September 15, 2025 OGDEN, Utah – Circles USA and the Ogden Weber Community Action Partnership (OWCAP) are thrilled to announce the Circles USA Leadership Conference coming October 20-23, 2025 in beautiful Ogden, Utah at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center. This bi-annual conference gives attendees an opportunity to look at real-world strategies, attend hands-on workshops, hear from inspiring keynotes, improve leadership skills and walk away with ideas to create community-driven solutions to end poverty.  "The Circles USA Leadership Conference brings together chapters, partners, and innovators to share best practices, inspiration, and new learning every other year. We strengthen our relationships, uplevel our local practices, offer each other potent resources, and build momentum in the anti-poverty arena. Our conference is open to chapter staff, Circle Leaders, Allies, other volunteers, community champions, funders, partners, and friends of Circles. We even offer a one-day inquiry track for folks looking at partnering with Circles in the future. Conference programming is aimed at multiple roles and levels of experience, supporting all who attend to connect, learn, and return home inspired for next steps in their community. Join us in October in Ogden for a powerful week of Moving Beyond...together,” said Kamatara Johnson, Circles USA Executive Director. The community of Ogden and OWCAP are honored to be a host to the conference. Chris Ipsen, OWCAP Executive Director, said, “Welcome to the Circles USA Conference in beautiful Ogden, Utah! We are excited to have you join us for this inspiring event, where compassion and community unite to create lasting, positive change. Circles of Weber County is honored to be the primary partner and chapter supporting this impactful gathering. We look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions, exchanging innovative ideas, and cultivating lasting relationships as we are moving beyond  to break the cycle of poverty and create pathways to success. Thank you for your presence, and let’s work together to ensure this conference is both memorable and transformative!” Conference Offerings Circles USA’s Conference At-A-Glance  offers a view of the conference schedule and what to expect, including some optional events that add greatly to the conference experience. Highlights from the conference schedule include: Circle Leader Keynotes:  Circle Leaders, those who are working to leave poverty behind, are at the heart of our work. We’ll be kicking off the first full conference day with inspiring mini-keynote addresses from those with lived experience of poverty. Circle Leader Keynotes from Circles USA's 2023 Leadership Conference can be viewed here. Tuesday’s Inquiry Track , a special day of programming for anyone interested in learning about Circles. Breakout sessions and hands-on workshops  equipping attendees with systemic change tools, community-driven solutions, national connections, fresh ideas for impact, and much more. Cliff Effect Day , sponsored by OgdenCAN and Weber State University, which will include three breakout sessions and a panel discussion surrounding the Cliff Effect, one of the major barriers that keeps working Americans in poverty. Optional add-on experiences including weekly meetings at local Circles chapters  and a film screening of Join or Die , a powerful documentary on isolation, social capital, and democracy, followed by a rich group discussion. Additionally, Circles USA is committed to the mental health and wellbeing of their staff, volunteers, and participants who are on the front lines of poverty and trauma. They want conference attendees to be emotionally and physically supported just as much as they are inspired. Roxy, an Integration Coach at My Mind & Body Collective , will be offering a breakout session to support conference goers to process some of the deeper emotions and more difficult topics through movement. The Collective is also welcoming any Circles conference attendee to join them just down the street for any of their public wellness sessions that week or to schedule a personal coaching session. A strong line-up of local speakers will be in attendance: Mayor Nadolski took office on January 2, 