Financial Independence for All! A national program that brings people of diverse incomes together to help low-income individuals and families achieve their financial goals - Now serving residents of Van Buren County through We Care!

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What is Circles?

We Care Community Resource Center, with support from United Way of Southwest Michigan and the South Haven Community Foundation, has brought a unique poverty-reduction initiative, Circles, to Van Buren County. It is based on building intentional friendships across income lines.

Circles is a national program that brings people of diverse incomes together in an effort to help low-income individuals and families achieve their financial goals. In Circles, volunteers, organizations and businesses come together to create an environment that educates, empowers and equips families to successfully work their way out of poverty. We Care Community Resource Center has brought this unique tool to reduce poverty in Van Buren County by leveraging the strong sense of community and volunteerism that already exists in our community.

Why Circles?

Circles USA, a national nonprofit based in Albuquerque, N.M., began developing the program 20 years ago but officially launched it under the Circles name in 2008. Since then, Circles has helped thousands of families in dozens of states. The Circles USA model is currently being utilized in more than 70 locations. What sets the Circles program apart from other poverty-reduction programs is its focus on building social capital. In Circles, those living in poverty find peers who are hardworking and motivated to become financially stable. And this peer support is supplemented with encouragement from middle- and upper-income volunteers who are eager to come alongside them and the barriers that keep people in poverty start to disappear. Circles also leverages resources in the community to move a family out of poverty and off public assistance. Every Circles location has volunteer teams that link people to jobs, educational programs and host community leaders to remove obstacles that keep people in poverty.

What is a Circle Leader?

Circle Leaders are low-income individuals that set their own goals and drive their circle of change. They are hardworking members of the community who are motivated to change their life. They meet weekly with their Allies and take steps to achieve their goals. Some common goals of Circle Leaders are:

Getting a job
Reliable transportation
Housing Starting a business
Budgeting/saving
GED
Getting a drivers license
Education

If you or someone you know is interested in joining Circles to achieve financial independence, contact Doug at the We Care office.

What is an Ally?

Circle Allies are volunteers who believe Circle Leaders can change their lives and achieve their goals. Circle Allies make a commitment to encourage Circle Leaders. The best Allies are:

Positive
Patient
Good listeners
Willing to learn about the struggles of low-income families and individuals.

Does this sound like you? Contact Doug to fill out an application to become a Circles Ally!

What happens at Circles Groups?

Each week, Circle Leaders meet with Circle Allies to work on their goals, connect with resources available and learn skills that will help them achieve their goals. The weekly meeting begins with a FREE meal followed by a focused session around the theme for that particular month. These include financial literacy, professional development, healthy relationships and transportation. Free child-care is provided, and all programing and meals are free of charge due to the support of United Way of Southwest Michigan, the South Haven Community Foundation and We Care.