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We’re thrilled to announce the return of Circles USA’s breakout podcast series The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community !  Join Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander, Executive Director Kamatara Johnson, and a cohort of poverty alleviation guest experts as we launch a fresh round of smart, dynamic dialogues on the issues central to Circles USA Big View teamwork nationwide. At Circles, we believe that everyone can make a meaningful impact—and everyone has a role to play in the journey to reduce poverty. The first season of The Big View pod unpacked the five stages our participants encounter on this journey: Crisis Intervention, Stabilization, Readiness, Placement and Advancement. In Season 2: The Big View Mindset , our team explores how intentional mindsets and values can inspire lasting systemic change and fuel our movement to eradicate poverty. We’ll offer a deep dive into the transformative mindset and culture that drive Circles USA’s Big View approach, touching on topics at the heart of our relationship-based model for building community to end poverty. New episodes will address: centering those closest to the challenge; values-based organizing; relational relationships; narrative change; empathic intelligence; appreciative inquiry; generative dialogue;  …and much, much more! Tune in to this season of The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community and join our journey to move communities from surviving to thriving. Sneak Peek! S2 E1: Centering Those Closest to the Challenge Circles USA’s Executive Director Kamatara Johnson, Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander, and special guest Patty Herndon (Big View Chair and Circle Leader from Circles Davis County, UT) explore the critical importance of centering those most impacted by the challenges of poverty. Together, they discuss how elevating lived experiences and amplifying the perspectives of strategically undervalued individuals can drive meaningful systems change, creating a more equitable and effective path of upward mobility for your community. Learn more about Circles USA  at https://circlesusa.org .  Interested in starting a Circles chapter in your community? Learn more and assess your community readiness at https://circlesusa.org/start-circles .  Need to catch up on Season One of The Big View? Find all episodes of The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community at https://circlesusa.org/podcast . Follow us! Facebook | Instagram | Youtube | LinkedIn | Twitter | Bluesky

Circles USA is proud to announce our emerging partnership with The Prosperity Agenda , a nonprofit dedicated to equipping human services agencies with participant-centered practices. The agency’s new Family-Centered Prosperity Project (aka The Prosperity Project) promises to advance families through innovative prosperity coaching and peer support models. This transformative project, funded by a generous $550,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, will span two years and be piloted in Jackson, MS, building resilient and community-driven financial well-being strategies. Circles USA will serve as the subject matter expert in developing the initiative’s Prosperity Networks: peer support groups where families can share experiences, gain insights, and build financial resilience. Executive Director Kamatara Johnson emphasizes the importance of peer support  in building social capital . “The relationships in Circles  cultivate qualities like autonomy and belonging, a sense of inherent worth and hope in our participants.” Circles USA brings 25+ years of expertise in leveraging peer support as a powerful tool  for breaking the cycle of poverty: “When families come together in community to share experiences and strategies, they build confidence, resilience, connections, and a sense of belonging that is crucial for economic mobility and long-term success.” This new alliance formalizes a long-standing relationship between Circles USA and The Prosperity Agenda, two organizations with a shared aim of building community to end poverty. Diana Dollar (founder and former ED of The Prosperity Agenda) spoke at CUSA's 2019 Leadership Conference  in Greenville, SC, where the agency offered a session on their money mindset cards  and other toolkits to support healthy economic mobility. And powerhouse trainer Franceria Moore presented at our 2021 virtual Leadership Conference , sharing tips on the coaching mindset that upleveled a portion of our own quarterly Virtual Immersive Training for new Circles staff and champions.  Diana Dollar, Fouding ED of The Prosperity Project at CUSA's 2019 Leadership Conference Circles USA’s Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander and pilot coach Sarah Thornburg will join a Family-Centered Coaching training cohort in March, where they’ll learn best practices for incorporating coaching mindsets and tools in our curriculum upgrade this year...and even work towards more robust onboarding and training for Circles Coaches. Sarah will be considering how new Circles Chapters can dovetail with Family Centered Coaching organizations.  At a time when social service agencies are facing financial uncertainty, The Prosperity Agenda is introducing a model that strengthens families and communities without relying on government funding. “Our approach leverages Family-Centered Coaching (FCC)  and Social Capital through Prosperity Networks, making coaching and peer support accessible, sustainable, and resilient to economic downturns,” says Jomaris DeJesus, current ED of The Prosperity Agenda. “By shifting the focus to the strengths of families and their communities, we ensure that meaningful support is available, regardless of external funding challenges.” The Family-Centered Prosperity Project aims to expand on the framework of Family-Centered Coaching , equipping practitioners with tools to have financial conversations with program participants that center their values—a component often missing in traditional financial education frameworks in human services, which tend to focus on technical  financial skills rather than human-centered ones. The framework will also include Prosperity Pathways, a holistic toolkit that recognizes the complex realities families navigate and helps case managers support career conversations in a way that honors individual values and goals. Finally, the Project’s fledgling Prosperity Networks will be measured with a Social Capital Index—specially designed with common prosperity barriers in mind—to measure and strengthen the relational networks that contribute to financial well-being. The Family-Centered Prosperity Project represents a groundbreaking shift in financial empowerment strategies, focusing on people-driven solutions that can endure financial downturns. The Prosperity Agenda and Circles USA are committed to driving systemic change that prioritizes community-based solutions, ensuring that families have the resources, knowledge, and support needed to thrive. “At the heart of this initiative is the recognition that financial well-being is deeply personal and rooted in the values of each family,” said DeJesus. “By centering those values in financial coaching and support, we create systems that uplift families in meaningful, lasting ways.”

