Name of Affiliated Agency:

Larimer County Circles Initiative

Service

End to Poverty

Program(s) and description:

The Circles Initiative is part of a national grass roots movement to end poverty, one family at a time. The mission of the Circles campaign is to empower people from every economic class to solve poverty in their communities through individual transformation and community change. This approach partners community volunteers with families wanting to make the journey out of poverty. By fostering relationships across socioeconomic and ethnic lines, Circles provides a hand up towards self-sufficiency.

We serve . . .

Individuals and families who fall within 200% of the Federal Poverty guidelines and who are ready and able to move towards self-sufficiency.

Location and days/hours of service:

The Circles Meetings take place in the evenings to allow for community building. We meet at the Vineyard Church of the Rockies at 1201 Riverside Ave, Fort Collins.

Our meetings begin with a family style meal for all to enjoy. Volunteer childcare is provided and transportation if needed. After dinner, the meetings begin all directed at making progress towards the family's self-sufficiency goals.

Website:

www.circleslarimer.org

Contact information:

Cynthia Ryk, Circles Coordinator
970.482.4357
cynthia.ryk@eltcenter.org

Common volunteer opportunities:

Serve on the volunteer leadership team - Guiding Coalition which is responsible for the implementation of this community led model.

Donate a meal for 50 people; meetings held weekly

Become directly involved in making a difference in the lives of a family motivated to move out of poverty. - Ally is the name of the middle income or upper income volunteer.

Benefits we derive from participation in Interfaith Council:

This model is based on the spiritual tenants of building relationships of mutual respect and lending a hand to those less fortunate. Understanding how the greater community of Fort Collins is involved in solving the issues of poverty enhance the functioning of this initiative.