Friends in Deed
Washentaw Area Social Ministries Network
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Historical Overview
2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982


 
2006

  • Congregational information gathering is updated and streamlined through the use of a computerized database.
  • The Furniture Program disperses 1,939 items-a record level.
  • A grant from the Edward Redies Foundation is received to computerize the Furniture Program.
  • Furniture deliveries and pick ups increase as a result of a grant from the Roy and Carol Weber Family Fund through the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.
  • JoAnna Barnes, Casework Manager, takes on new responsibilities and is promoted to Casework Supervisor.
  • The James A. and Faith Knight Foundation provides a grant for the Transportation/Car Repair and Donation Program to assist working women.
  • A new computer system for the office is installed with tech support through NEW Center.
2005

  • Despite the shift of State Emergency Relief Funds (SER) from FID and other agencies to Barrier Busters-a county collaborative, FID's Direct Assistance Fund continues to provide consistent levels of service.
  • Furniture Program expands through the purchase of a delivery truck and the addition of a part-time Furniture Coordinator, Sharon Giuffre.
  • Joan E. Hall Memorial Furniture Delivery Fund is established in memory of a devoted furniture volunteer.
  • Business partnership campaign is launched.
  • An inheritance is received from the Estate of Stanley L. Harbison, a founder, longtime board member and president of FID.
2004

  • Direct Assistance Program provides over $47,000-a record level.
  • Transportation/Car Repair and Donation Program reaches record levels: $12,424 distributed; 9 vehicles donated to those in need; 4 vehicles provided through referral to St. Francis St. Vincent de Paul.
  • Furniture Program nearly doubles in size: 455 requests; 1,581 items distributed; 84 deliveries made.
  • Furniture Warehouse welcomes three reliable volunteers: Howard Schafer, Jim Waltz and Nathan Williams.
  • Kirstin Jackson, Program Manager, assumes new responsibilities and becomes FID's first full-time staff member.
  • FID website is selected winner of Michigan Comnet Block Beautification Award.
  • BUC$ seminars are initiated providing financial management training to individuals and caseworkers.
2003

  • FID celebrates 20th anniversary.
  • Congregational use of FID's services reaches all-time high.
  • Judy Spike joins FID as a volunteer coordinating furniture deliveries.
  • New grant is received from Speckhard-Knight Foundation for the Direct Assistance Program.
  • Transportation/Car Repair and Donation Program assistance grows by 71% (from $4,800 in 2002 to $8,200 in 2003).
2002

  • Most successful Holiday Bed Drive is conducted enabling FID to purchase 133 beds.
  • Casework Manager and Furniture Coordinator positions are combined. JoAnna Barnes assumes dual roles.
  • Cooking Class Fundraiser at Kitchen Port is initiated.
  • "How to Help Seminars" held at Ann Arbor First United Methodist and Ypsilanti Second Baptist report largest attendance.
  • Renewed outreach efforts bring additional congregations to the network-47 congregations are active.
  • FID awarded inaugural grant from Ypsilanti Area Community Foundation for Budget Counseling project.
2001

  • Board reviews and restructures staff positions and creates the following: Executive Director, Program Manager, Casework Manager and Furniture Coordinator.
  • JoAnna Barnes (Casework Manager) and Kirstin Jackson (Program Manager) join Helena Prince (Executive Director) and Kathleen Slay (Furniture Coordinator) as staff.
  • Newsletter receives a facelift thanks to writer, Jim Waltz and designer, Peri Stone-Palmquist.
  • Stan Haribson Award is established with car repair volunteer, Walt Hayes, as first receipant.
  • Board Manual developed through the help of NEW Center's Board Builders program.
  • FID and IHN co-sponsor first summer rummage sale.
  • FID participates in first Alternative Christmas Market at Ypsilanti First United Methodist Church.
2000

  • Kathleen Slay joins FID as Furniture Coordinator.
  • Board President and long time supporter, Stan Harbison passes away. Rev James Cochran steps in as acting President.
  • Rita Kieras of St. Francis assumes role as Bookkeeper on a volunteer basis.
  • Bill Smith starts internship at 20hrs/wk with FID.
  • Employee Handbook is created.
  • Casework Assistant and Program Manager depart. Board and volunteers temporarily fill the gap.
  • Malinda Waltz offers challenge grant in honor of her birthday. Donation responses prove to be a success.
1999

  • Suzanne Brannan resigns as Program Manager to pursue other interests.
  • FID hires then Furniture Coordinator, Michelle Vlamis to fill the vacancy.
  • Patricia Falconer joins staff as Furniture Coordinator.
  • Fall Harvest Feast is planned and catered by Susan Todoroff. The successful event, raising almost $3,600, is held at Genesis.
1998

  • Casework Assistant position is created. Teresa Robinson is hired succeeded by Linda Rucker.
  • Investment account is opened.
  • Webpage is created by two U of M students.
  • FID hires paid Furniture Coordinator, Janice Scott succeed by Michelle Vlamis, after Sally cuts back hours to pursue other interests.
  • Office moves to present location of 30 N. Washington St. Suite 30-B, Ypsilanti.
  • St. Luke Lutheran Tuesday Night Adult Bible Study Class begins providing set-up, serving and clean-up for the Annual Dinner.
  • Direct Assistant expenditures reach a high of almost $39,000 up from $12,000 in 1995.
1997

  • "How to Help Seminar" is conducted for the first time with over 50 participants.
  • "Resource Guide to Community Services" is developed and distributed to area congregations.
  • City of Ypsilanti awards $5,000 to be used for Eviction Prevention Program.
  • A Eagle Scout Project produces 10 bunk bed sets for FID clients.
1996

