Circles USA

 Purpose

Circles USA is a program designed to connect people in poverty to a circle of diverse personal supporters who will equip them to improve their own situation. Circles intends to connect the poor to the economic opportunity, meaning, and friends necessary to thrive.

 Pricing Summary (subject to change)

Startup costs: National Membership Dues = $10,000 for year one (includes licensing, branding, materials, data system, extra coaching for startup process, etc.). Every subsequent year = $5,000 for continued access and 6 coaching calls per year.

Cost for 10 participants: none (other than facility cost). Consider the cost of 2-3 staff members who could be reallocated or hired, or if you have champion volunteers ready to fill these positions.

 Perspective

The creators of Circles reveal this perspective on their website: “Poverty is more than a lack of material wealth. Relying on government assistance can be dehumanizing. Adults who cannot provide for themselves and their families report feelings of isolation, shame, and depression. But when people achieve financial security, they experience a surge of pride and confidence. Often, they say they have regained their dignity, their value, and their humanity.”

Circles’ approach puts the person to be helped in the driver’s seat – referring to them as “Circle Leaders” and their supporters as “allies.”

Circles identifies as a nonpartisan solution for people in poverty that respects both systemic obstacles emphasized by the political left as well as the role of personal responsibility emphasized by the right. Circles also supports a general public policy platform, including elements like addressing the welfare cliff, accessible transportation, access to affordable housing.

 Structure

Circles is generally structured as a once-a-week meeting of 2+ hours, for 18 months.

Participants are paired with two or more “allies.” Allies are volunteers who help participants through the process and provide guidance and encouragement as leaders pursue their own goals for education, employment, or other areas of growth. Circles USA also provides an extensive training program for these allies to challenge negative stereotypes of poverty and equip them for confident engagement.

The first phase is an intensive “leader training” course, where participants are equipped to set their own goals through a 12-week curriculum and workbook.

After the leadership training, participants cycle through multiple classes, with support from their allies in identifying and achieving their own goals.

 Best For

This program is optimized for people who are motivated to move out of poverty. Participants need some level of personal stability – such as a place to live, transportation, and no out-of-control addictions.

According to the creators: "Circles USA is not a faith-based program. It is intended for any community group, government agency, or nonprofit organization that seeks to reduce poverty. Yet, faith-based organizations do use the Circles model as a way to give their members an opportunity to work with their community.” Consequently, this program could work for a church or nonprofit.

 Evidence That It Works

Circles does an excellent job reporting the results of their program. In their annual program evaluation from 2019, they show that participating clients boosted their income by an average of 72% after 18 months. Full-time employment also increases by 50%, significant improvements in education (degrees and certifications), meaningful social connections, stable housing, and reliable transportation. Circles was pioneered in the 1990’s and currently has over 80 local chapters.

 Cost and Resources

This is a resource-intensive program. The primary recurring cost is the annual licensing fee, which provides you with access to the Circles curriculum and assistance in setting up your chapter. ($10,000 for first year, then $5,000 for subsequent years).

Circles estimates that 35-45 volunteers are typically needed, depending on the size of the program. One staff member can reasonably manage 10-20 Circle Leaders.

 How to order:

 What We Love

Circles is a comprehensive program with a proven track record of empowering people out of poverty. It can handle clients with a wide range of issues and equips them with the tools to solve their own problems.

 Considerations

This is a very resource-intensive program that will likely require at least one full time staff member to make it a success.

Links Reviewed 6/24/24