The Circles Model is a powerful new approach to poverty reduction rooted firmly in the belief that building relationships and communities grounded in compassion, determination, and pragmatism can uplift individuals and families out of poverty
How it Works
Circles begins with one person who wants to change their circumstance. This person is hard-working and motivated, but they are stuck in a cycle of poverty, living paycheck-to-paycheck. This individual is the central figure of our program and called a Circle Leader
Once in the program, their journey begins with training. Leaders learn skills in goal setting, finance management, and overcoming challenges related to poverty.
The supporting role in the program is called the Ally. Allies also receive training, but their track focuses on the complexities of poverty and its impacts.
After the completion of training, Circle leaders are matched with 2-3 allies. With that, a friendship begins to form. They share stories, experiences, and hopefully, start to build trust. They discuss the Circle Leaders’ goals; Allies offer encouragement; and plans start to form for the future. Working alongside them are Resource teams. These are dedicated teams of volunteers who offer specialized support in the form of job placement, financial advice, educational opportunities, and access to community services.
Networks of support begin to form and over the course of several months a solid foundation is built for the Circle Leader so they can actually make real change to their lives. However, this does not happen overnight. The program requires a dedicated commitment of 18-months to ensure that progress is enduring and long-lasting.
Circle Leaders
Participants are called Circle Leaders because they take the ‘lead’ in their journey out of poverty, but they will never walk that path alone. They will be surrounded by organized and dedicated teams providing guidance, friendship, access to community resources, better paying jobs, educational opportunities, etc.
There is an initial 3-month training course where they will learn to develop new skills including time and money management, goal setting, communication, etc. After successfully completing training, Leaders are paired with 2-3 Allies who will walk alongside them during this process. Allies are there to be your biggest supporters.
The Circles model is designed to help Leaders:
• Achieve financial stability
• Share their story and be understood
• Find and use their gifts
• Improve communication and time management
• Develop new skills
• Be recognized and respected for who they are
• Have a bigger voice in their community
• Become a strong role model for their kids
• Set goals, make progress, and achieve results
The Circles program revolves around weekly gatherings where a meal and childcare is provided.
The program is set to launch in January 2025. In order to ensure meaningful and sustained progress the program lasts 18-months. Therefore, we ask all Circle Leaders who apply to be able to dedicate themselves to that time frame.
Interested?
Allies
Allies are the cornerstone of support for Circle Leaders. An Ally is there to walk alongside the Circle Leader as they make their journey out of poverty. They can provide a listening ear, thoughtful questions, or constructive suggestions. They are there to help empower the Circle leader to believe in themselves and to help them find their unique skills and gifts. It’s really just like being a true friend!
And they will not be doing this alone! They work alongside 1-2 other allies with their Circle Leader. Additionally, there is a community of organized and dedicated volunteer teams available to help the Leaders in their journey.
Allies will receive training to help increase their understanding of poverty in their community and to learn how to be an effective ally.
This is a great opportunity to gain new perspectives and work towards broader community change.
The program is set to launch in January 2025. In order to ensure meaningful and sustained progress, the program lasts 18-months. Therefore, we ask all allies who apply to be able to dedicate themselves to the majority of that time frame.
Resource Teams
Do you have skills in resume writing or interviewing? Do you have connections in academic advising or experience with the college admissions process? Do you want to engage with policymakers and city leaders to work toward tangible system change? Do you enjoy working with kids or making meals?
Resource Teams are a key part of the infrastructure of the Circles Program. Resource Teams offer an opportunity for you to make an impact in your community and help Circle Leaders in their journeys to financial stability. There are 5 Resources Teams each with a unique focus:
- The Jobs & Education Team: connects participants to job and educational pathways
- The Services Team: links participants to community resources
- The Big View Team: support progress through policy change
- The Recruitment Team: helps recruit other volunteers and Circle Leaders
- The Community Team: support the weekly meetings with meal planning, child-care, youth programming, greeting, etc
There is something to fit everyone’s schedule and availability