Part 1  of this series provided an overview of President Trump’s economic policy platform for easy reference. In Part 2 of this series, we’ll share stories and best practices of Circles USA chapters working to hold local, state, and national elected officials accountable for fulfilling their economic promises to voters. This series started out as a straightforward reference guide of the kind we always publish when the U.S. presidential administration changes. We seek to understand who is now in office, what they are promoting, and how we might come to find common ground together. Part 2, however, needs to go a bit deeper than our usual “hold our elected officials accountable to their economic promises to voters.” This is primarily because our current state of political tilt-a-whirl has fostered a level of chaos and division that runs contrary to CUSA’s core values of community-building, empathy, and focused effort to support the most vulnerable people in our country. As I hold the vision for Circles USA at this moment, I feel compelled to offer a clear message of calm , connection , and care  as we remain committed to bringing people together across the nation. This is the time to do what Circles does best: be the place where we come together as diverse individuals to support each other to thrive as a community. We must stay focused on our two goals: to come alongside those who are leaving poverty behind permanently and to remove the barriers that keep people in poverty. Regardless of gender, zip code, race, bank accounts, political beliefs, or how one prays, we must  keep the conversation going and stay focused on upholding basic democratic processes that benefit the vast majority. To do this, keeping open lines of communication with representatives of both political parties is critical. Whether we’re Black or White, Asian or Latino, Native or diaspora, from the city, the country, or the ‘burbs, we need the same things: to live authentically meaningful lives, to thrive as we work and play in communities where we feel we belong. We need to engage the phantom workforce : those for whom meaningful employment is a viable option but who, for a variety of reasons, are either unemployed or underemployed. Yet, despite these commonalities, a wealth of data tells us that economic and social opportunity is not distributed equally  in America. The most powerful definition of poverty that I’ve ever heard from someone with lived experience is this: poverty is proof that the system was not made for me. It behooves us all to communicate these opportunity gaps to our elected officials, the people directly responsible for making sure systems serve the many and not just the few.  This raises the question: How does the system need to evolve so that all  people—not just the ones recognized as fully human, fully “worthy” of citizenship by the nation’s founders centuries ago—have access to a 21st century American Dream? How might our communities across the nation tackle the real, contemporary issues that propagate poverty? The most important answer is that we do it together. Whether we do it imperfectly, uncomfortably, or unable to see further in the dark than a step or two ahead of us, matters little. We have to keep the conversations and connections that animate our democracy going. Sharing space equitably with people different from us is foundational to this process. As such, it’s a foundational principle for Circles USA and our partners. At Circles, we know that systems change  is people change, and people change is all about growing relationships over time. We get to know our community members deeply, see each other as individual human beings, and that’s where we find common ground and foster the connections that “build community to end poverty.” With this strength of understanding, we naturally come to community-driven solutions that benefit our neighbors and ourselves. We co-create thriving communities and thriving families where employers and employees win, community organizations flourish, and the barriers that keep people in poverty fall away. While elected officials may be defeated or replaced every two to four years, we and our neighbors are here to stay. So folks in office more than benefit from the constant presence of community members in deep, long-term relationship with one another—they need  our collective knowledge to serve our basic needs. Childcare, housing, transportation, a solid job, a good income with benefits, healthy food, medical care, and community connections. Why have these topics become so highly politicized, branded as the purview of one side of the aisle or the other? What environment is this creating for our children, who have struggled to survive poverty, a pandemic, and normalization of school shootings; and who are just, perhaps, beginning to imagine a future world for their dreams—only to experience a country where people are not allowed to be who they are or appeal to our elected leaders for the support every human deserves? What I especially appreciate about Circles, which sustains sites in almost 80 communities across 27 states, is that our local chapters turn into lifeboats in times of local and national crisis. Circles is the safe place for people to come together, to stay connected even across profound difference, and to have the hard conversations that move us forward together.  Matched Circle Meeting at Circles Salt Lake No matter what is happening out in the world, Circles USA maintains our:  Nonpartisan stance , bringing diverse people together for community-driven solutions. Community Building , creating a safe, inclusive space for meaningful connections. Equanimity  in Action , listening deeply, responding thoughtfully. Mission-Driven Focus , serving with excellence, care, and commitment. Collective Boundaries , honoring whole communities’ well-being and individuals’ self-care. In line with these values, we recommend that all people get to know their representatives. And not just federal representatives. How about state, county, and city? Who are they, what are they about, what promises have they made, and how might that impact you and your family?  For example, you might be surprised how much the county commissioner  impacts your life. A short list of their areas of oversight includes: roads and infrastructure; public safety like law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency services; taxes and budgeting how money gets spent on schools, libraries, and parks; land use and zoning which impacts property values, local business, and neighborhood growth; health and human services for vulnerable populations; water, public waste management, and sanitation; and—perhaps most crucially—elections and voting! When I was a teacher sponsor for Youth and Government, a YMCA program for high school students to experience the process of government, we had T-shirts that said DEMOCRACY IS NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT. How many of us are arm-chair quarterbacks now, or only rooting for “our team” to the detriment of all others, including our own neighbors, co-workers, and friends? When politics is treated like a zero sum game rather than a collaboration, we all lose, beginning with our sense of basic humanity. When we see each other as individuals who deserve dignity and respect, access to infrastructure, gainful employment, and a healthy life, then we take our democracy more seriously and have the grace to solve problems instead of creating more.  In fact, this was the original meaning of the term “American Dream.” As Smithsonian Magazine wrote in 2018 , it was coined “not [as] a dream of individual wealth,” but “a dream of equality, justice and democracy for the nation. The phrase was repurposed by each generation, until the Cold War, when it became an argument for a consumer capitalist version of democracy. Our ideas about the ‘American Dream’ froze in the 1950s.” Circles USA uplifts the original meaning, which values prosperity but does not leave any group behind in pursuit of it. So the next question is: How can we connect with our leaders and representatives to help make this dream a reality? This is where Circles really shines! Our chapters across the nation invite policy makers and community leaders to serve dinner at their weekly meetings, connect with their constituents directly, and hold the space for deep listening and relationship building. Connecting decision makers with people who have lived experiences of poverty and discrimination is potent; not only for the lawmakers, but for community members who now feel seen and heard. We all win when we are calm, connected, and caring for each other over meals and meaningful conversation. Elected official visiting a weekly meeting at Circles Davis County In 2025 and beyond, Circles USA encourages you to keep on reaching out, keep on learning, and keep on connecting with each other. Here are just a few ways to learn more about your policy makers: Find your federal, state, and local officials by your address HERE Prepare to meet your elected officials: All In Together: Women Leading Change offers a detailed guide  to effectively scheduling and prepping for meetings with elected officials. Connect with your Circles regional community of practice and Regional Coach  to learn more about policy makers and best practices for civic engagement in your area!

