As Circles USA continues to expand, the national office is grateful to add more infrastructure and reach to our system of chapter support. To that end, regional coaches are beginning to support the West, the Midwest, the South, and the Mid-Atlantic Region. Working across geographic, economic, and political boundaries, each regional coach hosts monthly regional community of practice calls for mutual support and collaboration, coaches their regional chapters on a regular basis, and advises new chapters in their early design phase before launch. They also support regional collaborations to expand local Big View efforts so as to have a greater impact on systemic change and inform the national office of regional trends and needs. This four-part blog series introduces you to Circles USA’s Regional Coaches: who they are, where they come from, and how their leadership helps realize CUSA’s vision of communities in which everyone has enough money, meaning, and friends to thrive. MY NAME IS… Julie Liske. I’m thrilled to begin serving on July 1st as the CUSA Midwest Regional Coach for chapters in MI, WI, IN, MO, KS, and OH. I know that connecting with the Midwest Circles Region will enrich my life and the lives of those we serve, and I hope and trust that what I bring will be helpful, hopeful, and valuable.     MY IMPORTANT LIFE EXPERIENCES, JOURNEYS, CHALLENGES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS INCLUDE… I’m a semi-retired United Methodist minister with a passion for social justice, inclusion, and love in action. I’ve served congregations, hospitals, retirement communities, and nonprofits throughout southwest Michigan. I was introduced to Circles USA in 2014 and, with the support and backing of a denominational body, helped launch the Grand Rapids Chapter in 2015, where I gratefully served until my retirement in 2021. Those early days for me as the Chapter’s founding director and only full-time staff member were early days for Circles USA as well. Together we grew and developed better practices, more effective systems, and stronger, better-equipped staffs. The journey of creating a solid framework for the Circles model was exciting and exhausting, satisfying and frustrating, full of improvement and falling behind, and more than a few days of hanging on by a thread. But what was (then and now) steadfast and unwavering is the goodness of this thing we have the privilege of doing: building community to end poverty . I love that snappy tagline because it is absolutely true and accurate. Even in 25 years of leading spiritual communities, I’ve never experienced so regularly and authentically what Dr. King called “beloved community” as we experience during any ordinary Circles gathering. We build relationships of mutuality and trust across every boundary human beings can think up to divide ourselves from one other: economics, race, gender, age, sexual orientation/identity, religion and spirituality (and lack thereof), the list goes on. And while I’m ever so thankful for the journey of structural growth that helps us deliver exceptional processes and programming, I am most grateful for – and never cease to be astounded by – the utter blessing of these relationships that bring people together. SOMETHING SPECIAL YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT OUR REGION IS… The Midwest Region and I have yet to begin our new relationship: our community of practice, coaching calls, and mutual learning and support. But month by month, we will share our proudest accomplishments, best ideas, and most pressing challenges. And, together, we’ll care for one another on those days when we’re hanging on by a thread. I so look forward to meeting and working with you all! Want to meet more amazing regional leaders? Read Parts One and Two of our Meet Circles USA’s Regional Coaches series.  To find a local chapter or learn how Circles USA can make a difference in your community, visit https://www.circlesusa.org .

Circles USA is proud to announce the appointment of a new Advisory Council in 2022. This group will provide support and connectivity for our growing network of 80+ chapters, amplifying diverse participants’ voices to guide CUSA board decisions and directions. The idea behind the Advisory Council, says executive director Kamatara Johnson, is “to create a comfortable way for members of the Circles community to interact more regularly with the Board—an open space for dialogue between the Board and Circles stakeholders while also fostering leadership opportunities at the national level. Board member Jennifer Pelling, who is leading this initiative, says: “The Board aims for the Council to reflect the diversity of the Circles network in the U.S.. We want to engage people representing different roles. Several seats on the Council will be held by former Circle Leaders who have taken on leadership roles at their local chapters. We want to hear from Allies, volunteers, coaches, coordinators, executive directors and community partners, too.” Advisory Council members will represent different kinds of CUSA chapters as well. Appointees may represent faith-based chapters, nonprofit-based chapters, government-based chapters, new and veteran chapters, large and small chapters, rural and urban chapters. The Council includes a spectrum of ethnicities, ages, regions, sectors, genders, sexualities, religions, and political views. Discussion topics for joint meetings between the Council and Board may include: Reviewing new Circles data and considering the Circles model’s impact and opportunities for improvement; Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion; Pursuing systemic change through the Big View; and Linking poverty alleviation with economic/workforce development. “The most important topic is what the Council brings forth for Board consideration,” Kamatara adds. “We value our community members’ lived experience and insights, and we’re excited to strengthen Circles with this Council. So we thank all of our amazing applicants!” The kickoff meeting will be held the last week of July, 2022.

