What is Circles?
Circles® in Columbus is our community’s involvement in a proven national movement with the objective of eradicating poverty in America. Circles USA® Initiative is a high-impact community strategy to end poverty one family at a time by building intentional personal relationships across economic classes and races.
Circles® in Columbus is a true community-wide initiative that invites direct involvement from the business community, faith community, social service community, healthcare community, education community and local government.
To learn more about the National Circles Movement check out: http://www.circlesusa.org/
How Does Circles Work?
Circles® provides a comprehensive program for people who are willing to and ready to move of poverty. In the initial 18-week Circle Leader Training Class, participants establish Goals and Future Plans and learn new tools to secure and sustain better jobs.
Once participants graduate from Circle Leader Training, they are known as Circle Leaders and are then matched with 2-4 community volunteers known as Allies. Allies offer Circle Leaders advocacy and support as they work toward their goal of economic self-sufficiency.
Circle Leaders and Allies gather at Weekly Community Meetings to provide support and network with one another. Meetings include a community meal, childcare and programming for the children and youth, community building, leadership development opportunities, and programming and activities to support the efforts of Circle Leaders moving out of poverty. At Big View Meetings, held once a month, causes of poverty, including systemic barriers, are identified and addressed.
Resource teams are groups of community volunteers who serve to support and lead the direction of Circles of Columbus.
Learn More!
- Materials and supplies
- Incentives to keep families involved and provide funds for initiating change
- Meals, childcare expenses, and/or transportation to and from weekly meetings
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