Have you ever wondered if you could do something to help those in poverty that would help get them out and to thrive? You can make a difference. Circles RVA does this one person at a time in a small group, but over time those small groups of one person with allies builds up as more and more become financially stable and are able to thrive.

Circles RVA has been in Richmond since 2017. It is part of Circles USA, which was developed after over 20 years of research into poverty. Their model was developed after learning that social service agencies was effective in providing long term solutions for only a small proportion of those in poverty. They saw that placing the responsibility for making goals, making them in steps that could be measured in the hands of each poor person within 18 months a huge difference could be made.

Circles RVA is starting a new cohort and looking for people in poverty to be trained to be Leaders in their journey to escape poverty and to build a better life for themselves and their loved ones. They are taught about becoming leaders, financial management and setting goals to make it possible to attain their dreams. We are also looking for Allies to join them in an intentional relationship in this journey. In this Allies are many things: someone to listen to them, to help them with problems, if possible, or to help them find help for a problem, mentor may be a small part.

Circles meets every Tuesday from 6-8pm at Grace and Holy Trinity Church, between Sacred Heart Cathedral and The Altria Theater on Laurel St. We have a dinner and then time for the Circles to get together or programming of some sort. We also get together outside of our regular times. For more information see Verna Boos or talk to Chris Olsen Vickers, a former ally. Check out www.CirclesRVA.org for more information on how you can help and to learn about previous cohorts.