BUILDING COMMUNITY TO END POVERTY
Circles Reno County is a proud and thankful United Way Partner!
A community-driven solution to poverty.
Circles Reno County is a community-driven program that helps families with limited resources and empowers them to build a path out of poverty. Through the power of meaningful and intentional relationships, Circles builds a community dedicated to increasing social capital, connections, and confidence to create a sustainable future.
Join us!
Circles meets every Thursday for dinner at 5:30 p.m. in Thorne Hall at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1602 N. Main, Hutchinson. Unless there is inclement weather or an observed holiday.
Circles Reduces Poverty
Circles is about building intentional relationships across income lines. While middle-income and high-income families enjoy networks of support through their jobs, schools, and neighborhoods, families living in poverty rarely develop such contacts. Many who live in poverty are hardworking and motivated. When a circle of support forms around them, advice is offered, contacts are shared, and the fears that keep people in poverty start to disappear.
Circles Changes Communities
In Circles, volunteers and participants grow and learn together. While participants navigate their way toward economic stability, volunteers get an in-depth education on the culture of poverty and a new perspective of their community. At monthly meetings, city leaders, business owners, and other community members are invited in so the community can work together to identify, discuss, and often resolve barriers that keep people in poverty. By changing the mindset toward poverty, systems can be transformed from poverty management to poverty reduction.
Circles is Working
Communities across the nation are using Circles because the results are so encouraging. After 18 months, those in the program achieve an average 71% increase in their income, and they experience an increase in the number of people they can call on for support. Communities have also seen changes at the system level, revising unjust eviction policies, fighting predatory loan practices, and engaging in advocacy efforts to mitigate the Cliff Effect. Circles has a real, proven impact.
GET INVOLVED
BECOME A CIRCLE LEADER
Do you feel stuck? Do you want a better job? Are you tired of living paycheck-to-paycheck? Do you want to improve yourself and achieve your goals?
Circles helps families become stable with a unique approach. Participants are called Circle Leaders and receive training on finances, employment, health, goal setting, and communication skills. As a Circle Leader, you will be matched with 2-3 Allies who are there to support you in your journey out of poverty. Getting out of poverty is easier when you have a circle of support!
BECOME AN ALLY
Volunteer to walk alongside an individual or family as their friend and Ally as they set goals, achieve their dreams, and work hard to move out of poverty!
Volunteers are called Allies and are the primary foundation of support for Circle Leaders. As an Ally, your job is to listen, ask questions, make suggestions, and be a true friend and supporter. You and 1-2 other Allies will help Circle Leaders use their unique gifts and skills to reach their goals, and Circle Leaders will help you better understand poverty in your community.
JOIN A RESOURCE TEAM
Share your skills, your talents, your connections, and your areas of expertise with those in our community who are working their way out of poverty!
Circles builds a strong infrastructure of Resource Teams run by dedicated and determined community volunteers who come together to support the Circle Leaders and Allies. Resource Teams focus on jobs, education, services, youth programming, and even preparing meals and are a great place to share your areas of expertise and passion with those in the Circles community.
Make an impact today
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Make an impact today *
Your contribution makes all the difference!
At Circles Reno County, we are deeply aware of the many organizations in our community that rely on the generosity of donors like you to continue their important work. Your past support has made a great impact on the work we do, and we are truly grateful for your commitment.
For over a decade, Circles has transformed the lives of working families living in poverty by providing the training and support system needed to develop new skills and resources on the journey toward financial stability. In essence, Circles creates opportunities for families to thrive.
As we approach the end of this year, we hope you will consider a gift to Circles. Your contribution helps us empower individuals and families in our community, leading to lasting change.
Thank you for your continued support.