Today a community of families came together together to celebrate a graduation: 14 Circles Leaders (low-income heads of households) completed a 14-week training course as part of the Circles program. The training included courses on a variety of topics, including financial planning, social skills, and goal setting.
So what is Circles?
Circles is a Friends In Deed program that brings together people living in poverty (Leaders) with middle-to-high-income volunteers (Allies) for 18 months of programming. Through education, support and networking, each Leader/Ally relationship helps a low-income family lift itself out of poverty. Circles also includes a Children’s program and weekly dinners.
During the graduation ceremony, Leaders were given the opportunity to share why they joined circles, how the past 14 weeks benefited them, and their goals for the future. Below are a few quotes from the evening.
Cabria
“ I joined [Circles] for a better future for my family.”
“ I learned that I have a passion for education, especially kids with disabilities.”
Carolyn
“ Circles has been a phenomenal thing in my life.”
Shaniqwa
“I feel I can take on new opportunities in my life.”
“I see myself earning an associates degree in environmental science.”
Circles is always looking for Volunteers. Go to their website at https://www.friendsindeedmi.org/circles/ to sign up today!