As Circles USA continues to expand, the national office is grateful to add more infrastructure and reach to our system of chapter support. To that end, regional coaches are beginning to support the West, the Midwest, the South, and the Mid-Atlantic Region. Working across geographic, economic, and political boundaries, each regional coach hosts monthly regional community of practice calls for mutual support and collaboration, coaches their regional chapters on a regular basis, and advises new chapters in their early design phase before launch. They also support regional collaborations to expand local Big View efforts so as to have a greater impact on systemic change and inform the national office of regional trends and needs. This four-part blog series introduces you to Circles USA’s Regional Coaches: who they are, where they come from, and how their leadership helps realize CUSA’s vision of communities in which everyone has enough money, meaning, and friends to thrive. OUR NAMES ARE… Jeff Tuscano and Karen Todd. We co-facilitate Circles USA’s Western Regional Community of Practice including Utah, New Mexico and California. Jeff has been a coordinator since July 2020; Karen was coordinator since May 2019 and shifted into the coach position in July 2020. OUR IMPORTANT LIFE EXPERIENCES, JOURNEYS, CHALLENGES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS INCLUDE… Jeff: I was raised in a western Pennsylvania melting pot; so I easily acquired an early love for, and appreciation of, many cultures and ideologies. I took the road of a musician that led to worldwide travel and further love for world cultures. In my travels, I learned time and time again that people are much more alike than different—I was a missionary for two years in Central America, which also contributed to this valuable realization. I’m married with four children who have all left the nest and started their families. My career includes years in international patent and trademark formalities; client relations as an investment advisor representative; and business management in travel and entertainment industries, until settling into assisting the underserved in our community. I graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in Spanish and International Relations and am currently certified as a Mental Health Case Manager in Utah. I work with Switchpoint Community Resource Center, the sponsor for Circles St. George. Karen: I grew up and spent most of my life in western Nebraska. There I attended the University of Nebraska-Kearney, and my husband and I owned and operated an auto body repair shop for over 20 years. I worked as treasurer for Alliance Public Schools Foundation for several years and became a board member on the Carnegie Arts Foundation. I also coordinated a fundraiser for Golf-for-a-Cure that benefitted local breast cancer patients. I’ve got two grown children and one granddaughter.  At the age of 50, I went back to Chadron State College and received a Master’s in Community Counseling. I’ve worked in mentoring students with TeamMates and have enjoyed my time with Circles for the last three years. I also volunteer at Switchpoint’s food pantry twice a week. SOMETHING SPECIAL YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT OUR REGION IS… St. George is near Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the Grand Canyon. It never gets old to look at the beautiful red rock bluffs against the deep blue sky in our area. Demographically, our western region has a lot of diversity. A MAJOR CHALLENGE WE FACE IN ALLEVIATING POVERTY IN OUR REGION IS… There is a huge need for housing! Our area is exploding with growth, and developers are building million-dollar houses—not affordable housing for our underprivileged or even average-income citizens.  Bridging the gaps of misperceptions about poverty is a challenge, too, because we are a retirement community of wealthy people who don’t understand that the wages here aren’t sufficient to pay the high rents that landlords are charging.  RECENTLY, OUR REGION HAS ACCOMPLISHED… Planning a symposium in Salt Lake City for legislators on the “Cliff Effect” in September. We’ve also started implementing Spanish speaking classes of Circle Leaders and one chapter has launched a “Circles Lite” group to support those who are teetering on the edge of poverty vs stability. ONE THING WE WANT POTENTIAL CIRCLES PARTICIPANTS TO KNOW IS… We are genuinely and fiercely devoted to the cause of alleviating poverty. We will provide opportunities that match the willingness of participants to reach their goals and rise above the challenges that hold them back from progressing.  We want potential Circle participants to know that we are a “family,” and we will be a resource and lend support to them throughout their journey! Want to meet more amazing regional leaders? Read Parts One , Two , and Three of our Meet Circles USA’s Regional Coaches series. To find a local chapter or learn how Circles USA can make a difference in your community, visit https://www.circlesusa.org .

