Matched Circles
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Click on above photos for their stories.
Who Makes a Matched Circle?
A Circle of Support consists of two or three volunteers called Allies who are matched with a Participant, either an individual or family who is living in poverty.
Allies
An Ally can be anyone, with any level of resources, who wants to share their time, talents, and support to program Participants. After completing a mandatory Ally Training Track, an Ally teams up with other Allies to form a Circle of Support with a Participant.
Participants
A Participant can be an individual or a family who has decided to take necessary steps to end the isolation created by poverty. Participants go through an official intake process and need to meet the program requirements. Participants must complete a Participant Training Track as part of their enrollment.
What are the Roles of Circle of Support Participants and Allies?
Allies and Participants learn from each other and enrich each other’s lives as equal members of a team.
How Matched Circles of Support Work
Circles of Support brings individuals together several times a month, creating opportunities for families in poverty to break the cycle of isolation.
Ally Support Group Meetings (for Matched Circle Relationships only)
Allies meet on the first Monday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Peace Church, to support, encourage, and network with each other. These meetings allow Allies to talk candidly about their roles and how to be more effective.
Participant Support Group Meeting (for Matched Circle Relationships only)
Participants meet on the first Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Peace Church, to support, encourage, and network with each other. These meetings allow Participants to share ideas about how they can give back to the community, creating social equity where all can benefit.
Circle Meetings (for Matched Circle Relationships only)
Once a month, Participants and their Allies come together to discuss goals, brainstorm strategies to overcome existing personal barriers, and set realistic goals that can be achieved before the next meeting. The Circle belongs to Participants and their Allies, and each Circle takes on its own personality. They share their direction and progress through monthly updates.
Circles of Support (Advocate Program Coordination)
The Coordinator is someone who guides each Circle during its infancy and then lets it go to become its own independent Circle. The coordinator remains a part of the Circle, remotely offering resources to provide ongoing support, information, and any necessary referrals.