Welcome to our 2024 Impact Report, Moving Beyond . This year’s report—the culmination of months of in-depth research, interviews, data analysis and creative collaboration with partners nationwide—recounts a pivotal year in Circles USA’s history. We’re proud to share with you this wealth of fresh materials, including: A new introduction by Executive Director Kamatara Johnson, celebrating core Circles values amid 2024’s political tumult; Stories from five diverse and dynamic Lives Transformed honorees who embody the Circles spirit; Vibrant infographics showing updated Circles membership and chapter growth by demographic; News from the National Office about major staffing, systems, and curriculum upgrades to better serve our chapters; Partnership announcements including new collaborations with researchers and thought leaders, like Dr. Evie Trevino of Science of Hope and Jewish labor and civil rights advocates The Workers Circle;  Inspiring dispatches from our national Big View Team, from updated Policy Platform core issues and language to powerful new coalitions advocating for Cliff Effect relief…and much, much more. Circles USA comprises a dedicated (and ever-growing!) network of staff, volunteers, advisors, coaches, contributors, partners, and—above all—our brilliant national cohort of Circle Leaders. On behalf of this vibrant community of practice, welcome!  Please enjoy the 2024 Impact Report, Moving Beyond ; and be sure to stay connected via our blog , our Big View podcast , and our newly-revamped members portal at www.circlesusa.org .  Click the donate button now to celebrate 25 years of Circles with your monthly gift of $25 or more!

Pictured (L-R): Martin Luther King Jr., Madam C.J. Walker, Rosa Parks CIRCLES SALUTES BLACK HISTORY AND LABOR Circles USA is proud to mark our nation’s 49th annual Black History Month, a holiday whitehouse.gov  proclaims “an occasion to celebrate the contributions of so many black American patriots who have indelibly shaped our Nation’s history.” As public opinion on critical race theory , intersectionality , and “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” (DEI) programs becomes increasingly polarized, Circles USA reaffirms our commitment to racial equity as an essential component of the American Dream. We recognize that efforts to undermine these frameworks can contribute to the division of working-class communities, and we remain dedicated to fostering unity and economic opportunity for everyone. To this end, we welcome community-centered dialogues on race as a positive tool for bridging difference and building shared prosperity. Writer, teacher, and historian Emily Chiariello, author of “Mining the Jewel of Black History Month” , argues that Black History is a crucial part of any complete historical education for all Americans. “Before you write it off as multiculturalism 101,” Chiarello writes, “consider what you can learn about the relationship of race and culture to curriculum and pedagogy this February.”  That “ learning curve ,” Circles Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander reminds us, is as important outside  the classroom as inside of it. Kris affirms the value of ongoing cultural education in service of equity: “My time at Circles has deepened my understanding of the work needed to achieve true economic justice. This is particularly true for Black families who continue to experience systemic racism and oppression embedded in laws and policies over generations,” she says. “Bread for the World’s Racial Wealth Gap Experiential  powerfully illustrates the persistent discrimination that Black communities face.” Image courtesy of the National Museum of African American History and Culture 2025’s Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor," also aims to grow awareness of the interconnections between race and poverty by spotlighting the ways that "work and working of all kinds—free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary—intersect with the collective experiences of Black people." [ Source ] The Association for the Study of African American Life and History ’s website decrees: "Be it the traditional agricultural labor of enslaved Africans that fed Low Country colonies, debates among Black educators on the importance of vocational training, self-help strategies and entrepreneurship  in Black communities, or organized labor’s role in fighting both economic and social injustice, Black people’s work has been transformational throughout the U.S., Africa, and the Diaspora.” [ Source ] WAGE GAPS, DISCRIMINATION AND BLACK LABOR In 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics  published data showing that “[t]he number of Blacks in the labor force is projected to increase from 19.6 million in 2016 (12.3 percent of the 159.2 million total) to 21.6 million in 2026 (12.7 percent of 169.7 million total).” [ Source ]  Despite the growth of Black labor participation in the U.S., Black workers still receive lower wages than white workers in comparable roles. According to Stacy M. Brown’s 2025 study in the Washington Informer , “[t]he median income for Black households in 2023 was $56,490, compared with $84,630 for white households, a 33.3% gap, and an increase from the 31.6% gap in 2022.” [ Source ] Image courtesy of the National Museum of African American History and Culture “Progress in the fight for racial and economic justice—or lack thereof—has swung like a pendulum between those who want change and those who want to maintain the status quo,” writes Audra Wilson, CEO of the Shriver Center on Poverty Law . “Systemic racism in America is codified in treatises, statutes, and case law. Its consequences are clear: an enormous racial wealth gap , political disenfranchisement , and glaring disparities in health , education , employment , and housing .” [ Source ] Circles USA Executive Director Kamatara Johnson believes that closing these gaps requires a whole-community approach to problem solving.  “Circles USA serves individuals and families who fall into a gap within the economic spectrum,” she says.”They are working hard yet unable to escape the trap of persistent financial instability, and none more so than Black individuals and families. In fact, despite some social advances, single Black mothers still experience poverty at a disproportionate rate —particularly given a high rate of single parenthood while working full time hours. So our position is clear: policy that supports Black families to thrive is necessary for all communities to thrive.” QUICK GUIDE: SELECTED BLACK HISTORY RESOURCES Circles USA recommends visiting the outstanding archive compiled at blackhistorymonth.gov , a joint project of The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The site, which aims to “[pay] tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society,” is a year-round repository for educational, creative, historical, and demographic resources on Black history and culture in the U.S. Sites currently linked on blackhistorymonth.gov  include: In Slavery’s Wake: Making Black Freedom in the World , which details the exhibition on view at the National Museum of African American History and Culture through June 8, 2025; Your Park Story: Black History and Heritage , an overview of 400+ years of “Black history and heritage…preserved in national parks and communities around the country”; a catalog of Black History Month events and materials curated by, and hosted at, Smithsonian museums; a comprehensive Library of Congress archive of outstanding African American veterans;  Black History guides and classroom resources designed specially for teachers; and Power & Light: Russell Lee's Coal Survey , a National Archives Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery exhibition which features 1946 coal survey photographs of Black coal miners. Blackhistorymonth.gov ’s 2025 Event Highlights  page offers many more highlights and activities for February and beyond. The YWCA  published a notable blog post in February 2022, The Unsung Legacy of Black Feminism: From Jane Crow to Intersectionality,  which examines Black labor and history through the lens of women who must navigate multiple forms of systemic oppression.  The National Museum of African American History and Culture ’s Black History Month Digital Toolkit  spotlights the 2025 theme of African Americans and Labor with a host of “key stories of Black people's often invisible labor of all kinds — across time, industry, and community.” The website makes visible little-known histories of Black midwives, a Learning Lab module featuring the work of inventor Valerie Thomas, a tribute to the couture designs of fashion icon Ann Lowe, a virtual tour of the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site, and much more. The Stanford Social Innovation Review ’s “The Significance of Four Centuries of Black Labor” offers an excerpt from Workers on Arrival: Black Labor in the Making of America, Joe William Trotter, Jr.’s 2019 book which “reflects on the meaning of centuries of black labor for the future of America’s economy and democracy.” Workers on Arrival , counters widespread notions about poor and working-class blacks as primarily consumers, takers, and liabilities in our current urban political economy …by restoring the broader historical context of African Americans as workers, producers, and assets in the development of the American economy, institutions, and politics. [ Source ] Two excellent articles on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre from   History.com  and The National Endowment for the Humanities  recount a seminal event in U.S. history: the mob assault on Tulsa, Oklahoma’s thriving “Black Wall Street” financial district of Greenwood, which was “shot up, torched, and bombed from the air by white vigilantes” seeking to destroy Black wealth. Take Action for Libraries , a watchdog site for public library and literacy advocates, writes: “Although February is a time to bring Black history to the center of attention, educating yourself all year is essential. Much of Black history has been left out of everyday teachings. However,” they continue: Black History Month was created as an act of resistance…Knowledge comes with power, and understanding the past helps everyone understand what needs to be achieved today. Black history informs, inspires, and remembers both accomplishments and challenges of the United States’ past. Take the initiative and educate yourself all year long, not just during the month of February. [ Source ] “At Circles,” Kris Alexander concludes, “We’re committed to building intentional, diverse communities to break the cycle of poverty. Poverty has long been a collecting place for those who have been hurt by systemic inequities, reinforcing patterns of exclusion and hardship. To create a better reality for all, we must dismantle these barriers, ensuring that economic struggle is no longer a place where our most vulnerable are forced to gather. Racial equity is not just a goal—it is a necessity for a just and prosperous society.” Sign up to receive our public newsletters Click the   Give to Circles button  and help us celebrate 25+ years of building community to end poverty!