In this series, we spotlight our four extraordinary Circles USA Board members : the governance team who oversees CUSA operations, advises on strategic directions, and contributes to specific projects that enhance what CUSA has to offer to its community of practice. Examples include upgrading our website, brochures, and curriculum, developing our Big View policy platform to advance systemic change based on chapter input, and connecting with national partner organizations like Ideos to strengthen our capacity for generative dialogue. While our network will not be surprised by our Board’s commitment to CUSA, we hope the scope of their collective knowledge and experience—from public policy to community organizing and spiritual leadership—will delight and inspire you. JOAN KURIANSKY Board Chair and former Executive Director of Wider Opportunities for Women (Washington, DC) Joan Kuriansky, Chair of the Circles USA Board since May 2007, is the creator of our 6-point policy platform addressing six key issues our chapters flagged as high priority for poverty alleviation. She has worked in the social justice field throughout her versatile career as an attorney; executive director of local and national non-profits; and board member or volunteer at local, national, and international levels.  Joan’s primary focus has been on the rights of women and girls, including moving from poverty to economic security. As Executive Director of Women Against Abuse (Phil. PA); the Older Women’s League (DC); and Wider Opportunities for Women (DC), she has addressed issues facing women as they age. These include social security and pension reform; violence against women; health care reform; and many issues related to economic self-sufficiency for women and families (like jobs, job training, child care, and tax policy). Joan brings a Jewish lens to supporting issues of social justice and human rights to the U.S., Israel, and other countries; particularly those in Russia and Ukraine. “ I am a Circles Board member,” Joan tells us, “because I believe its approach to ending povertyis unique—the best in the field of anti-poverty work. We begin on a one-to-one level in building individual families’ economic well-being. And we work at a community level, building allies and, importantly, drawing on these experiences and relationships to make systemic long-term change that will reduce barriers for other families. I look forward to participating in Circle’s ongoing Big View efforts. It ensures that we reflect and respect the diversity of our country, whether from a racial, economic, religious, age, sexual orientation, or gender basis. This work builds the sustainability of Circles USA, promoting even greater community among the different parts of Circles and our communities as it strives towards more equitable outcomes for all.”

In this series, we spotlight our four extraordinary Circles USA Board members : the governance team who oversees CUSA operations, advises on strategic directions, and contributes to specific projects that enhance what CUSA has to offer to its community of practice. Examples include upgrading our website, brochures, and curriculum, developing our Big View policy platform to advance systemic change based on chapter input, and connecting with national partner organizations like Ideos to strengthen our capacity for generative dialogue. While our network will not be surprised by our Board’s commitment to CUSA, we hope the scope of their collective knowledge and experience—from public policy to community organizing and spiritual leadership—will delight and inspire you. JIM MASTERS Board Treasurer and President of Center for Community Futures (Berkeley, CA) James I. Masters is President/Director/Owner of the Center for Community Futures in Berkeley, CA. He has worked with over 500 Community Action Agencies and Head Start programs since 1966. He was with the US Office of Economic Opportunity from 1966-70; he subsequently served in several appointive positions in New York City government, including Assistant to the Budget Director, Evaluation Director in the Human Resources Administration, and Assistant Deputy Administrator in the HRA Department of Community Development.  Jim has developed and delivered more than 300 professional development and capacity building seminars, webinars, publications, and other staff development activities for OEO, CSA, NACAA, NASCSP, regional and state associations, and individual agencies. He has facilitated more than 100 strategic planning processes, as well as serving on CUSA’s Board since 2006. You may remember him presenting at our national leadership conferences, sharing his encyclopedic knowledge on the history of American policy related to alleviating poverty and even explaining ARPA funds at our most recent conference in April of 2021.  Jim has a BA in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Kansas and a MS in International Business (with Honors), from St. Mary’s Graduate School of Business, Moraga, California. Jim shares, “I am a Circles USA Board member because I think most ‘programs’ focus too much on giving people stuff or trying to change individual behaviors, and do not focus enough attention on the social systems in which people operate,” says Jim. “Circles focuses attention on social systems. This includes building social capital by creating bridging and bonding relationships among individuals, and by changing the opportunity structure through Big View and Poverty Alleviation Systems. I look forward to continuing to demonstrate the validity of the Circles approach and growing the system to include more funders, chapters, Circle Leaders, and Allies—plus coaches, staff, and Board members.”

