A smiling man with short, graying hair is in the foreground, with a bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds in the background.

Check made out to Friends In Deed (on memo line, please include Name of fundraiser/team)
Address to send check: Friends In Deed: 1196 Ecorse Rd, Ypsilanti MI 48198

Take the Leap. Make an Impact. Change Lives.September 11&ndash;12 | Hill Hall at Eastern Michigan University This September, bold community members will rappel down Hill Hall at Eastern Michigan University &mdash; not just for the thrill, but for our neighbors. At Friends In Deed, we meet people who are working hard, raising families, pursuing education, and contributing to our community &mdash; yet facing barriers that make it harder to gain traction. Over The Edge helps remove those barriers.<span contenteditable="false" draggable="false" fr-original-class="fr-img-caption fr-draggable" fr-original-style="width: 320px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto 5px 0px; text-align: left;" style="width: 320px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto 5px 0px; text-align: left; position: relative; max-width: 100%;"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1771960950/wysiwyg/lfm46flhevmcwxb5i9aj.jpg" style="width: 320px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; position: relative; max-width: 100%; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 320px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"><span contenteditable="true" fr-original-class="fr-inner" fr-original-style="" style="outline: transparent solid 0px; margin: auto; display: block; padding: 5px 5px 10px; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; box-sizing: border-box; opacity: 0.9; width: 100%;">R. Tyrone Kelsey, FID&#39;s Executive Director, took the leap last year &mdash; will you be next? &nbsp;What Makes Our Cause Special? 1️⃣ We Remove Barriers to Economic MobilityA car repair shouldn&rsquo;t cost someone their job.A past-due bill shouldn&rsquo;t derail a family&rsquo;s housing.A child shouldn&rsquo;t sleep on the floor while their parent is working full-time. Through our Essential Services Program, we:<ul data-end="1209" data-start="1048" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="1079" data-start="1048" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Help families remain housed</li><li data-end="1132" data-start="1080" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Support transportation access so people can work</li><li data-end="1173" data-start="1133" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Provide beds and essential furniture</li><li data-end="1209" data-start="1174" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Assist seniors with vital needs</li></ul>Through Circles Washtenaw, we invest in long-term financial security by:<ul data-end="1491" data-start="1287" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="1334" data-start="1287" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Building intentional, 24-month partnerships</li><li data-end="1383" data-start="1335" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Supporting career growth and financial goals</li><li data-end="1435" data-start="1384" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Investing in children&rsquo;s educational development</li><li data-end="1491" data-start="1436" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Strengthening relationships that expand opportunity</li></ul>We don&rsquo;t step in because people are broken.We step in because systems create barriers &mdash; and community can remove them. 2️⃣&nbsp;We Focus on Strength and PartnershipWe believe:<ul data-end="1755" data-start="1678" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="1699" data-start="1678" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">People are capable.</li><li data-end="1721" data-start="1700" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Poverty is complex.</li><li data-end="1755" data-start="1722" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Change happens in relationship.</li></ul>Our neighbors are not defined by what they lack &mdash; but by their resilience, goals, and potential. We don&rsquo;t &ldquo;rescue.&rdquo;We collaborate.We walk alongside. 3️⃣ This Is Local. This Is Personal.Every dollar raised through Over The Edge stays in Washtenaw County.When someone rappels down Hill Hall:<ul data-end="2268" data-start="2067" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="2101" data-start="2067" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">A family continues building toward hope.</li><li data-end="2200" data-start="2154" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">A child sleeps safely and studies at a desk.</li><li data-end="2268" data-start="2201" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">A Circles Leader moves into higher-wage employment with benefits.</li></ul>This is not about charity.It&rsquo;s about community investment. 🎯 Why Give? Because hard work should open doors.Because opportunity shouldn&rsquo;t depend on zip code.Because when one neighbor gains traction, the entire community grows stronger. Over The Edge is bold. But the real courage belongs to the families building momentum every day.When you give, you&rsquo;re not responding to a crisis.You&rsquo;re investing in forward movement. Thank you for your participation and support. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate Washtenaw County! For more guidance, we&rsquo;ve provided resources to help you every step of the way:<ul fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(14, 91, 93); font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(14, 91, 93); font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><li fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: inherit !important;" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: inherit !important;"><a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAGeW9tMEc8/uUaSNdpSRKHc6BrWJCyFnQ/view?utm_content=DAGeW9tMEc8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h2be8361e4e" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Rappeller Handbook:</a> A helpful guide to maximize your rappelling experience.</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: inherit !important;" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: inherit !important;"><a fr-original-style="" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cyx67_Ne8PNDO032TEuyo3VMkaesaffskZK1m8OsJkw/edit?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Fundraising Toolkit:</a> Download this PDF for tips, email templates, and social media graphics to make sharing easy.</li></ul>

