https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/home daily 1.0 2026-03-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1634589179212-IVEOHTCBK9KR4AWH8PH1/CirclesMuskoka-BecomeALeader.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1634589207541-1ZMDZA571D01NCSLXM9E/CirclesMuskoka-Allies.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1634210706717-9PU74R72GL3BUL0N0CTK/Circles+Muskoka+Meeting Home - How It Works 1. Join the Community Participants and volunteers meet weekly in a safe, welcoming environment built on respect and trust to share a meal and connect. 2. Build Meaningful Connections Members form supportive relationships with peers, volunteers, and staff who walk alongside one another. 3. Work Toward Your Goals With encouragement and community support, members work toward greater stability and opportunity. https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/the-circles-model daily 0.75 2026-03-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1634175240229-7NF4Z3QX6D5WYXDMG613/Getting+Ahead+Logo-3+Pillars.jpg The Circles Model https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1634175261733-CJO99Z8ZQYQ5XJ7DO6UZ/Bridges+Out+Of+Poverty+Logo-3+Pillars.jpg The Circles Model https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1634176299158-TWLE1ZUR0P9OU3OJ73M4/Circles+Muskoka+Logo-3+Pillars.jpg The Circles Model https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/35166a73-3a10-40ff-abd9-95889ff4fead/Background-Forest2.jpg The Circles Model https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1634178138237-E4HVUXZC7XQKSVLF952F/CirclesMuskoka-Circle3.jpg The Circles Model - What is Circles? Circles® is a proven and innovative way of connecting people across socioeconomic lines in an effort to move individuals and families out of poverty. It is uniquely designed to help low-income individuals expand their social capital while bringing people together in solidarity to reduce barriers in the community that prevent Circle Leaders from moving forward. Circles® matches individuals and families who self-identify as experiencing poverty and who have attended Circle Leader Orientation or the Getting Ahead program with community volunteers who have attended Bridges Out of Poverty training. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/9282f247-fcec-43a2-8980-a344dbf1c2fc/The+Circles+Model The Circles Model - How It Works A Circle is made up of a Circle Leader (individual or family navigating financial challenges) and Circle Allies (stable income volunteers) who work together in support of the Circle Leaders goals for stability. Circles supports Circle Leaders as they work toward their goals. Through weekly gatherings, volunteers, staff support, and connections to community resources, the pieces needed for stability begin to come together. When these elements align, a “Matched Circle” forms, creating a strong support network where Circle Leaders can grow, build relationships, and move toward their goals. https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/contact daily 0.75 2022-12-08 https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/donate daily 0.75 2021-12-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1635543370941-XBSYXSO08V5BDO3C6T49/CirclesMuskoka-FoodTeam.jpg Donate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1635544446566-SGTLNXHTM7344O6ANIEY/CirclesMuskoka-Gravenhurst.jpg Donate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1635544784340-D6CEJVI54XH5IPQ9T9RP/CirclesMuskoka-BackpackDonation.jpg Donate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1635541538993-LHRBEX0IG9W4VVWVESDA/CirclesMuskoka-Donations.jpg Donate - How Donations Help A Leader and her young son were able to focus on debt reduction and paying bills on time because of grocery vouchers. A Leader, still in university and studying hard to become a Social Service provider, is not worried about their son's sleep anymore thanks to donated money that helped to purchase a new mattress. A Leader got an entire living room's worth of furniture donated by a family. A family was able to come up with first and last month’s rent to help them move out of an unsafe apartment. https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/our-team daily 0.75 2025-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1634417006958-QEXP7YXTVPPHU20H2UL0/JustinRicharson.jpg Our Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/e53f78be-3a8c-4f6c-8248-e7ba9b4d8b52/Gillian-Thomas.png Our Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/88ae507e-782e-4d1e-97e4-4ae3bb4c684a/hannah-king.jpeg Our Team https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/resources daily 0.75 2021-12-16 