In this series, we spotlight our four extraordinary Circles USA Board members : the governance team who oversees CUSA operations, advises on strategic directions, and contributes to specific projects that enhance what CUSA has to offer to its community of practice. Examples include upgrading our website, brochures, and curriculum, developing our Big View policy platform to advance systemic change based on chapter input, and connecting with national partner organizations like Ideos to strengthen our capacity for generative dialogue. While our network will not be surprised by our Board’s commitment to CUSA, we hope the scope of their collective knowledge and experience—from public policy to community organizing and spiritual leadership—will delight and inspire you. JENNIFER PELLING Board Member and Director of Tsuha Foundation (San Diego, CA) Jennifer Pelling is a founding member of the Tsuha Foundation and a documentary film producer. She believes in the power of stories to break down stereotypes, promote constructive dialogue, and engage people in social change. She is particularly interested in narratives related to inequity, Christianity, identity, and connection.  Jennifer’s previous experience includes consulting and project management (Accenture), homeschooling her children, and teaching at a charter school. She graduated from Hamilton College with a B.A. in Mathematics and Computer Science. “I’ve been a Circles USA Board member since December 2018 because I wholeheartedly believe in its mission and want to contribute my time and resources to helping Circles grow,” Jennifer says. “I believe that when people come together across income lines in friendship and support, both the individuals and their communities are positively transformed. I look forward to continuing to share stories of personal and systemic change as the Circles model expands across the US and Canada!” Jennifer was instrumental in upgrading our Circles USA website, marketing materials, and curriculum and recently finished producing our upcoming suite of new videos that capture the transformative power of Circles.

In this series, we spotlight our four extraordinary Circles USA Board members : the governance team who oversees CUSA operations, advises on strategic directions, and contributes to specific projects that enhance what CUSA has to offer to its community of practice. Examples include upgrading our website, brochures, and curriculum, developing our Big View policy platform to advance systemic change based on chapter input, and connecting with national partner organizations like Ideos to strengthen our capacity for generative dialogue. While our network will not be surprised by our Board’s commitment to CUSA, we hope the scope of their collective knowledge and experience—from public policy to community organizing and spiritual leadership—will delight and inspire you. CHRISTY VINES Board Member and President & CEO of Ideos (Westlake Village, CA) Christy Vines, a member of the Circles USA Board since October 2020, is an empathy expert, thought leader, and social commentator. She founded Ideos Institute to focus on the advancement of empathy and the equipping of trusted leaders to engage empathically in the big questions of our time. After leaving a professional career in national security and global conflict, she leads Ideos Institute’s research in the field of Empathic Intelligence and its application to conflict transformation, social capital, communal resiliency, and servant leadership. She is best known for her high-energy keynotes; unique perspective on Christianity, society, and culture; and her ability to help people bridge differences and connect more authentically. You may remember her powerful presentation at our virtual conference in April of 2021, “ The Power of Empathy in Creating Systems Level Change. ” Christy also is a published writer, international speaker, and the executive producer of the 2022 documentary film Dialogue Lab: America , a moving take on the current state of division and polarization in America. She is currently working on her first book, titled Empathic Intelligence. Empathic Leadership for our Time . Christy is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School. Christy says: “I am a Circles USA Board member because I believe deeply in the power and agency of those closest to social challenges and issues to transform them. The Circles model, and the leadership that supports it, inspire me every day to keep engaging in the difficult work of social transformation; and I’m both proud and humbled to be a part of the CUSA mission of building community to end poverty. I’m especially excited about engaging with and supporting CUSA’s work to influence policies and practices at the local, state and national levels to interrupt the systems that keep individuals and families in poverty.”

