CIRCLES IN COLUMBUS

A Network of Support

Circles in Columbus is a comprehensive program for people who are willing and ready to move out of poverty. Circles in Columbus is a true community-wide initiative that invites direct involvement from the business, faith, social services, healthcare, and educational communities, as well as, local government.

In the initial 18-week Circle Leader Training portion, participants reflect on how they came to be in their current situation and establish plans for the future with S.M.A.R.T. goals to begin their journey to self-stability. They discuss new tools and resources that can be used to secure their plan.

Once participants graduate from Circle Leader Training, they are then matched with community volunteers known as Allies. The Circle Leaders and Allies form an intentional friendship bridging social capital designed to support one another on a dual journey. The Allies find the journey very rewarding as well and they learn about the realities of poverty and the personal determination needed to get out. The Allies do not need great financial skills and are not tutors, they offer Circle Leaders advocacy, resources, and individual personal support as they work toward their goals of economic self-sufficiency. Many of these relationships develop into long-time friendships.

Circles offers weekly meetings which always begin with a community meal. During this time the opportunity to network and support one another re-enforces and re-energizes the work of the individuals. Circles children are included each week as well with age-appropriate life lessons and fun. The adult activities are led by program-enthusiastic facilitators and a S.M.A.R.T. goals coach.

The weekly meetings are vital to staying on track. Discussions about causes of poverty, including systemic barriers are identified and addressed to further strengthen the knowledge of how to keep moving forward.

Change is NOT easy. It takes time, patience, perseverance, and personal support.

In Their Own Words

What kind of impact does the Circles in Columbus have? Listen to Carly and Khyle’s personal stories of hope and success.

Volunteer with Circles

Circles in Columbus has a variety of opportunities for individuals and groups to connect with their work.

Please Note: To volunteer for Circles, you must:

  • Individuals must be at least 18 years old, and pass a criminal background check and drug screening.

  • Individuals under 18 years old volunteering with a school or church group are allowed to volunteer when accompanied by an approved adult.

Find volunteer opportunities and requirements on our Volunteer page.

Interested in becoming a Circles leader? Learn more and complete the application here.

Check out the Circles Wish List and calendar.

If you need more information, please email Barbara at Barbara@odch.org.

A special Thank You to St Luke Church, New Life Church of Waverly Hall, Holy Family Church, St Mary’s Road UMC, and The Life Church of Columbus for providing a family meal once a month.