2024, bringing with him a breadth and depth of experience, including two terms on the Ogden City Council and a decorated 23-year career with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) where he managed operations in Northern Utah. During his time with the DWR, Nadolski dedicated his professional life to natural resources, wildlife, habitat protection and restoration, public administration, policy, finance, and leadership. Nadolski was a key figure in the inception of the Ogden River Restoration Project. Nadolski is a passionate advocate for youth sports and has been instrumental in many local initiatives including the development of Ogden’s “Untamed” Competitive Sports Club, the renovation of Marshall White Center, and the improvements of 4th Street Ball Park. Nadolski met his wife Jaynee at WSU where she was a two sport athlete and he played football. They have two teenage daughters, Hazel and Millie. Nadolski also holds a Master of Science Degree from Utah State. Jesse Bush is the OWCAP Board Chair and the Chief Operations Officer for Midtown Community Health Center. Jesse received his B.S. and Masters degree in Public Health (MPH) from Brigham Young University and joined the Midtown team in 2021. He worked in public health, formerly working at local health departments for the past 9 years. He focused on implementing primary prevention policies/programs (chronic disease prevention, injury prevention, tobacco cessation and prevention, as well as healthy lifestyles for teens) with state and local stakeholders.  He is interested in promoting inclusion in community settings and increasing access to equitable and affordable healthcare.  Bush volunteered as a Circles Ally for 3 years and has been on the OWCAP board since 2021. He became a board secretary in 2022 and became board chair in 2024. Angelika Brewer  is an award-winning writer, organizer and the Poet Laureate of Ogden City, Utah. She was named a Poet Laureate Fellow by the Academy of American Poets in 2024. She is a Creative Writing and Storytelling Skills teacher through the Ogden Contemporary Arts: Artist Factory program and the host and founder of several recurring community events in Ogden City. Angelika's work focuses on accessibility and inclusivity in the arts and intends to make space for creativity to thrive.  Angelika will be sharing her powerful poetry at the conference, as well as offering a breakout session that connects conference goers with their inherent creativity. About Ogden Ogden has much to offer beyond the conference. Nestled at the foot of the stunning Wasatch Mountains, Ogden, UT is a vibrant city known for its rich history, outdoor adventure, and dynamic downtown. Once a key stop on the transcontinental railroad, Ogden now blends historic charm with modern amenities, offering unique shops, art galleries, and diverse dining experiences.   Just minutes from world-class skiing, hiking, and mountain biking, it’s a perfect destination for both adventure seekers and those looking to explore a lively urban scene.   With its welcoming atmosphere and breathtaking scenery, Ogden provides an unforgettable backdrop for the Circles USA 2025 Conference . More information on the conference and registration details can be found at circlesusa.org/conference . CONTACT: Gena Atcher, Circles USA gena@circlesusa.org ### About Circles USA and OWCAP Circles USA national nonprofit that partners with local organizations across the nation, engaging community volunteers to come alongside individuals until they overcome poverty permanently. Our mission is building community to end poverty through intentional friendships, personal transformation, and systemic change led by the people closest to the challenge.  The Ogden Weber Community Action Partnership (OWCAP) elevates individuals, families, and communities of Weber County by improving self-sufficiency through services and collaboration. OWCAP is the lead agency sponsoring Circles Weber County, one of six Circles chapters in the state of Utah. Circles USA gratefully acknowledges Weber State University and OgdenCAN as important sponsors supporting this year's conference. Building Community to End Poverty in 25 States Make an impact across the nation with a gift to Circles USA.

