Dexter Rotarians volunteer at Circles USA, building a community to end poverty.
Circles Washtenaw County was started by Friends In Deed, Friend-In-Deed has provided help to those in our community for over 30 years. Friends-In-Deed was looking for a program that was more than a short-term "helping hand" in a time of need. They wanted to find a program that was a long-term solution to poverty. They examined many different programs and then choose Circles USA.
 
Circles USA gather middle-income and high-income volunteers to support families in poverty. Surrounded by people who have landed jobs, negotiated a lease, or managed credit card debt, people in crisis are more equipped to achieve long-term financial stability. The idea behind the Circles program is that the person in poverty (called the "Leader" because they are the one who leads themselves out of poverty) is paired with individuals who want to help the leader (called "Allies").
Allies are to encourage and help the leader in areas that the leaders have identified where they need help. Circles program meets once a week and they start each meeting with a meal then head to education classrooms. Our Dexter Rotarians have planned, prepped, and serve dinner for these families for the past 2 years and is excited to continue their efforts lending a helping hand.