Circles in Columbus

A Circle Leader is an individual or family of low income who is interested in becoming economically self-sufficient. The Circle Leader is responsible for leading, receiving, and giving support within the Circle. The Circle Leader works with Allies to build his or her plan discussed in Getting Ahead training, which is required of each Circle Leader before being placed in a Circle. Interested in learning more? Let us know on the form below or email circles@odch.org.

Allies are volunteers who engage in an intentional, befriending relationship with an individual or family working to become economically self-sufficient. Allies work with their Circle Leader to figure out how to accomplish his or her plan for self-sufficiency. Allies receive a three-part training to equip them in supporting Circle Leaders in their path out of poverty. Interested in learning more? Let us know on the form below or email circles@odch.org.

The cost for one family to go through Circle Leader Training is approximately $1,000 (there is no cost to the participant). This covers:

• 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

Interested in learning more? Let us know on the form below or email circles@odch.org.

Volunteers are needed to sponsor and/or serve meals at our Weekly Circles Community Meetings that are held on Tuesday nights for about 50 people and on Thursday nights for about 50 people.

Meetings are from 6:00 to 8:00 pm; however, meal providers are able to set up at a time that is convenient for them. There are varieties of ways you can help with food from preparing and serving the meal to financially sponsoring a meal to be catered from a local restaurant.

Interested in learning more? Let us know on the form below or email circles@odch.org.

An essential part of the Circles in Columbus Weekly Meetings is providing high-quality childcare for infants through teens. Volunteers are welcomed to join our Youth Development staff and help with our childcare programming. Safe Sanctuaries training is required for repeat volunteers.

Interested in learning more? Let us know on the form below or email circles@odch.org.

Ad-hoc allies commit or offer a special talent or resource to the Circles Community to be called on when needed. Guest speakers and presenters are needed on a regular basis to present information that is helpful for Circle Leaders and Allies in building resources.

Interested in learning more? Let us know on the form below or email circles@odch.org.

Contact us and we will speak to your group about Circles in Columbus or consider hosting a Poverty Simulation we can facilitate!

Are you looking for an exciting event to help your Community, Church, Agency/Business, or School understand the Cost of Poverty in your community?

The Cost of Poverty Experience is an event that offers participants a glimpse into the lives of low-income individuals and families living in your community.  It is a glimpse into the obstacles that are faced, the decisions that are made, and the consequences that impact these families every day.  C.O.P.E. has been used to help many organizations and communities across the nation work more effectively with low-income families to understand and address the issues of poverty more comprehensively.

Circles in Columbus through Open Door Community House is offering this unique experience to faculty and students. For more information please contact Octavia Downing, C.O.P.E Facilitator, at 706.323.5518 or octavia@odch.org.