The Circles Model
Circles® Muskoka is a community collaborative committed to the reduction of poverty by harnessing the power of relationship.
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.
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.
The Three Pillars
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Getting Ahead
This is a 12-15 week initiative for individuals self-identifying as experiencing poverty. The course is designed to help ‘investigators’ gain ownership of their lives, develop a greater understanding of their situation and poverty in the community, and to create a future story for themselves. Some Getting Ahead graduates may transition into Circles®.
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Bridges out of Poverty
Bridges Out of Poverty is a workshop designed for community individuals, educators, leaders and volunteers. Participants gain an understanding of the strengths and challenges of people living in poverty, the hidden cues and codes of different income groups in society, and the realities of poverty. Participants have the option of volunteering as an ally in Circles®.
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Circles
This is a practical initiative where individuals and families who self identify as experiencing poverty meet weekly, share a meal and build relationships with Allies. A ‘matched circle’ consisting of a Circle Leader and two to four Allies works to build intentional, reciprocal relationships. Together they implement their plan of change, expand opportunities and work to remove community barriers.