https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/become-an-ally daily 0.75 2026-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg Become an Ally https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg Become an Ally https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/7d413f24-61fe-4e33-a44e-1c57ba673a1b/Background-Forest3.jpg Become an Ally https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/fef9a83f-bbd4-4c22-a9b7-69216e9c88ac/CirclesMuskoka_Baby.jpg Become an Ally - Allies Change Lives The friendship of an Ally makes a real difference to Circle Leaders and their families. Allies are a reliable source of encouragement and support for Circle Leaders as they follow a plan towards self-sufficiency. As an Ally, you will be in contact with your Circle Leader on an ongoing basis and together you will attend progress checks and meetings with the broader Circles® community. Allies come from all walks of life and find the role very rewarding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/6e7d5a4f-5b8b-4971-b34f-7f8887d66e03/CirclesSouthMuskoka-FamilyFunNight.jpg Become an Ally - “Participating in Circles® has been a meaningful learning experience. I have learned about the challenges our leaders face and the difficulties and biases encountered when trying to navigate a path forward.” — Circles® Muskoka Ally https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/bridges-out-of-poverty daily 0.75 2026-03-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/a3e451aa-5259-462d-a7a3-17739ab4e0fe/CirclesMuskoka-Bridges_Presentation2.jpg Bridges Out of Poverty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/b2b8b9da-c245-4843-85c3-ba0b7c351607/CirclesMuskoka-Bridges_presentation.jpg Bridges Out of Poverty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/9e9d4b50-a75f-49a1-8ce7-0cd990f5b4f6/BOP+General.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1634591726998-FPS1ZT0B2EY7ECEUYGCX/CirclesMuskoka-BridgesWorkshop3.jpg Bridges Out of Poverty - Designed for Community Bridges Out of Poverty is a comprehensive approach to understanding the dynamics that cause and maintain poverty from the individual to the systemic level. Bridges Out of Poverty can be delivered in a variety of ways: one-day workshops and 4-hour presentations, all adaptable to suit different needs. For upcoming workshops and more information email Hannah King. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/85706a67-9567-4f95-aa24-f88c1f415eb8/Aha+Process+Logo Bridges Out of Poverty - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1634409309767-TMBEHN9HYUMOMT8CNVQH/CirclesMuskoka-BridgesLogo.png Bridges Out of Poverty - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/our-contributors daily 0.75 2025-06-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/63c94e4c-6acd-431e-8876-aef6d0f58176/CirclesPartner-UnitedWay.png Our Contributors United Way Simcoe Muskoka https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/71265785-ef3e-401e-86c0-ea32d370b5ae/CirclesPartner-RAMP.png Our Contributors RAMP Up Muskoka https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/c966613e-18ef-45c6-af8a-d03d3c8c8acf/CirclesPartner-GAP.png Our Contributors Gravenhurst Against Poverty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1634590754713-XU7TB1Z02JBXVWDE2PSE/CirclesPartner-WestsideFishAndChips.jpg Our Contributors - Community Support Although led by YWCA Muskoka, Circles® has a number of contributors who support in a variety of ways. These include our funders, local service groups, faith-based organizations, businesses and community members donating in areas such as: Space for all three pillars: Circles®, Bridges Out of Poverty and Getting Ahead Food for our investigators and Circles® community from local restaurants and community groups Time on our advisory groups for North and South Circles Monetary donations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/378d1bdb-7dae-46e2-979f-b5328c4ed1b5/YWCAMuskokaLogoBlueTransparent-2016.png Our Contributors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/become-a-circle-leader daily 0.75 2026-03-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/23563189-baa2-44e5-9294-d66e13e39fd3/unnamed.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1634405818204-B33EILHZC18KNPLSNSRL/CirclesMuskoka-LeaderAndAllies.jpg Become a Circle Leader - “I have hope now” https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/getting-ahead daily 0.75 2026-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/3dcceb0c-b7f0-4223-8292-38bd09d0aab1/CirclesMuskoka-GettingAheadMeet.jpg Getting Ahead https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/0973693d-5e62-441e-92e7-281ea8e32da8/CirclesMuskoka-Gettingahead_couchtalk.jpg Getting Ahead https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/0a6bdb1e-bf5b-470a-8748-1ee7c33d9d05/2025+Getting+Ahead+Across+Muskoka++%28Instagram+Post+%2845%29.