What is Circles?

Circles is a unique program that is based on the premise that developing meaningful relationships across socio-economic lines can have a dramatic impact on the effort to move families out of poverty. Knowing that relationships and connections matter, the Circles program matches a person in poverty with at least three middle or upper income partners for at least 18 months to build relationships. The goal of these relationships is to break the cycle of generational poverty by creating circles of support and connections with people who are committed to making real change in our community.

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Participant/Leader   Volunteer

 

   What is Circles?

Circles is a unique program that is based on the premise that developing meaningful relationships across socio-economic lines can have a dramatic impact on the effort to move families out of poverty. Knowing that relationships and connections matter, the Circles program matches a person in poverty with at least three middle or upper income partners for at least 18 months to build relationships. The goal of these relationships is to break the cycle of generational poverty by creating circles of support and connections with people who are committed to making real change in our community.
   Learn More        Donate          Apply         Volunteer      

Learn More

Circles is a national program with more than 70 chapters nationwide and in Canada. The goal of Circles is to permanently lift families out of poverty. Circle’s unique strategy utilizes education, goal setting, training, and above all, relationships to help participants develop the resources and social capital they need to rise out of poverty and achieve economic independence.

We recruit highly motivated, low-income participants who will:

  • Enroll in a 12-week Circles Leadership Training Class to build financial, emotional and social resources.
  • Partner with 2-3 Allies, middle- or upper-income community volunteers who support a Circle Leader’s efforts through networking, listening, and guidance.
  • Attend weekly community meetings for 18 months with peers, Allies, and other interested community members for planning, support and networking opportunities.

Want to find out more about the experience? Check out DeAnna’s journey as a Leader through her Journal Entries.

The primary indicator of progress in Circles in an increase in earned income.  Nationally, Circle participants earned:

  • 37% more income after 6 months
  • 50% more after 1 year
  • 62% more in 18 months

 

Circles Washtenaw County accepted its first cohort of Leaders (low-income heads of households) in the summer of 2017. The Leaders’ first step was to enroll in a 14-week Leadership Training Class to build financial, emotional and social resources, as well as to create an Economic Stability Plan. When they graduated from this training in the fall of 2017, they were partnered or “matched” with trained, middle- to high-income community volunteers (“Allies”) for 18 months, during which time the Allies helped to support the Leaders’ efforts through networking, listening and guidance. Since that time, the Leaders and their families, Allies, staff and other interested community members have met weekly for dinner, followed by programming and networking opportunities.

Why dinner?

Dinner is important because relationships are often cemented around the dinner table, and the whole Circles community, especially the children, need this time to bond. After the meal, when the parents go to their portion of the meeting, the children go to theirs. Included in the children’s programming is character-building curriculum, financial literacy for children, mentoring and FUN. We cannot alleviate poverty for a family if we do not address the needs and potential of the children.

So how is Circles doing so far?

The Leaders and Allies of the first cohort are set to complete the 18-month program on April 16, 2019, when a “Launch” celebration will be held. The Leaders in this cohort have a lot to celebrate as 100% of the Leaders are employed and have increased their income by an average of 204% — an increase in earned income is a primary indicator of progress in the program.

Meanwhile, a second cohort of Leaders and Allies were matched on December 4, 2018 — the two cohorts run concurrently for about six months. We will begin recruiting in March and April for our third cohort to begin this summer.

Learn more about becoming a Leader online, by phone (734-340-9042) or email.

Help us build a robust, multi-talented volunteer support team.  Circles volunteers will learn and grow alongside the Circle Leaders and will have an opportunity to share their skills and knowledge.  Learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Funding for our Circles program comes from individuals, congregations, organizations and businesses that share the vision of permanently lifting individuals and families out of poverty. Some have supported us with multi-year pledges.  If you would like to make a donation, click here.  If you would like to join our Fundraising Team contact our Coordinator at:  Suzanne@friendsindeedmi.org
Laptops for Leaders: Tanya

Laptops for Leaders: Tanya

As we all know, COVID-19 forced us all to change in all sorts of ways. Our Circles program meetings moved to Zoom and our Leaders did their best to adapt to the new format, many of them using their phones for the meetings. By late 2020, Allies had noticed that the...

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Holding-Hands Photo by Helge V. Keitel (CC By 2.0)

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