Circles

About Circles

Circles® is a program that works to build a community where everyone has enough money, meaning and friends to thrive.

We provide a safe, encouraging space for people to do the hard work of creating and setting goals that move them from just surviving to thriving while they are surrounded by a circle of support.

Circles is made up of people that want to make a change in their own life and the lives around them.

Whether you already know what goals you want to work on or are simply motivated to start your journey toward something better, Circles has a place for you. During your time in the Circles community, you will experience the way that relationship can open your eyes to new possibilities and open your heart to other people’s stories.

Leaders

Circles participants working to escape the cycle of financial struggle are called Leaders. By joining Circles, you are taking leadership in your life, in your community, and you are the expert in your own lived experience. Circles knows you fight hardest for your own dreams and goals – not the ones that other people pick out for you. 

Previous goals that Circle Leaders have accomplished include:  

• finding a job with better pay or hours 

• establishing a budget 

• buying a car or house 

• going back to school to finish a degree 

• improving their credit score 

• running a small business,  

• becoming a healthier version of themselves    

• developing new parenting skills 

Allies

Circles Allies are community members that join Circles because they believe in Leaders’ ability to thrive and want to be part of the journey! Allies walk alongside Leaders on their road to thriving, learn about local resources, and expand their own worldview.
Through encouraging Leaders in their goals, sharing social capital, and helping Leaders problem solve practical needs, Allies give Leaders a leg up.

How Does it Work?

Circles Ottawa County is part of a national network of over 70 Circles Chapters formed by Circles USA. The Circles model is based on building bridges of friendship and community to support individuals on their journey to economic stability. Our unique strategy also incorporates a combination of goal setting, financial education, career development and increased social capital to support the Circle Leaders with their goals. 

Each Cohort of Leaders & Allies has an assigned Coach to support them as they navigate the Circles journey. Our Coaches have diverse life experiences and understand the struggle of making difficult decisions, surviving complicated relationships, and how scary change can be. 

Steps to Participate

• Circle Leaders complete an application and are invited to join a cohort with 5-15 other Leaders 

• Circle Leader candidates who are accepted into the program participate in a 14- week Circle Leader Training. Each meeting provides a meal and childcare. 

• While Leaders are in Circle Leader Training, Allies participate in a separate training preparing them for the Circles experience 

• At the completion of Circle Leader Training, each Leader is matched with 1-3 Allies. This newly formed “circle” meets consistently for the next 18 months for social support, skill development, encouragement toward goals and community building. All meetings take place at the same location with a meal and childcare provided. 

Volunteer with Circles

There are many unique ways to join Circles and the fight to end poverty.  

Here are some of the opportunities: 

• Become an Ally 

• Provide one of the weekly meals 

• Join the Big View Team. This team supports the Circles community by providing leadership and advocacy focused on systemic barriers that hold individuals and families in poverty 

• Join the Jobs and Education Team. This team partners with Leaders and their Allies to provide extra support for Leaders’ career and education goals 

• Volunteer in the youth program to support the Lead Teachers with implementing the lessons and activities 

Of the Leaders Who Graduated from the Circles Program in 2021:

More had reliable transportation