote these issues. Your Next Chapter was made possible by funding from the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Metropolitan Detroit.

For more information go to ncjwmi.org.