We’re proud to share this intimate portrait of Circles USA founder Scott Miller at home in Albuquerque, NM. Here, Scott reflects on the origins of Circles in his experiences as a volunteer at homeless shelters; the power of bringing communities together to change the narrative and the system around poverty; and his latest vision for poverty alleviation systems. “Even after decades of work,” comments the documentary’s producer (and CUSA Board member) Jennifer Pelling, “Scott is still innovating! Sometimes we even had a hard time getting Scott to reflect on his past success because he was more interested in talking about new ideas for the future. We also enjoyed being in Scott’s home, which is filled with beautiful art created by himself, his wife, and other Albuquerque and New Mexico artists.” FOR A DEEPER LOOK: Linking Poverty Reduction with Economic Development Appreciating Scott Miller, Founder of Circles USA

The Circles USA model supports people’s efforts to deepen and expand what they think is possible: for themselves, their families, and their communities. As Circle Leaders reach milestones in their journeys toward financial stability, we document their achievements as Lives Transformed  stories to highlight joy and hope as valuable tools in combating poverty. This year’s Lives Transformed  awardees were nominated from among thousands of exceptional Circle Leaders nationwide. Though their backgrounds and experiences vary, each exemplifies Circles USA’s core values of perseverance, initiative, and service to their chapters and communities. Congratulations to our 2024 Lives Transformed cohort! Audrey with children Agusta (1) and Lilly (11) I was raised in Sacramento, California, where my family initially lived in a two-bedroom apartment until I completed the third grade. Subsequently, we relocated to a two-story house and moved several times after the sixth grade. As the eldest of four siblings, I would characterize my family life as both chaotic and emotionally intense. During this time I operated in a state of survival mode—often without realizing it. My stepfather worked tirelessly to provide for us. He ensured that our bills were paid and that I had the school supplies and uniforms I needed. While my mom handled the bills, I also noticed her spending habits. Money was never openly discussed in our home. I learned the importance of hard work and the responsibility of paying bills. Upon moving to South Carolina, I found myself unsure of how to make my way through the season I was experiencing. I learned about Deep Well  from various sources and they truly became a tremendous blessing in my life. I felt incredibly thankful for the support I received, and I wanted to give back by volunteering as an interpreter at Deep Well. It was there that I met Shavonne [Vasquez, Chapter Manager, Circles Hilton Head Island]. She explained the idea of Circles to me, and I instantly realized that this was just what I was looking for. I frequently refer to the Circles team as my pillars of support. Audrey with son Gavin (8) Throughout this journey, I faced many setbacks, which are natural parts of growth and transformation. At first it was challenging to be so open with strangers. But I realized that, to make meaningful changes in my life, I had to learn to trust and communicate with my support network. It can be uncomfortable and chaotic, and at times it felt like things were getting worse. There were moments when I considered giving up, but my Circles support system wouldn't let me. They hold me accountable to myself, allowing me to extend that accountability to those who believe in me and invest their support. The unwavering faith and encouragement from my pillars have been instrumental in helping me navigate every obstacle and setback I’ve encountered so far. Each Ally possesses their own unique strengths and abilities. Yet one common quality I observe in all of them is their unwavering support and commitment to every leader, whether they are new or emerging from the program. Some beliefs that help me succeed as a Circle Leader are Grace, Resolve, and Commitment. Extend grace to yourself and others, recognizing that everyone is on their unique journey toward growth, which may manifest differently for each individual. Demonstrate resolve and resilience by standing firm during challenging times and maintaining your course. And foster a commitment to yourself first, and subsequently to the program, understanding that both elements are interconnected and essential for success.   In 2025, I aim to embody these beliefs by investing significantly in my education and improving my credit score to facilitate the purchase of my first home for my children. Regardless of your current stage in life—whether single, married, divorced, or otherwise—you have the strength to persevere. If a single mother with no family support, relying solely on her faith and three children, can succeed, then you can as well. Sign up to receive our public newsletters Click the   Give to Circles button  and help us celebrate 25+ years of building community to end poverty!

The Circles USA model supports people’s efforts to deepen and expand what they think is possible: for themselves, their families, and their communities. As Circle Leaders reach milestones in their journeys toward financial stability, we document their achievements as Lives Transformed  stories to highlight joy and hope as valuable tools in combating poverty. This year’s Lives Transformed  awardees were nominated from among thousands of exceptional Circle Leaders nationwide. Though their backgrounds and experiences vary, each exemplifies Circles USA’s core values of perseverance, initiative, and service to their chapters and communities. Congratulations to our 2024 Lives Transformed cohort! My name is Carla Alvarado. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela. In my country we were persecuted, threatened, chased, and kidnapped by the people who worked for the Maduro and Chavez dictatorships just because we disagreed with their regimes. My parents went on vacation to the United States in 2018 and, while here, received a call warning us to not come back to our country because the next thing that they would do was to take our lives. My parents decided to stay in Bluffton, South Carolina, and I’ve lived here since then. Carla Alvarado I started my freshman year of high school in Bluffton. It was very scary being the new girl who did not know the language or have any friends or family with me. I was told multiple times that it was unlikely for me to go to college because most of the people “like me” just finish high school, then go on to clean houses or work in construction. But I was fully motivated to become a medical professional. To demonstrate my potential, I had to work three times harder to get out of ESOL [English Speakers of Other Languages] in only six months, getting the highest grade on my English levels. However, this was not enough for my teacher to recognize that I had enough potential to grow as a professional one day.  When I was 15 years old, my dad physically abused my mother in front of my eyes. I felt like everything I knew was going to fall apart. I was devastated because I was in a different country, far away from my close ones, and the only family that I had was breaking up. This went on for two more years of constant abuse. At school, I was at the top of my class and doing great. But I did not want to go back home, and I did not have anyone to talk to at school because my teachers reminded me how different I was, how my accent was changing—reminders of how “grateful” I was supposed to be because I was not in Venezuela. It was hard to feel safe until finally, one night three years ago, my siblings and I called the police on my dad. He left that night and I have not seen him since then. My senior year came around and it was time for me to apply to colleges. I applied to 10 colleges and got into all of them with scholarships included. However, when they checked my immigration status, they told me that I needed to be a permanent resident in order to receive a scholarship. I was told in front of my mom that I was not able to go to college. She was devastated. Carla’s graduation from the Technical College of the Lowcountry I felt like I was not enough for America: I couldn’t go back home, but I also was not welcomed here. I was struggling. Multiple Americans told me that I “needed to go back home”—but they did not know that I can’t go back home. I had no dad now and my mom felt guilty because I could not have a better life. We felt trapped. Months later, I was accepted at Technical College of the Lowcountry [TCL] here in South Carolina. Yet I did not have the ability to pay out of pocket, especially being an international student with no FAFSA eligibility. Once again, it was hard: I had a lot of pressure on my back working two jobs, finishing high school, and seeking higher ed at 18 years old. Carla's Circles graduation with Shavonne Vasquez (Chapter Manager, Circles Hilton Head Island) One of the ladies at TCL told me to go to Deep Well  and see if their new Circles program could help me out. I filled out an application and shortly after received a call for an interview. I was nervous, but they listened to my story. I walked back down to my car feeling very anxious because this was my last chance to pursue a better life. Then, right before getting in, I received the news that I was accepted to the Circles program—and that they would pay for my college education! I graduated from the Technical College of the Lowcountry with an Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies; I am currently enrolled in the University of South Carolina Beaufort, pursuing my dream career as a registered nurse. All because of Circles.  My Circles chapter and Allies don’t know this, but they changed my life. They gave me hope and a chance to be someone great. They gave my mom the win she needed to feel like everything she’s done has been worth it for me and my siblings. It opened a door for my little brother: now he knows he can do whatever makes him happy, as long as he works hard. I wish I could repay Circles for everything they did, and continue doing, for me and my family. They are truly a blessing.  Sign up to receive our public newsletters Click the   Give to Circles button  and help us celebrate 25+ years of building community to end poverty!

