Because of YOUR Generosity, Circles Has Grown! 

Meet Our Second Group: Circles Washtenaw County, Class of 2018 

Circles Washtenaw County started a second class of Circle Leaders in Summer 2018. This inspiring group completed their 15-week Circle Leader Training Class and then were matched with their Allies to begin the journey into self-sufficiency. Group #2 has 14 Leaders, including 3 married couples, along with 24 Allies and lots of kiddos! 

Circles Weekly Meal: The shared community meal on Tuesday evenings is critical to the success of our program. People break down barriers as they break bread together, getting to know each other’s families, struggles and triumphs. It is a natural way to build social capital—but it takes work to pull off. Thanks to generous donors and hundreds of committed volunteers, Circles Washtenaw County provides friendship and food to over 90 people every week, including Circle Leader families, Allies, volunteers, staff, and all of our children.

Success Stories from Our First Group of Circle Leaders 

Circles supports
people in becoming employed to earn enough income to achieve economic stability. 
The Primary indicator of progress in Circles is an increase in earned income. 

Aleishia ~ received FOUR raises and a major promotion to become the head of payroll at her company. She is on track to accomplish her dream…purchasing her own home. 

Bird ~ updated her digital communication skills at a community college and now has a full time job in the publishing field. Bird had previously been laid off and struggled for several years to find full-time professional work. She now chairs the Big View team and plans to come back as an Ally. 

Kia ~ completed her Certified Nursing Assistant certification and recently achieved a $15/hour job with benefits at a healthcare company that will pay her tuition for continuing education in the nursing field. She makes public presentations about Circles and also serves on our Big View team. 

We have a LOT to celebrate. Our first class that started in July of 2017 is making substantial progress: of the eight Leaders remaining in the program, 100% are employed, with four working full time, three working part-time, and one on contract!