Keeping It Local

Donate to ORT and Help Michigan:
the David B. Hermelin ORT Resource Center


ORT was created in 1880 in Russia, to teach Jews from the countryside skills that would enable them to find work in the cities. Thereafter, whenever Jews emigrated to a new country, ORT set up shop to empower them with the skills they would need to succeed. 

In time, ORT grew into a non-sectarian, global organization empowering individuals of all religions, races and creeds with the skills needed to succeed in the marketplace of the day. Today, ORT has a presence in 55 countries and has helped millions pursue fruitful careers and contribute to society. ORT schools are top-quality, offering science, math and the latest cutting-edge high-tech education to empower individuals with the most important skills required in today’s workforce.

Through parent organizations like ORT America and World ORT, much-needed funds are raised to allow these programs to continue free-of-charge to many students. Locally, ORT America Michigan Region raises money to fund programs like the David B. Hermelin ORT Resource Center.

ORT schools, including the David B. Hermelin ORT Resource Center, offer some of the most cutting-edge, innovative technology classes in the world. At Hermelin ORT, under-employed and unemployed Michigan residents build computer, Internet and job-search skills through a variety of classes, most of which are made available free-of-charge thanks to fundraising efforts by ORT America and generous private donations.

Hermelin ORT is governed by an Advisory Committee to promote and advocate for its programs as well as a Business Advisory Group of prominent local leaders who provide business expertise to the Center staff and students in the BJO program.

Globally, ORT co-operates with industry and is supported by an international membership of more than a quarter of a million people. ORT has consultative status for information and education purposes with UNESCO, and observer status at the ILO (International Labor Organization).

To donate to the David B. Hermelin ORT Resource Center,
please call (248) 723-8860
or visit www.ortmichigan.org/donate.

To apply for a class at the David B. Hermelin ORT Resource Center,
please call (248) 432-5411
or visit www.hermelinort.org.

To learn more about the David B. Hermelin Resource Center,
visit the website at www.hermelinort.org

The David B. Hermelin
ORT Resource Center
fills a dual role:

  • a non-profit school that offers empowering classes to Michigan residents in need of improving their work situations
  • a community organization that provides crucial technological services at affordable prices

Hermelin ORT Classes

Better Job Opportunities

a 12-week course in the Microsoft Office Suite, underwritten by ORT, at no charge to unemployed or underemployed residents of metropolitan Detroit

Eligibility is based on need only and is open to all, regardless of age, sex, race or religion. Students attend two 3-hour sessions per week for 12 weeks.

Topics include:

  • Basic Computing
    components, hardware and software
  • Internet
    research and surfing the web
  • E-mail
    understanding and usage
  • Microsoft Word
    word processing
  • Microsoft Excel
    spreadsheet creation and usage
  • Microsoft Access
    data base creation and usage
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
    creating presentations
  • Web Page Design
    basic creation and updating

Consultation on resume writing and interviewing protocol is also available. ORT partners with JVS for counseling and job placement services.

BJO students can receive transportation assistance if they have difficulty getting to the Hermelin ORT Resource Center, which is located in the West Bloomfield JCC. During the duration of their course, students also receive a free health club membership, child care, a meal, and other support.

Mini Microsoft Classes


Mini Microsoft classes are for those who need a refresher or want to expand their computer skills. These are for-fee classes, running for 6 weeks and focusing on either Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or Microsoft PowerPoint.

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What People Are Saying
“ORT is helping unemployed and underemployed people in Michigan receive the tech and computer skills they need to gain employment. This [Rub-a-Dub] program is wildly successful. It’s oversold, it’s helping numerous people from all walks of life. When times get difficult, you want to help out as much as you can right here at home. This event makes that happen.”

Randy Wertheimer,
President of Hunter Pasteur Homes and a Rub-a-Dub co-chair

“Rub‑a‑ Dub is one of the most fun events of the summer. ORT is a powerful organization – it sends a powerful message about the importance of education and training. ORT really does a great job of reaching citizens in our community who can use the help and need the support.”

Steven J. Tapper,
Vice President of ORT Michigan and Rub-a-Dub Co-chair

“ORT and by extension, Rub-a-Dub, have been a part of my family tradition for more than 27 years. My parents committed a large part of their volunteer and philanthropic lives advancing the ORT mission of providing education and training to people across the globe. Rub-a-Dub marries the fun of a summer evening barbecue with fundraising for ORT in Michigan and abroad.”

Brian Hermelin

“ORT has impacted the education of our community and the world for 130 years – and Rub-a-Dub is the biggest fundraiser for ORT locally, started by my late husband as a fluke in our garage. Rub-a-Dub has come to mean something very special to so many – it’s a spirited event that involves so many members of our community of all ages.”

Doreen Hermelin,
Past president of ORT America

“Dan and I are so thrilled that our family is involved with Camp Hermelin and with ORT. The mission and the goals of ORT are values that everyone can get on board with. What better mission is there than to empower people to be self-sufficient?”

Jennifer Gilbert,
Camp Hermelin co‑chair

“[Camp Hermelin] is ORT’s only event for the entire family – for several generations, even. This is a wonderful opportunity to have a conversation with your kids about the importance of giving back. To empower people to succeed is the best goal there is.”

Rachel Zimmerman,
Camp Hermelin co-chair

© ORT America Michigan Region | 6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 375 | Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
Phone (248) 723-8860 | FAX (248) 723-8861 | michigan@ortamerica.org