Gena Atcher, our Administrative Coordinator, has served a crucial role at Circles USA for over 16 years. Since 2006, she has managed general inquiries, materials distribution, contract negotiations, accounting, and events. In addition to fully supporting our national staff, Gena connects our chapters to resources, best practices, and each other to encourage our thriving network. We’re pleased to share this behind-the-scenes glimpse at one of our key staff members and to appreciate the powerhouse that Gena is for our Circles community! What does your CUSA role involve? I am the first point of contact for new inquiries for Circles. I connect chapter staff to CUSA resources. I manage contracts and invoices, pay our bills, track Human Resources, and ensure compliance for our donor site and with the states of Iowa and New Mexico. I also draft and support the CUSA network newsletters—you might know them as “New and Good” and “Big View”—and  I manage the annual CPA audit. Oh, and I reply to a lot of emails. Ha! What brought you to CUSA? I applied for a part time office position in March of 2006. I wanted a role that fit the needs of my family because my son was in kindergarten. Scott Miller and Michelle Clark knew they needed some office support, so we’ve crafted my job description together over the past 16 years.  How has CUSA changed your life, your thinking about poverty, and/or your relationships with others?   Circles has given me courage. And it’s driven me to be more fiscally responsible, too. I am more empathetic towards people’s life situations.  What is your favorite part of your job? I enjoy meeting with the chapters on a regular basis, hearing their success stories. I love to learn about new communities and how they can implement circles. I love coming to work daily because our team is very cohesive. We support each other and really care about one another.  Contact Administrative Coordinator Gena Atcher at (505) 225-7991 or Gena@CirclesUSA.org .

Courtney Cowan, our Information Systems and Design Manager, has served Circles USA for over 6 years. Since 2016, she has managed Circles USA’s national data system as well as training Circles chapters on how to collect, enter, and utilize their data. She also serves as general IT support and graphic designer for Circles USA and our chapters. What does your CUSA role involve? I am the technical support for Circles USA. I built the national database and continue to analyze and improve the system while providing support with data support calls and developing training materials for the chapters. I provide technical support to the national team; analyze national and local data; manage websites; and create logos, brochures, manuals, guides, and reports for national and chapter use. What brought you to CUSA? I contracted with Circles USA as part of a team in 2015. I was excited to play a part in supporting a non-profit organization while utilizing my IT knowledge. In 2016, just as my contract was coming to an end, I was offered a full-time position. How has CUSA changed your life, your thinking about poverty, and/or your relationships with others?   Circles has shaped my future for the better. While working at Circles USA, I was able to continue my education and still have time for my family. I value the work-life balance that Circles promotes for everyone, even in the national office. Also, the knowledge I have gained from Circles has helped me explain the roadblocks my family experienced as I was growing up and has allowed me to be a better ally to friends and family who are experiencing these struggles themselves. What is your favorite part of your job? There are many things I love about my job. Circles gives me the freedom to learn something new every day while exploring ways to improve our functionality and support for the chapters. I also enjoy meeting with the chapters: to help them see the results of all of their hard work and to hear their success stories. Another favorite of mine is the working environment and team at Circles USA. We are a very family-oriented organization. We truly care and support each other. Contact Information System and Design Manager Courtney Cowan at Courtney@CirclesUSA.org