Two Circles USA chapters are partnering with Think Tank  as host sites for their third annual At The Table  event this month. This decentralized national gathering aims to “create a positive space for dialogue on challenging topics, break down stereotypes, and celebrate the strength and gifts of so many who have lived experience in poverty,” says Think Tank . Circles Columbus  in Columbus, GA and Circles Of Washtenaw County  in Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor, MI will serve as host sites for the event. Circle Leaders will share their lived experiences at the intersection of poverty and other socioeconomic factors that may include: Substance Use Disorder & Recovery: Addiction and experiences as a child of someone with addiction Behavioral & Mental Health: Mental illness, wellness, and access to behavioral health services Disabilities & Health Equity: Physical, developmental, and invisible disabilities, and navigating healthcare systems Child Welfare & Foster Care: Foster care, kinship care, and child welfare involvement Justice Involvement & Reentry: Includes experiences with incarceration, reentry [to public life], and the legal system Poverty & Public Assistance: Includes use of safety net programs, first-generation college experiences, and housing instability Domestic & Community Violence: Experiences with domestic violence and/or gun violence Discrimination & Unequal Opportunity: Racial equity, cultural identity, and experiences of marginalization or systemic exclusion During the session, participants sit down for 20 minutes of meaningful conversation with three different “Change Leaders,” who share their personal experiences with poverty and other systemic barriers they have faced.  Heather Cunningham, National Training Director for Think Tank, describes the powerful opportunities At the Table affords. “Neighbors, civic leaders, educators, business owners, and faith leaders sit down to listen—not to debate or solve—but to understand. These moments often spark something unexpected: a school administrator leaving with new ideas for supporting families, a city council member rethinking local policies, a volunteer finding deeper commitment to walk alongside a family on their journey.” Heather continues: “At the heart of Circles is the belief that relationships are the catalyst for real, lasting change. That’s why At the Table is such a natural fit. The event opens the door for the broader community to experience the same kind of transformative connection that happens in Circles every week, and to see Circle Leaders in their role as community educators and change agents.” Challenging top-down approaches to poverty that ignore lived experience, Think Tank works to amplify human stories and empower local change agents to be seen, heard, and valued. Through poverty simulations, training content and key initiatives guided by leaders with lived experience, Think Tank equips groups to rethink poverty and partner with those affected to create lasting change. Learn more at https://thinktank-inc.org/table-national . Check out a video recap of the 2024 At The Table event: Building Community to End Poverty in 25 States Make an impact across the nation with a gift to Circles USA.

Circles USA is proud to announce the release of our newest learning tool, the   Building Social Capital One-Pager ! This easy-to-use guide is designed to support your efforts to educate the public about social capital : a powerful, often-overlooked factor in beating poverty and building economic mobility through relationships. With visuals, examples, and practical solutions in one handy sheet, this resource is an excellent “leave-behind” for policymakers, employers, and community leaders. Circles released our first free Big View download, the Cliff Effect One-Pager , in spring 2024.  “The Cliff Effect and  Building Social Capital One-Pagers  really complement each other,” says Executive Director Kamatara Johnson. “Whether you share them individually or as a two-part power pack, they’re definitely going to help build awareness in a way that’s concise—but still full of substance. What better way to bring community partners into the Circles USA mission of building community to end poverty?” Download the Social Capital One-Pager  today! Building Community to End Poverty in 25 States Make an impact across the nation with a gift to Circles USA.

As we've approached Labor Day this year, I've found myself reflecting: not only on the history of this holiday, but on the present and future of labor itself—especially for those working hard every day and still struggling to make ends meet. Labor Day was established in the late 1800s  to honor the contributions of American workers. The observance recognizes the labor movement’s fight for fair wages, safer working conditions, and the eight-hour workday. For many, it represented progress and dignity in work. But today, that 40-hour work week—a hard-won victory of earlier generations—feels more like a relic than a reality. Here’s the truth: 40 hours isn’t enough anymore. And for many, it’s not even on the table. Some jobs simply don’t pay a living wage. A person can work full-time—or more—and still not afford rent, childcare, transportation, or basic groceries. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition , a full-time worker must earn $25.82 per hour  to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment in the U.S. without spending more than 30% of their income on housing. The federal minimum wage is still $7.25. Other workers are kept  under 40 hours. Employers strategically schedule part-time hours to avoid offering health insurance or other benefits, even when employees are eager for more shifts. And for those navigating the gig economy, where algorithmic management replaces human supervisors, there’s no guarantee of hours at all—just a constant hustle, shifting rules, and precarious income. We were told the “American Dream” was possible with hard work and personal responsibility. But our economy has changed, and the old rules don’t apply. The pathway I followed 30 years ago of getting a scholarship for college, working two jobs during college, and becoming a teacher who married another teacher…still led to being a member of the working poor . Nowadays, neither college nor a full time job alone guarantees a pathway to thriving.   One job should be enough. But too often, it isn’t. Our Circle Leaders tell us stories of working multiple jobs, stitching together part-time roles, or turning to delivery apps just to cover monthly expenses. And they’re not alone. Millions of people are living this economic reality right now. We must name this for what it is: a system that’s broken. Not because people aren’t trying—but because too many barriers are baked in. Otherwise hardworking people are unable to overcome massive obstacles, from the benefits cliff  that punishes low-income workers for advancing, to unaffordable childcare/housing/transportation/food, to the myth that poverty is a personal failing  instead of a systemic issue. As labor scholar Sarah Jaffe writes , “Work won’t love you back.”  And yet, millions of Americans give so much to their work—time, energy, care—and still can’t achieve stability, let alone prosperity. At Circles USA, we believe in rewriting this story. Dignified labor starts with community. It continues with policy. And it requires all of us to speak up for an economy that serves people—not the other way around. This Labor Day, let’s move beyond BBQs and retail sales. Let’s recommit to what labor should mean: dignity, security, and fairness. Here are a few ways you can take action: Support local and national policies  that raise the minimum wage, expand benefits, and eliminate benefit cliffs. Uplift worker voices —especially those in low-wage or gig work—by sharing their stories  and advocating for systemic change . Join or support organizations  like Circles USA that are building grassroots movements to end poverty, one relationship at a time. We don’t need to go back to the old American Dream—we need to co-create a new one. One rooted in equity, care, and the reality that all people deserve to thrive, not just survive. In Solidarity, Kamatara Johnson Executive Director, Circles USA Building Community to End Poverty in 25 States Make an impact across the nation with a gift to Circles USA.

At Circles, we know that leadership is more than a natural talent or a paid professional role. It’s the cumulative process of weaving each setback and success we meet into a consistent, goal-focused practice that benefits the whole collective. The more deeply we root our identity in service to our families, chapters, and communities, the more we distinguish ourselves as leaders within these groups striving to move from surviving to thriving.  Circles USA’s new Leadership Development Spotlight series spotlights graduated Circle Leaders who have stepped into challenging service roles at the chapter, regional, and even national levels. Among the most skilled, dedicated participants in the Circles network, these big-L Leaders’ stories offer insights and hard-won lessons guaranteed to inspire us all in our shared mission of building community to end poverty. Please share who you are, where you’re based, and what you do there! I'm Cody Martensen, and my chapter is Circles Utah Valley . But we also, this last year, added Wasatch Valley…so Circles Utah and Wasatch Valley. My role is Coordinator, but people have also called me the Director. Cody, will you tell us when and how you got involved with Circles? I got involved about seven years ago…I want to say 2018. I had recently gotten sober and got custody of two of my boys. And it was my first time being a full-time dad. You know, usually I was the “Disneyland dad”: take my kids on the weekend and amp them up on sugar and send them home. So I just needed all  the help.  I don't even know how I heard about Circles! But magically I learned about it, and I just got involved. In my recovery, I had signed up for classes; and with each class I took, my life got a little bit better and I learned some new life skills. I learned how to cope in a different way. So I knew about commitment and I just kept showing up.  Then years later, I think around 2020, I got custody of my daughters. Their mom got arrested for two first degree felonies. And so I flew out to South Carolina, got my daughters, and brought them back to Utah. I was almost graduated from Circles—I think I had a couple thousand dollars more to make and I would have been graduated. But then my poverty level jumped again. And so they were like, “You can stay in… what do you want?” I was like, “Sure!” Circles is just another support network, and I know I need as many support networks as I can get. So I probably stayed a couple years longer than the normal person. I stayed probably four, five years, and I don't think I really had any intention of graduating. Like, I was happy where I was at: I was making alright money, I was saving for retirement, I was taking care of my kids.  