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1634403882556-JRT1AMV9QX8X25LYX0DT/CirclesMuskoka-GettingAheadLogo.png Getting Ahead https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/d045f9f6-9441-4356-8ae5-f863e2f6e223/aha_process_logo.png Getting Ahead - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/fe015b37-c8b8-4a2e-8fb3-840acbf35a3d/District+Of+Muskoka+Logo Getting Ahead - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/479c0e28-741c-461a-920c-38dbb3a85381/united-way.jpg Getting Ahead https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/podcast daily 0.75 2022-06-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/fa8b6d07-b9ec-487d-8fbd-fc326b2159bd/WallsWithin_Cover_1080x1080.jpg Podcast - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/985db1e6-e149-47e8-a0e9-ba642fec43bb/spotify-badge.png Podcast - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/ad9f4bd3-d779-44c7-a240-789f731686bf/googlepodcasts-badge.png Podcast - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/0bf2c71b-581c-4a9a-a9fb-6bd66e74ccdc/applepodcasts-badge.png Podcast - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/2c10bb6c-c3ae-41fd-a352-3a44b9f11958/amazonmusic-badge.png Podcast - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/c0b01f08-9ea3-4919-a0f6-85b05d324775/stitcher-badge.png Podcast - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/f2d229b2-eb06-42e3-b3c4-420bd1e337bc/rss-badge.png Podcast - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1635605067697-JVD73R4GQ4EZLQAV7Q8A/CirclesMuskoka-WallsWithinPodcast2.jpg Podcast - Why A Podcast? This podcast features in-depth, personal and vulnerable stories of struggle, hope and overcoming obstacles. By centering the voices of those most impacted by the housing crisis, we hope to offer a perspective to the broader Muskoka community that is largely missing from the narrative. The decision to launch Walls Within followed discussions about the barriers that impede the path forward for Circle Leaders. Housing was the main topic of need that we as a community wished to address. Our goal is to help more people understand the scale and effect that the housing crisis is having on our community - a greater understanding that we hope will inspire action. https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/404 daily 0.75 2021-10-30 https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/other-volunteer-opportunities daily 0.75 2021-12-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/ec19a154-4365-4f31-a145-1d9a5f9a501c/CirclesChildcareProgram.jpg Other Volunteer Opportunities - Children’s Program As a Circles® childcare volunteer you get an opportunity to help participating children build positive, safe relationships across social and economic lines. Our volunteers help to plan and deliver programming that includes games, activities and crafts. The children are from both the allies’ and leaders’ families. There is also the option to join us for dinner with the whole Circles® community. To find out more, please contact us. Childcare volunteers often build lasting relationships with the children and their families, and are valued and respected members of our Circles® Team. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/614c939796eef663582e5a25/1635543370941-XBSYXSO08V5BDO3C6T49/CirclesMuskoka-FoodTeam.jpg Other Volunteer Opportunities - Food Teams Our food teams cook and serve meals to our Circles community. Each team is usually responsible for one meal per month. Food teams include from 5–8 members, with one lead volunteer who is the contact person for the program coordinator. The lead, in collaboration with the other members, decides on a menu, accounting for food allergies and sensitivities, and assigns roles to the members of their team. The team can use the kitchen facilities at the Circles site or prepare portions of the meal at home. Members of the food teams often join the us for our meal and are valued and respected members of the Circles Community. https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/leader-testimonial daily 0.75 2021-12-06 https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/financial-donations daily 0.75 2021-12-16 https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/privacy-policy daily 0.75 2021-12-22 https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/careers daily 0.75 2024-08-29 https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/bridges-out-of-poverty-resources daily 0.75 2024-03-04