THE CIRCLES MODEL

HOW IT WORKS

When taking a look inside the Circle we see Allis and Circle Leaders which are two pivotal roles in the Circles Model.

The Step by Step Process:

1. Training: First, all Circle Leaders and Allies undergo comprehensive training to prepare for the Circles program.

2. Circle Leader Training: During this training, Circle Leaders acquire essential skills in:

• Goal setting

• Personal finance management

• Understanding the challenges associated with poverty

• Conflict resolution

• Effective workplace communication

3. Ally Training: Allies focus on boosting their Poverty IQ through topics such as:

• Recognizing systemic barriers

• Understanding the relationship between poverty, race, gender, and trauma

• Distinguishing between generational and situational poverty

4. Match and Weekly Meetings: After successfully completing their training, Circle Leaders are matched with two Allies. They then commence weekly meetings where they engage in the following activities:

• Providing social support to one another

• Developing and honing their skills

• Monitoring progress toward their goals

• Building a sense of community within the Circles program

CIRCLE LEADERS

Participants in the Circles program, known as Circle Leaders, lead themselves out of poverty. They receive training covering:

• Time and money management

• Job opportunities

• Communication skills

• Goal setting

This training prepares them for the Circles journey. After training, Circle Leaders are paired with two Allies who support them in achieving their goals.

Circle Leaders gain access to a vast network of resources, including volunteer teams for employment, job skill development, education, and social services.

The Circles process, lasting at least 18 months, aims to help people:

• Achieve financial stability

• Share their story and be heard

• Utilize their talents and skills

• Enhance communication and time management

• Earn recognition and respect

• Amplify their voice in the community

• Serve as a strong role model for their children

• Set, progress towards, and achieve their goals

Dinner and children’s programming are provided at each weekly meeting as part of the Circles program.

ALLIES

A Circle Ally is a volunteer who actively supports a Circle Leader's journey to overcome poverty and reach their goals. An Ally’s role is to form a meaningful friendship and support system with the Circle Leader.

Before joining the Circles program, Allies undergo training to better understand poverty in our community and learn how to be an effective Ally. This training equips them for the Circles program.

Once trained, two Allies are paired with a Circle Leader.

An Ally’s primary responsibility is to be the Circle Leader's biggest supporter as they strive to achieve their self-defined goals.

Allies are surrounded by support in this journey. At Circles, there's a thriving community of volunteers and abundant resources to assist Allies and Circle Leaders. This experience offers opportunities to gain new perspectives and contribute to broader efforts to combat poverty within our community.

RESOURCE TEAMS

Resource Team members apply their skills and expertise to assist Circle Leaders on their journey out of poverty.

We’re looking for individuals with skills such as resume writing, and effective interviewing, or with connections in community resources, college admissions, and the business community, or who are eager to engage with policymakers and city leaders for systemic change!

People who enjoy working with children or preparing and serving meals can contribute too!

Resource Team Options:

1. Services Team: Identify community services to support Circle Leaders in achieving their goals.

2. Community Team: Manage physical meeting spaces, secure donated meals, organize childcare and programming, and assist the Circles Coach as needed.

3. Recruitment Teams: Help recruit and enroll Circle Leaders, Allies, and other volunteers.

4. Jobs and Education Teams: Assist Circle Leaders in finding existing job and education opportunities, as well as placement programs.

5. Big View Teams: Focus on identifying and addressing community-wide barriers to self-sufficiency as individuals transition from subsidies to the workforce.