The Itasca County Guiding Coalition works to change the mindset of the community about how they view people in poverty. They serve as the advisory group for Circles of Support by providing leadership, guidance, and through use of their social capital, leverage community resources to benefit the Circles of Support community. The Guiding Coalition also oversees program operations and the distribution of member resources.

The Guiding Coalition gives input and direction for future programming including the sustainability and expansion of the existing Circles project. Guiding Coalition members exhibit leadership qualities and have a firm understanding and commitment to the mission of Circles of Support.

The Guiding Coalition also determines the focus of the Big View meeting that is a public discussion of what is needed to better the opportunities for low wealth people in the community. These meetings offer community members new insight about poverty and offer a leadership opportunity for the Circles of Support participants on the Guiding Coalition.

Circles of Support member resources:

Wood for Fuel
Wood for Fuel utilizes diseased oak trees for the sale of firewood. The wood is cut, split and delivered to buyers for $100 per pickup load. Circles of Support members earn a credit of $10 for each hour of labor contributed to the project. Credit earned can be used for heating costs and credit repair.

Wheels to Work
Vehicles donated from the community are transferred to members who are in need of transportation for employment or academic achievement in exchange for 100 hours of community reciprocity.

Emergency Funds
Repayable loans are available to members who have an unexpected crisis, that without support, will set them back in their progress toward goals.