The role of Chief Learning Officer is a crucial one to Circles USA. Our CLO unites our 80+ chapter community of practice through a shared learning agenda, coaching and support calls, and embedding chapter innovations and improvements into the national model.  Here, incoming CLO Yvette Trujillo discusses her values, shares her thoughts on belonging and community, and tells us why Circles USA already feels like home to her two- and four-legged family members. Welcome, Yvette! What brings you to Circles USA? What brings me to Circles is the hope in humanity that this work gives me: the actual lived, up-close opportunity to make a real difference in the world. In these times, it is often challenging to pull myself out of the drama that is flashing on the television screen and in my newsfeed, to see the truth… that there are a lot of people out there helping one another, having a huge impact. The reality of this moment has more than one side to it. Circles gives me more than an opportunity to see it and to soak in the hope it provides; now I actually get to stand side-by-side with the amazing human beings who are making a real difference. We are setting an example for what is possible. Not a quick fix but rather slow-and-steady, permanent transformation.  What are you most looking forward to in your CLO role? I’m most looking forward to the opportunity to get to know and support folks doing this important work. I hope that I’m able to make their boots-on-the-ground lives easier with tools, clarity, and support. I can’t wait to be a part of the cheering squad when things are movin’ and groovin’, and a voice in the choir of encouragement when things get tough. Being a part of this wonderful nationwide team is what I most look forward to. How does the Circles model of poverty alleviation speak to you, your values, and your experiences with “surviving” & “thriving” in the U.S.? I believe that one of the great gifts we have here on this planet is to love and support one another. The relationships we have with ourselves and each other are the vehicles we get to help us learn and grow. The greatest wish I have for my own life—and for the lives of all my companions on this journey—is that we all get to live in committed, loving community, sharing compassion and kindness wherever we go. I personally want to know that someone has my back. I want the blessing to have someone else’s. I think that when we experience true and deep belonging, we can begin to confidently take risks and learn that so much more is possible when we do the work of living cooperatively. It’s in this cooperation that loving kindness and compassion thrive. The work of Circles intentionally creates this very dynamic. I’m so humbled to have the opportunity to contribute to this endeavor in a meaningful way.  Will you share some fun facts about where you come from, who is in your community, and what you love to do? I’m originally from New Mexico, but I lived in Washington state for a little over 20 years. I moved back home to New Mexico and landed in Albuquerque just over five years ago.  I am a Licensed Spiritual Practitioner and am currently working toward becoming a minister through the Emerson Institute. I am a musician (vocalist) and consider music to be my ministry. No matter what I’m singing about, music has the power to open the heart.  I am also a total homebody! I love the work and creativity of making my home my sanctuary— bit by bit, paint can by paint can.  I love being at home with my wife Belinda and my dogs Piñon, Willow, and Ginger Grant. We love opening our home to our friends and family to break bread and love on each other.  I am my greatest work of art. I work very hard at understanding the mystery of me. I get my heart broken on this project all the time, but there is nothing more worthwhile. I believe that loving myself is the greatest gift I can give the world.  The work of Diversity, Equity and Belonging (often referred to as inclusion) is some of the most challenging work of my life. The last 15 years in particular have been my season of waking up to the truth of my own experience as a marginalized individual. I’m passionate about facilitating the work of waking people up to the truth that we all have so much to offer, so much richness to share, and that we all lose out when anyone is marginalized. Contact Chief Learning Officer Yvette Trujillo at Yvette@CirclesUSA.org .

At Circles USA , we believe “the beginning of the end of poverty” must start with understanding our current beliefs and practices. Circles creates the space for people to challenge their assumptions and arrive at more informed views of poverty. While Circles USA has books and training programs that can increase people’s awareness of their beliefs, the most important strategy of Circles USA is the opportunity to build healthy and effective relationships across socioeconomic class lines to empower individual and community-wide prosperity. In this video, meet Amber, a Circles graduate who has left poverty behind and is now helping others to do the same. She shares her journey from surviving to thriving, capturing the lived reality of poverty and what it takes to end poverty as we know it. Jennifer Pelling, CUSA Board member and producer of our new documentary short film series, recalls working alongside Amber and the Green Bay chapter. “Our team loved working with Amber—she was so open in sharing her personal and professional experience. She’s calm and patient but doesn’t hold back when it comes to addressing people’s fears or misconceptions.” “Amber brought so much heart and passion to the conversation on poverty,” says Brian Lawes, who directed and edited the video. “She knows all the challenges it presents for many in our country. I’m thankful we have people like her to advocate for others who may not have a voice.” FOR A DEEPER LOOK: Reducing Poverty in Your Community: Introduction to Circles USA Core Beliefs about Poverty

Circles USA works across the nation at the local level to reduce poverty by building community. Through online or in-person training and weekly meetings, participants (called Circle Leaders) build intentional friendships with volunteers (called Allies). Over time, these relationships help families climb out of poverty and remove the barriers that kept them there. In this video, Circles USA participants from across the U.S. describe how our model has helped transform their lives and communities. “I’m so glad we had Lamont as the guide in this video,” says Board member and filmmaker Jennifer Pelling. ”He is so engaging and enthusiastic! He was able to distill all the big ideas of Circles into understandable stories and facts, and leave people wanting to know even more. I hope that anyone who’s interested in starting a chapter will hear Lamont and feel encouraged to take the next step!” Brian Lawes, who directed and edited this video, adds: “It was really special seeing how the whole Circles model works, and all the passionate individuals involved in creating a thriving chapter in a community. I was happy we could capture these pockets of life change all over the country so others can see what it looks like to invest in the lives of families for the long term.” FOR A DEEPER LOOK: Vision: Circles USA