CirclesUSA Model for Eradicating Poverty

CirclesUSA Model for Eradicating Poverty Considered for Henderson County, NC

The Presbyterian Church (USA) has started a movement that calls on congregations to live out the church’s mission through bold and compassionate discipleship. Rooted in Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 25:31-46, this movement invites members to engage in three core pillars: building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism, and eradicating systemic poverty.

Trinity Presbyterian Church PC(USA) has chosen a model designed by CirclesUSA, as a tool for assaulting poverty in Henderson County, referred to as simply Circles. While recognizing the significance of traditional relief services, Trinity Presbyterian Church envisions reducing, even eliminating, systemic poverty, one family at a time. Rather than perpetuating ongoing dependency and, in certain instances, facilitating poverty, Circles presents a path to a better life for families motivated to undertake the necessary work with the support of intentional friendships of others. This model also calls for engagement with social service agencies, other faith-based organizations, community groups, and civic organizations.

These community partners are requested to contribute to the CirclesUSA start-up costs and to recruit volunteers for the program. Church and community volunteers will not serve as mentors but rather as ‘Circle Allies,’ or intentional friends. These volunteers receive training to enhance their understanding of poverty and acquire strategies to support the adults striving to escape poverty, thus increasing their ‘Poverty IQ’.

Individuals seeking to leave poverty are designated as ‘Circle Leaders’. The term ‘Circle Leader’ acknowledges that each person is capable of charting their own course and is actively pursuing a path leading to a more dignified and reasonable level of prosperity. Circle Leaders undergo a comprehensive 12-week training program led by a Circles Coach, a staff professional skilled in imparting essential skills for their progress, thus increasing their ‘Prosperity IQ’. Upon completion, these groups convene weekly Circles meetings which take place around a shared meal, with child care provided, providing a nurturing environment for Circle Allies and Circle Leaders to collaborate on plans for success.

Additionally, volunteers staff resource teams to facilitate access to community human services and address systemic barriers identified as obstacles to progress. Trinity Presbyterian Church partners with Community Action Opportunities, a government agency mandated to assist families in escaping poverty through a self-sufficiency program known as Life Works. This agency professional assumes the role of Circles Coach on a part-time basis.

The target population of this initiative are Henderson County residents reliant on public assistance whose household incomes fall within federal poverty guidelines. Successful participants are those motivated to achieve economic stability as a result of engaging with the Circles community. Individuals experiencing homelessness, struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, criminal activity, or mental health challenges must be in recovery for a minimum of six months prior to participating; otherwise, they will be referred to other appropriate community services.

Community faith and civic organizations are called on to contribute funding and volunteers.

CirclesUSA requires $10k for start-up services, and fifteen to twenty volunteers will be needed to support five Circles. The initial budget of $105,220 will be funded approximately 1/3 through Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1/3 through community partners and grants, and 1/3 in-kind support of paid agency staff. During the startup phase, Trinity Presbyterian Church will match gifts up to a cap of $5k.

For more information or to find out how to get started, contact Paul Hugger at 336.902.6611 or email paulhugger@gmail.com 

Paul says,

“You can be the change you want to see in the world.”