Circles USA’s National Big View Team, composed of a cross section of champions from chapters across the nation, has updated our 2020 Big View Policy Platform, refreshing our language and our focus on the core issues facing Circles participants. Individuals and families who are working hard, yet struggling to make ends meet, require tools and support to overcome systemic barriers and achieve long-term economic stability. Circles USA knows that whole communities thrive when all people have access to the essential resources and support that lead to upward economic mobility.  Originally authored by board member Joan Kuriansky , our policy platform is built to address the challenges faced by low-income, working individuals and families who are earning just enough to disqualify them from many public benefits yet far too little to meet their basic needs. People experiencing poverty are also least likely to engage in the democratic process and most likely to be marginalized by systemic oppression. These families are navigating a precarious financial landscape in an uncoordinated and non-responsive system that discounts their voice and value; however, their success is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty in our communities. Our approach blends individual empowerment with community-driven strategies, uniquely positioning us to advocate for systemic changes that create sustainable pathways out of poverty. Enhanced core issues include: Increasing Economic Stability : Policies that support fair wages and benefits, affordable housing, food security, reliable public transportation, and affordable childcare are essential to create a foundation for economic stability. Smoothing Benefit Cliffs : Circles USA emphasizes the importance of policy reforms that smooth the transition off public benefits, allowing time  to build stability as incomes increase. Building Social Capital : Many Circles participants lack the support systems and professional networks that are key to financial independence. Policies fostering mentorship programs, community partnerships, and equitable access to resources can fill this gap. Increasing Health, Wellness, and Family Supports : Poverty is trauma and disproportionately  impacts physical and mental health. Affordable healthcare, expanded Medicaid, access to quality mental healthcare, paid family and medical leave, and robust child and elder-care options support the essential wellbeing necessary for economic security.  Supporting Education and Workforce Development : Economic mobility requires accessible pathways to higher education, vocational training, and career advancement. Policies that invest in workforce development directly benefit Circles participants who are working hard to advance.   Elevating Equity and Democracy : Circles USA strives to see each issue through an equity lens and advocate for full access and inclusion to all aspects that lead to the American Dream. We also encourage full participation in and a deepened understanding of the democratic processes that affect all of our lives directly. Circles USA’s policy platform champions solutions that align with the lived experiences of our community members. By focusing on long-term strategies for financial stability and community connection, we support families and individuals to break free from poverty and thrive in their communities. We call on policymakers, community leaders, and partner organizations to join us in addressing the root causes of poverty and advancing systemic change. Together, we can create a society where each person has the opportunity, resources, and support to succeed—one family, one community at a time. Sign up to receive our public newsletters Click the   Give to Circles button  and help us celebrate 25+ years of building community to end poverty!

The Circles USA model supports people’s efforts to deepen and expand what they think is possible: for themselves, their families, and their communities. As Circle Leaders reach milestones in their journeys toward financial stability, we document their achievements as Lives Transformed  stories to highlight joy and hope as valuable tools in combating poverty. This year’s Lives Transformed  awardees were nominated from among thousands of exceptional Circle Leaders nationwide. Though their backgrounds and experiences vary, each exemplifies Circles USA’s core values of perseverance, initiative, and service to their chapters and communities. Congratulations to our 2024 Lives Transformed cohort! J. Cherelle Fleming My mom was a young mom. She had me at 15, so we kind of grew up like sisters. My grandmother basically raised me until she passed away. There were no messages about money: We didn't have a budget, I didn't get an allowance. I was too young to understand paying bills. I really didn't receive messages of financial stability, budgeting or saving. Following a period of active drug addiction during which I had lost everything, I had been referred to Fort Wayne through a therapist assigned to me by DCS. I was reluctant to go, I’d never been there and didn’t know anybody. I came to Fort Wayne just wanting to rebuild my life from the bottom up. Prior to my active addiction, I was in college—just two semesters away from [earning] my bachelor's in social work. So, I'm very familiar with seeking out resources. Due to my run-in with addiction, I had lost my drive to succeed in school, be a parent, work and fulfill any dreams I had. After a while, I knew something had to change.  I started off in a rehabilitation program and then a shelter for a long while. There were a lot of challenges there: trying to keep a cool head when things got tough, staying ahead of the game when things were not looking good and staying focused on my goals, all while living in a community of struggling women just like myself. Not having a car was definitely a big part of the struggle. Being in a city where I didn't know anyone and didn't know how to move around was a challenge. At that point, I found out about Circles and thought, Hey, this would be something interesting to do. Something to keep me busy, distracted, something positive. So I gave it a shot, one of the best decisions I’ve made thus far. My life didn’t transform immediately. I finally got an apartment only to be forced to live in unsafe conditions. After a year of that, I went through about three weeks of homelessness because my new apartment had not been completely approved. Cherelle with children Josiah (15) and Lily (11) I became discouraged a lot along that journey. There were times when I didn't want to go [to Circles meetings] because I felt defeated in life. Like everything was not working, or not going the way that I thought it should go as fast as I’d have it. There were times where I had no one to call. Sometimes, I’d attend Circles and be spaced out, worrying about everything else that's going on. I got refocused because there is so much valuable information in those workshops. Each time I went, it was like, I can't wait to go back. Every now and then, I’d have one of those [bad] weeks and