Our Mission

Helping people in need and building community to end poverty.

For 40 years, we’ve worked to help our neighbors in need by filling in the cracks of assistance offered by other organizations and nonprofits in the community.  We evolved from the efforts of Polly Helmke and Libby Hillegonds, who brought together a group of people to study the Love Inc. model back in 1982. With the support of several local congregations, the group eventually pooled their ideas about the services needed by the Washtenaw County community and created Friends In Deed.

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Meet Our Team

Executive Director
Sarah Thornburg
Executive Director
Sarah Thornburg
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Office Manager
Jane Slider
Office Manager
Jane Slider
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Director of Service Programs
Joye Clute
Director of Service Programs
Joye Clute
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Director of Operations
Glory Hoffman
Director of Operations
Glory Hoffman
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Director of Development and Communications
Elisa Guyton
Director of Development and Communications
Elisa Guyton
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Case Worker
Kia Smith
Case Worker
Kia Smith
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Circles Director
Tracey Hoesch
Circles Director
Tracey Hoesch
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Circles Coach
Carla Wilson
Circles Coach
Carla Wilson
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Housing Caseworker
Latania Fair
Housing Caseworker
Latania Fair
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Board of Directors

There are so many people who help Friends In Deed help those in need, the people who make up the Board of Directors of Friends In Deed donate their time, resources and expertise to the organization.

R. Tyrone Kelsey
Lori Wenzel
President
Danielle Milner
Vice President
Kristin Gapske
Treasurer
Mike Klar
Alexandra Dieck
Alisha Spencer
Cheryl Harvey
David Pate
Mike Frison
Najma Treadwell
Phil Geyer
Trevor Barker

Latest News

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January 29, 2024
Community
Why the new look?

Thanks to the FID staff, volunteers, and other community organizations, we’re finally able to present our new look!

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January 24, 2024
Staff
Transformative Leadership Change

I hope this finds you well as we embark on a new year filled with hope and possibilities. It is with a mix of emotions that I share some significant news with you all.

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Serving Our Community

As our country, our community, our clients, our agency and we ourselves react to the murder of George Floyd and the racial unrest that followed, Friends In Deed staff and leadership made a commitment to ACT. Acknowledge racism exists (A), confront inequalities (C), and talk/table – force conversations and provide a seat at the table (T).

Anti-Racism

Friends In Deed is an anti-racist organization. We recognize racial injustice exists and continues in our community. We commit to identifying systemic oppression, microaggressions and other actions which perpetuate injustice both in our community and within our organization. We will confront issues of racism that arise either in our community or internally within the Friends In Deed organization. We will work to combat systemic barriers to opportunity for those we serve through our programs. Friends In Deed is committed to standing against any form of racism or ethnic oppression.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Friends In Deed is an organization that strives to be connected to our community, where everyone is included, and where we are willing to take on the tough questions and issues. We are committed to employing a diverse staff of individuals who join us in those goals. We are committed to engaging a diverse group of individuals for our Board of Directors. We welcome all people to our work and in all of our conversations, because everyone has a voice and deserves to be heard. We believe that equity is critical for all people to live successfully. These values are in our agency’s DNA, and we live them out every day in our workplace culture and in all the work we do together to Help people in need; and build community to end poverty.

Need Additional Help?

Call the friends in Deed Help Line: (734) 484-4357

Monday-Friday • 9:30am to 2:00pm

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View the Friends In Deed programs.

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