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Circles of Support are not a way for the community to “take care of” the poor. Instead, they link community members from all classes, races, ages, genders and walks of life together to support individuals or families who want to make a positive change in their life.
Circles of Support strives to bring Duluth citizens together in a safe and supportive way in order to:
- Support and encourage citizens to befriend each other across class and race lines
- Break down the isolation that keeps us separated from one another
- Increase the community’s awareness of available resources and limitations
- Build community solutions to barriers that marginalized families face while living in poverty and developing an organized local commitment to improve the quality of life for all citizens
- Empower people to self-organize in order to interrupt the cycle of poverty
The emphasis of each Circle of Support is to build strong relationships, break down the misinformation people have about one another and make it possible for people having a difficult time to gather enough money, meaning and friends around them to thrive.
We all deserve:
Financial solvency - “Money”
Having enough money to live without having to choose one necessity over the other; like health coverage over utilities or utilities over food.
Educational development - “Meaning”
Having a good sense purpose in our lives of self and the ability to incorporate that sense of self into the many roles we play like husband, wife, mother, father, employer, employee.
Community involvement - “Friends”
Building friendships and relationships that offer both encouragement and support.