be like, I ain't going! But I had Jackie, my Ally, to come and get me. I would have people call and ask, “Hey, are you coming to Circles this week?” And I'm like, “I hadn't planned on it, but since you called, yeah, I guess so.” I got past those things [by] maintaining a relationship with my God and with Jackie, [who] was definitely all ears as needed…very supportive and understanding. Another thing that I lean on when I'm going through tough times  is my NA community. I am a member of the fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous and I use my support systems. I looked at this open door of opportunity and asked: what's the worst that could happen? Besides, my parents taught me that once I start something, I'm obligated to see it through. My parents encouraged me to go to college, really I didn't have a choice, “You're gonna do this and graduate,” my mom would say. “You take the body, the mind will follow,” was one of my dad’s favorite quotes. If I showed up, whether I wanted to or not, I did my part, and I believed that God would carry me through the rest, so I went and here I am!  Cherelle at a mayoral press conference Right now I’m working on becoming a licensed practitioner in Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling. I will graduate in May 2025 with my second degree. After that, I will be working on a business degree because I want to have the ability to make educated decisions in this  world of business. Then, I want to open up a business— like a resource center where people can come and get information, get referrals to [fulfill] certain needs, whether it be furniture, clothing, food, bus passes, or jobs. Like a community center open to all, but especially men and women in recovery. Eventually, I'll go back and finish that bachelor's, since I'm so close to it. I just financed a car with full coverage insurance, which is the first big adult decision that I've made (aside from stepping into recovery!). In less than 72 months, I’ll have this car paid off and improved my credit. I also plan on saving at least $6,000 and continuing to work [towards] home ownership. Those are my goals for 2025. A lot going on there, but all feasible. To someone who's doubting that they have the strength to succeed in Circles, I would say: simply [have] faith the size of a mustard seed. There's absolutely nothing bad that can come out of participating in this. It's all for self-empowerment. When we become better people, better women, it's easier to become a better mother, a better spouse, a better daughter, sister, and friend. So just get there, take the first step in the right direction. Even just by going there and being present, something's bound to stick.  And even if absolutely nothing happens, Mary Ann’s hugs will get you coming back. Mary Ann [Mings, Executive Director, Circles of Allen County] is an extraordinary type of woman; it’s her bubbly personality, how she's so encouraging. I could think of a time where I was like, “Oh, this isn't going right.” And her smile went away, she got into serious mode, she looked me dead in the eyes and said: “You got this. You can do this.” Then her smile came back and she gave me a big hug. I’m so grateful for her and my ally, Jackie. I’m grateful for my mother, who is also a 12-stepper. She has been supportive of me on this journey, very understanding and open. I want to acknowledge Ms. Janet, my DCS therapist. She was so persistent, so caring, understanding and patient with me, that even when I tried to run away and hopped on a train to Chicago, she called my mom, got the address, came from Michigan,  picked me up from Chicago, drove me to Fort Wayne, and spent the night with me. I’m grateful for my NA family and, most importantly, my God. Without God, none of this would be possible. So I thank God for just loving me and putting people in my life to show me how to love myself again. Circles changed my life! Sign up to receive our public newsletters Click the   Give to Circles button  and help us celebrate 25+ years of building community to end poverty!

The Circles USA model supports people’s efforts to deepen and expand what they think is possible: for themselves, their families, and their communities. As Circle Leaders reach milestones in their journeys toward financial stability, we document their achievements as Lives Transformed  stories to highlight joy and hope as valuable tools in combating poverty. This year’s Lives Transformed  awardees were nominated from among thousands of exceptional Circle Leaders nationwide. Though their backgrounds and experiences vary, each exemplifies Circles USA’s core values of perseverance, initiative, and service to their chapters and communities. Congratulations to our 2024 Lives Transformed cohort! Lesley Stunkel Lesley I was adopted when I was younger. [Because of] my first job, I kind of knew how to budget. But once I met my husband, we just kind of fell on some hard times. I got back with my birth mom and took some classes, went through college. My daughter went through Head Start. At that time we were trying to figure out how we were going to come up with an extra day's worth of meals. So we were like, “Okay, let's just go check Circles USA out.” When we went, they were in the middle of the class. So we just kept coming back for the meals, and finally we got into the class. About that time, Shawn got a job [as a bus driver for special needs children] and was always on call. When he had a call, he had to leave the meeting or whatnot, and I just kind of filled him in later. We graduated from the class and then, [once we became] Circle Leaders, I [built] a side business with cakes and stuff. Instead of going out and buying a hundred dollars’ worth of cake, our chapter basically reimburses me for all my supplies! Lesley Stunkel with her degree Our Allies encouraged me to go back to college to get my Associate [degree] in art. It took me three years just to get that degree because of my disability. So I've got that, now, and I've got a good-paying job so that we're not hurting or struggling or living from paycheck to paycheck.  My daughter’s now 11 and a fifth grader. Her school [hired me]. Since I’ve got this job, I'm able to pay off my debts within the next six months. And the teachers that I work with, the staff there, care about not just my health, but my family's health. A couple years ago our daughter got diagnosed with seizures. She had to be intubated because she just kept having seizure after seizure and we couldn't stop them. That was a very scary moment of our life; we didn't really know what was going on and we were both working at that time. I was still going to college. We were like, “What are we going to do?” It was easier for me to take the whole month off of work. My check wasn't going to be as big, but we always had the support from Circles. They were just a phone call away to help us through the process of our daughter getting better. She hasn't really had a seizure in a year now, which is excellent. She's thriving in her school—the teachers have noticed that she's a different person. And the Circles [people] have noticed, too. We didn't come just for the food. We came there to better ourselves, to better our kids so that they can have a better life. Daughter Rocksane We've been in Circles over five years now and we enjoy it. Our kids even enjoy it. They have a program with four or five different people coming in to watch the kids and [teach] finances. We are going to have our son in the next Circles class [in February 2025]. We've been through three different directors since we've been there, and we still keep going. And the funny thing is, the director that we have now actually was in the same Circle Leader class that we graduated from. So we know, just from seeing her moving up, that the system does work. And that's what we like, seeing that progress.  