  • FID receives $500 award from the Social Service Board of the Dept. of Social Services. FID is the only recipient.
  • New Furniture Coordinator position created. Sally Carpinella joins team but declines pay.
  • Car Repair Program is developed with a grant from IFCC. D's Auto Clinic, Walt Hayes, and Dave Love provide repairs.
  • FID begins receiving emergency funding contract through FIA.
  • Annual Holiday Bed Drive is initiated to help meet the large number of requests for beds.
  • First formal printed Annual Report is mailed to supporters.
1995

  • Hope Clinic offers FID use of their warehouse for the Furniture Program.
  • The Cowan Foundation, a foundation new to Michigan, awards $3,000 to FID.
  • FID provides scholarships to low-income women from a grant given by IHM Sisters to attend The Working Women of the 90's Conference.
  • Suzanne Brannan is hired replacing Virginia Gates as Program Manager.
  • A 10 minute video is produced highlighting FID programs, staff and client stories.
  • Ginny Gates leaves FID, Suzanne Brannan is hired as Program Manager and Outreach Coordinator.
1994

  • Mission statement is formally developed.
  • Parenting and family workshop and new mom's support group is started with funding by the Catholic Diocese of Lansing.
  • Barbara Beesley leaves FID. Virginia Gates & Helena Prince step in and share operating responsibilities.
  • FID receives Friends of Health Services Certificate of Recognition from the Washtenaw County Health Services Group.
  • Lutheran Brotherhood awards $400 grant to purchase cribs.
1993

  • Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor provides start-up funds for Appliance Repair program.
  • Annual Dinner becomes a fundraiser. Cost is increased to $20/person from $7.50.
  • Daniel Brown hired as Outreach Coordinator and Liaison with African American congregations with a grant provided by IHM Sisters, Group D.
1992

  • IFCC provides funding to continue congregational outreach program. John Copeland continues with FID in this role.
  • Furniture requests near 600.
  • First year FID is listed in United Way brochure to receive designations.
1991

  • FID received Parents Together award for outstanding community service.
  • An overwhelming sense that FID is needed more than ever given the economy and state budget cuts resulting in an increase in requests.
  • Emily George Fund for Human Needs grants $8,400 for a 1year furniture/outreach project. John Copeland hired to coordinate.
1990

  • Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor provides $500 worth of vouchers for client furniture.
  • Ypsilanti Rotary Club donates $500 for a bunk bed project.
  • Crib Loan project initiated.
  • October workshop "Exercising Social Ministry" is held at Glacier Way United Methodist Church.
  • Joanne Kooyers Service Award is established with Helena Prince as first recipient.
1989

  • Rotating shelter in Ypsilanti congregations promoted by FID staff together with Catholic Charities Regional Council.
  • Libby Hillegonds wins $1,000 for FID Direct Assistance fund from WAAM radio.
  • Death of two board members, Bill Lutz and Joanne Kooyers. Joanne served as editor of FID newsletter from 1984-1989.
1988

  • Helena Prince hired as part-time Casework Manager after serving as a volunteer since 1985.
  • An anonymous donor provides funds to launch a Family Support Project in Ypsilanti. Don Baker is hired to coordinate.
  • Nine new congregations donate to FID.
1987

  • The Ann Arbor Area Foundation awards $1,500 for a Family Support Project in Ann Arbor. Cynthia Green is selected as coordinator.
  • 112 attendees at annual banquet. John Schwarz, a well-known educator and religious leader is keynote speaker.
  • Requests for assistance near 100 per month.
1986

  • Dramatic increase in office requests over past 2 ½ years.
  • Finances are a continuing problem. Another active search for new funds is underway.
1985

  • FID receives Peace Neighborhood Award for outstanding community service.
  • Barbara Beesley is selected as part-time Program Director-the first paid position at FID. Funding for this position is secured from the Ann Arbor Area Foundation, Interfaith Council of Congregations (IFCC) and First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor.
1984

  • Direct Assistance revolving fund is established with funds from St. Vincent De Paul Society.
  • First Annual Meeting is held in June.
  • Helen Kuehl, a volunteer serving as Program Coordinator, conducts a meeting of FID supporters on how to meet client's financial needs in collaboration with congregations and a gencies. Office is staffed by volunteers who contribute 900 hours and respond to 480 requests.

    Principal volunteers are:
    Helen Kuehl - Program Coordinator
    Libby Hillegonds - Assistant Program Coordinator
    Malinda Waltz - Primary Office Volunteer
    Esther Griffiths - Primary Office Volunteer
1983

  • FID logo of two hands joining is designed. Telephone service with the number 484-HELP is initiated.
  • Office at 64 N. Huron St. in Ypsilanti opens June 5, 1983.
  • 29 participating congregations active in June.
  • 191 requests are processed in the first seven months.
1982

  • June: Polly Helmke and Libby Hillegonds bring together a group to study the Love Inc. model at Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church. Presentation made by Dr. Virgil Gulker of Love Inc.
  • July: Dedicated group begins planning to put their ideas about helping the needy into action. They decide to call themselves "Friends In Deed".
  • Planning committee draws up statement of incorporation, constitution and bylaws. Board of Directors elected:
    Mary Louise Antieau (President) - First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor
    Jinesse Dabney (Secretary) - St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
    Claude A. Eggertsen - Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints
    Stanley Harbison (Vice President) - Memorial Christian Church
    Murlye Harris - Metropolitan Baptist Church
    Fred Karr - Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church
    William Lutz - First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor
    Lucille Porter - Second Baptist Church of Ann Arbor
    Grace V. Smith (Treasurer) - Campus Chapel
  • Detroit Edison, Ypsilanti office, offers donated office space. Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor furnishes most office furniture.




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Friends In Deed   •   30 N. Washington St., Suite 30-B Ypsilanti, MI 48197   •   734.484.HELP   •   email:office@friendsindeed.info