Through a facilitated process of developing friendships across class and race lines, Circles brings a high level of community support and resources to people in their journey out of poverty. The process is for highly motivated individuals who have the mental and physical ability to seek and maintain full time employment and are not in immediate crisis.

Each participant will set goals in the areas of income and budgeting, academics and training, and friends and meaning and work toward meeting these goals through the support and guidance of volunteers from the community. These intentional relationships provide a safe haven for people to be accountable while working to leave poverty. Circles is not a “hand out” but rather a "hand up". Hard work, communication, and meeting attendance is expected.

Do any of these situations apply to you?

• Do you receive, qualify, or have intention to seek SSI, SSDI, or other disability payments for yourself? (If yes, you do not qualify for Circles of Support at this time.)


• Is one of the adults (spouse/significant other) in your household incarcerated? (If yes, you do not qualify for Circles of Support at this time.) Both adults are required to actively participate in Circles.


• If there are two adults in your household, are both of you willing to participate in all aspects of Circles? (If no, you do not qualify for Circles of Support at this time.) Both adults must be interested and willing to actively participate in Circles.


• Are you in crisis? (homeless, being evicted, seeking vehicle repairs, clean/sober less than 6 months, experiencing domestic violence/unsafe relationship)
  (If yes, you do not qualify for Circles of Support at this time.)


• Are you living in an assisted living or residential treatment facility?
  (If yes, you do not qualify for Circles of Support at this time.)


• Are you at least 18 years of age?
  (If no, you do not qualify for Circles of Support at this time.)

• Are you willing to work at getting out of poverty through a plan that you create? Please discuss your ideas.


• Are you comfortable and willing to regularly discuss your poverty situation, including finances, with your Circles allies?


• Are you interested in seeking and maintaining full time employment?


• Are you mentally and physically capable of seeking and maintaining full time employment?


• Are you interested and able to explore extended education and/or learn new skills? Please share your ideas.


• Are you interested in socializing and developing friendships with many people?


• Are you willing to set goals and take full responsibility for their outcome?


• Are you willing to attend weekly meetings?


• If substance abuse has been an issue for you, do you have at least 6 months of non incarcerated recovery (clean/sober) time behind you?

If you answered yes to all of the second set of questions, please call 327-6716 to discuss your situation and arrange a time to pick up a Circles application.
No applications will be mailed. Please return your completed application to the address provided. You will then be contacted to schedule an interview with the Circles Coordinator. Interviews last approximately 1 – 1.5 hours. You will need to make child care arrangements for your interview time.