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1772041114/wysiwyg/at2kda9xie7nhglqgoyk.jpg" style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; position: relative; max-width: 100%; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"> Hello <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style="" style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; color: rgb(42, 42, 196); padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;">First name, Thank you for supporting Friends In Deed and Over The Edge 2026! Your gift is more than a donation &mdash; it&rsquo;s an investment in our neighbors&rsquo; momentum, opportunity, and growth. Because of your generosity:<ul data-end="761" data-start="428" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="503" data-start="428" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Families can keep their homes and stay on track toward long-term goals.</li><li data-end="573" data-start="504" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Children receive beds and essential furniture so they can thrive.</li><li data-end="655" data-start="574" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Workers maintain transportation to keep their jobs and advance their careers.</li><li data-end="761" data-start="656" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Circles Leaders gain the support and coaching they need to secure full-time employment with benefits.</li></ul>Your commitment shows that our community believes in strength, partnership, and progress. Together, we&rsquo;re creating pathways for people to overcome barriers and build brighter futures. Thank you for standing with our neighbors and helping them move forward. With gratitude,Elisa Guytonelisa@friendsindeedmi.org

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1772041128/wysiwyg/j2dnqvlpvjjyrisyx0sa.jpg" style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; position: relative; max-width: 100%; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"> Hi <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style="" style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; color: rgb(42, 42, 196); padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;">First name, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for registering to fundraise for our cause. Your efforts will make a significant impact, and we are excited to have you as part of our fundraising team. 👏 💡 Here are some tips for sharing your campaign:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Personalize Your Story: Share why this cause is important to you. Personal stories resonate more.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Use Social Media: Post about your campaign on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Include the campaign link and a compelling image or video.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Email Your Network: Send a personal email to friends, family, and colleagues explaining why you are fundraising and how they can help.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Regular Updates: Keep your supporters informed with updates on your progress and any milestones you reach. This keeps them engaged and more likely to share your campaign.</li></ul>Elisa Guyton elisa@friendsindeedmi.org

Over The Edge 2026

Hello Friends and Family- On September 12, I&rsquo;ll be stepping off the top of Hill Hall at Eastern Michigan University and rappelling 11 stories down the side of the building. Yes&hellip; voluntarily.🥴 But I&rsquo;m doing it for a reason that matters deeply.I&rsquo;m raising money for Friends In Deed, an incredible nonprofit organization that helps individuals and families move out of poverty and toward stability and independence. They provide real, practical support to people facing difficult situations, including: &bull; Rental assistance to prevent homelessness🏠 &bull; Transportation help such as used vehicles and bus tickets🚃 &bull; Resources, coaching, and support that help people rebuild their lives☔🚿🩼💡 This year, I&rsquo;ve set an ambitious personal fundraising goal:&nbsp;$1,000.That may sound like a huge number &mdash; because it is. But I believe that when many people give what they can, incredible things happen.Every donation, whether it&rsquo;s $25, $50, $100, or more, directly impacts someone in our community who needs hope, stability, and a helping hand.As someone who has done this event before, I can tell you the rappel itself is unforgettable. But the best part is knowing that the fear, excitement, and effort are helping real people facing real struggles.So today, I&rsquo;m asking for your support. Would you consider making a donation toward my $1,000 goal? If you can help please use this link to go directly to my page: &nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/steven-pierce" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/steven-pierce</a>If you would like to donate by check please put my name on the&nbsp;memo line and make it payable to Friends In Deed at: 1196 Ecorse Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 Together, we can help families stay housed, help people get to work, and help individuals take meaningful steps out of crisis and into stability.Thank you for supporting me, supporting Friends In Deed, and supporting people in our community who need it most.I promise to wave on the way down.🖐️ If you&#39;d like to rappel yourself and raise money for Friends In Deed please sign up at: <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/over-the-edge--2026" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/over-the-edge--2026</a>With&nbsp;gratitude--Steve(734) 975-8750

Hello Friends and Family- On September 12, I’ll be stepping off the top of Hill Hall at Eastern Michigan University and rappelling 11 stories down the side of the building. Yes… voluntarily.🥴 But I’m doing it for a reason that matters deeply.I’m raising money for Friends In Deed, an incredible nonprofit organization that helps individuals and families move out of poverty and toward stability and independence. They provide real, practical support to people facing difficult situations, including: • Rental assistance to prevent homelessness🏠 • Transportation help such as used vehicles and bus tickets🚃 • Resources, coaching, and support that help people rebuild their lives☔🚿🩼💡 This year, I’ve set an ambitious personal fundraising goal: $1,000.That may sound like a huge number — because it is. But I believe that when many people give what they can, incredible things happen.Every donation, whether it’s $25, $50, $100, or more, directly impacts someone in our community who needs hope, stability, and a helping hand.As someone who has done this event before, I can tell you the rappel itself is unforgettable. But the best part is knowing that the fear, excitement, and effort are helping real people facing real struggles.So today, I’m asking for your support. Would you consider making a donation toward my $1,000 goal? If you can help please use this link to go directly to my page:  <a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/steven-pierce" target="_blank">https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/steven-pierce</a>If you would like to donate by check please put my name on the memo line and make it payable to Friends In Deed at: 1196 Ecorse Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 Together, we can help families stay housed, help people get to work, and help individuals take meaningful steps out of crisis and into stability.Thank you for supporting me, supporting Friends In Deed, and supporting people in our community who need it most.I promise to wave on the way down.🖐️ If you'd like to rappel yourself and raise money for Friends In Deed please sign up at: <a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/over-the-edge--2026" target="_blank">https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/over-the-edge--2026</a>With gratitude--Steve(734) 975-8750

Steve Pierce

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