Circles-Pettis, Circles-Saline - The Circles of Support strategy is based on the premise that poverty hurts all of us and is held in place by our separation from one another. It is the intention of Circles to break the practice of an isolated service delivery model of helping. Although important, services alone cannot and do not move families safely and permanently out of poverty.

Circles of Support are comprised of people who agree to befriend a family who is trying to get out of poverty. The members of the Circle (Allies) can be anyone with any level of resources, who genuinely want to help. Circles can do whatever they wish, as long as the family being supported wants the help being offered. Families typically focus on educational, financial and career goals.

Our approach is one of building effective relationships across race and class lines. It is not just another agency program. One of the reasons we received this grant award was so we could incorporate the spirit of this approach in everything we do. All services and programs we offer can include informal supports from a willing group of community members, who seek more meaning in their lives through a direct relationship with someone who can benefit from their time and energy. When we have enough effective relationships built cross socio-economic class lines, we will have the public support to end poverty.

We hope to build a new community within our existing communities. People join an association focused on ending poverty, whether they come in as a family wanting out of poverty, or a family wanting to help others out of poverty. We insist on reciprocity in all relationships. It is not a handout program, nor is it an atmosphere of “you need me”.

Everyone has gifts and we are mining for each individual’s best contributions to the overall task of ending poverty in our larger community.

February 2007 Circles Calendar - Saline County
March 2007 Circles Calendar - Saline County