I was shy at first, but since going back to college, I've come out of my shell. I'm not afraid to tell someone that I've been in their steps before. I have, and we're not here to judge you. We are here to help you better yourself and get you to where we are now. That's what helped us—our Allies who told us, “We are not here to judge you. We are here to help you in any way possible. We're just a phone call, text, or Zoom meeting away. We are here for you.” That's what showed us that they do care. So we're sticking to it. Shawn Stunkel Shawn I’m a native of Hutchinson, Kansas. My dad worked in factories most of his life because, you know, he had no high school education. He quit school in the eighth grade. So we come from no money, basically; I didn't have a silver spoon lifestyle. I had moved to Nebraska in my early 20s to stay with some friends and try to find work. And I kind of hopscotched back and forth between Nebraska and Kansas for, oh, shoot, the next four, five, six years. Lesley and I met in Nebraska. She's from Burlington, Colorado, originally, so it was kind of a chance meeting. We’ve been back in Kansas since 2012. The COVID crisis in 2020 was a struggle. I had lost my mother that March. She was pretty well homebound and had stayed with us for the last six months of her life. Pretty much our entire world had been turned upside down and nobody was meeting because of COVID; and then essentially the entire country shut down. But our Allies stuck with us. They were right alongside us every step of the way. And that meant more to the both of us than going to a meeting every Thursday night. And once we started meeting again in the first part of 2021, it was like we picked up exactly where we'd left off. It's been a long [journey], but it's been well worth it. Shawn with son Austin Over the last few years, Lesley going back to school really bailed us out of a lot of financial difficulties. My job was not near enough to keep the bills paid. I had hoped to put all that money into savings, but circumstances didn't work out. So [it was] like, “Okay, we need to start getting the bills taken care of. We need to keep going as normally as possible with what's going on around us in order to stay the course.” I won't sit here and say that it's an easy process, because it takes a lot of soul searching and a lot of looking within yourself to realize that you are, in fact, flawed. Everybody is going to struggle, but [in Circles] they take such a non-judgmental attitude. You get to go back and start clear, from the beginning. But you still keep your progress. We tailor resources: Okay, you lost your job? Here's the number [for] workforce, here's the number to vocational rehab. We have a network of resources at our disposal to help folks do what they need to do. We're not just gonna shove them out the door.  What's awesome about Circles is how it takes a group of ideas and it makes you search within yourself. Like, “Hey, wait a minute…this is why I'm struggling.” Whether [you’re] addicted to some sort of substance or whatever the case may be, it’s special to know that there's somebody that knows what you're going through. All they want to do is help you find healthy ways to distance yourself from poverty, from being homeless, what have you.  Getting yourself out of poverty—it's not an overnight process. You’ve got to have some sense of commitment. I've seen so many folks come and go from that class or from the organization as a whole, and I've stuck with it. There's been a handful of us that have stuck with it since pre-COVID. And we still go, we still have our fellowship. It helps to have that constant in your life. You’ve got to have some sort of consistency, because once you get yourself out of poverty, you've got to find ways to keep yourself from regressing back to what brought you to Circles in the first place. Without our Circles Reno County community—their guidance, their pushing us to better ourselves—we would have never made it to where we are. It means the world to Lesley and I to have been nominated for this. We hope to continue to do great things for Circles. We can't thank everybody enough for helping us along the way. Not just the Circle Leaders that have come and gone after we graduated, but everybody in the community. They take an interest in what's going on with you as a person. I keep my social life private; it's a little out of the norm for me to intermingle. But since I have, I've thrived so much. Sarah [Haworth], our director, says I've come out of my shell. We're part of several different chapter committees. Lesley's part of the Community Resource Team. We're there for a lot of the recruiting events, not just as potential Allies but to show our support to the organization as a whole. Because without the support of people like us, the Circles model doesn't thrive and we can't get that message out to other areas. I really haven’t set concrete goals for 2025. I'm one of those that takes life one day at a time; I make the best of what cards I'm dealt. But ultimately, I look forward to mentoring the new generation of Circle Leaders coming up. We just graduated three from our last class this past week. I'm hoping to possibly be matched with one of those, but if that's not the case, I'm not gonna quit. I'm going to keep going until I hit retirement age. I can't say enough good things about Circles! Sign up to receive our public newsletters Click the   Give to Circles button  and help us celebrate 25+ years of building community to end poverty!

In this webinar, join Kamatara to reflect on our experiences, accomplishments, and challenges in 2024 and look forward to 2025. She’ll share a sneak peek at our 2024 Impact Report, announce the 2025 Leadership Conference location and dates, and explore the 2025 focus of Moving Beyond… About the Presenter: Kamatara Johnson  is the executive director of CUSA. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership, 25 years of experience in secondary education, and a deep connection with our Circles chapters. As ED, Kamatara creates space for collaboration, innovation, and expansion for all the people in our Circles family. Sign up to receive our public newsletters Click the   Give to Circles button  and help us celebrate 25+ years of building community to end poverty!