How It Works

Circles Washtenaw County is part of a national network of over 70 Circles Chapters formed by Circles USA. The Circles model is based on building bridges of friendship and community to support individuals on their journey to economic stability. Our unique strategy also incorporates a combination of goal setting, financial education, career development and increased social capital to support the Circle Leaders with their goals.

1. Circle Leader candidates who are accepted into the program participate in a 14 week Circle Leader training. This training happens every Tuesday night at St. Luke Lutheran Church from 6-8pm. A meal and childcare is always provided.
2. Circle Allies participate in a two-part training. The first part is online and self-paced and the second portion is in person. Ally training focuses on increasing their Poverty IQ, with topics to illuminate systemic barriers, the correlation between poverty and race, gender, and trauma, and the differences between generational and situational poverty.
3. After successfully completing training, Circle Leaders and Allies are matched together and begin meeting weekly for social support, skill development, goal progress monitoring, and community building.
4. Once Leaders and Allies are matched, the program is an 18 month commitment. Meetings and meals continue on Tuesday evenings from 6-8pm.