And then I got married, and—with our incomes combined—they were like, “Oh, you graduated!” That was about three years ago. So that's my Circles journey. What were your financial goals at that time? Just to learn how to live, you know? I didn't have any retirement. I wanted to fix my credit, which was ruined. I’d had a couple failed marriages, and I had to claim bankruptcy because of debt and the wreckage from my addiction. So I think [my goal] was just to learn how to manage money and be successful enough to take care of my kids and myself. It was like, all right, how do I do it right this time instead of just winging it, hoping that I'll figure it out as I go? I think I owed back child support and I owed some fines. Through Circles, I slowly started chipping away at all that stuff. Now the only debt I have left is my student loans. And that might take me a minute… I deferred it forever, and I finally started to pay on it about a year or two ago. I started learning how to budget, how to use my credit to work for me, and how to save and build a retirement. That is a really impressive journey. So, what are some of your goals and wins today? I was in school for social work, but I broke my leg so I withdrew. I never really finished, but I have $20,000 in student loans that I don't really have much to show for. I've finally realized that those student loans aren't going to go away…I just need to get it behind me and pay it off. So a goal of mine is to go back to school. But right now I'd rather focus on my kids and family time, and I'm okay with that. It aligns with my values right now. And, you know, the day will come, hopefully. My second daughter, she's 15. She'll be in college in three, four years. And she's like, “Dad, you're going to take some college classes with me, right?” I was like, “I'd love to! You really want to go to college with me?” And she’s like, “Yeah, I'd love to.” So I’ll probably go back then. Maybe I'll finish in four years. But right now I'm enjoying working for Circles and just hanging out with my family. My purpose, I decided, was to help people like me. Every day, I get to wake up and I get to do things that are aligned with my purpose. You mentioned setting goals that align with your values right now. If you had to name a couple of those values, what would they be? Add value to the world and my family. Leave people better than I found them. There were so many years I took from this world. I battled with addiction for over 21 years, from 13 to 34. And so when I got clean and sober, I knew I needed a purpose or I was gonna fall back into my old ways. My purpose, I decided, was to help people like me. Every day, I get to wake up and I get to do things that are aligned with my purpose. It makes life easier. Life will throw curveballs at me, and it's just kind of like, oh, life's happening. It's nothing detrimental, just another challenge I get to find a solution for. So that's how I approach life and challenges: I get to be creative and find solutions for them. I think a huge thing that people don't really pay a lot of attention to is Beliefs. All the classes in the world aren't going to do me any good if I don't believe  I deserve a good life, you know? As we're working on our goals, we also have to look at our beliefs and our values and really decide, “Are these still serving me? Can I incorporate new ones?” And then, in order to incorporate new ones, we also have to take action behind them. That's one thing I tried to instill in the Circle Leaders I interact with. The values that I had when I first got sober—when it was just me—they were different than the values I had when I became a dad. And then my values changed again when I got married. It's like, all right, I need to be consciously looking at those things and making sure they're aligning with the person I'm trying to be, with the life I'm trying to create. Yeah, I feel like that stuff's almost more important than goals. You’ve got to make sure you have the beliefs that back up whatever you're trying to create. All the classes in the world aren't going to do me any good if I don't believe  I deserve a good life, you know? You’ve got to make sure you have the beliefs that back up whatever you're trying to create. What are some things you’d like people to know about your journey from Circle Leader to now? You never know what the future holds. Like, just show up. Half the battle is just showing up. When you are committed to showing up, a way will be provided. It doesn't matter where you come from, what your past is. There's so many roadblocks that I ran into, and somehow a way was provided because I was committed to showing up. Sometimes I didn't know what I was showing up for, but I was there. That's what I've learned in my journey from Circle Leader to Coordinator. The state of Utah told me, “You're not getting custody of your kids. You're the last person we want to put your kids with.” And I just kept taking classes and kept bettering myself; I didn't take no for an answer. And finally, one day, they said, “Do you still want custody of your kids?” And so you never know what the future holds. Just continue to show up and work. Stay the course and [keep] the vision of what you want out of your life. Keep chipping away at it regardless of what's happening around you or what curveballs life throws at you. Building Community to End Poverty in 25 States Make an impact across the nation with a gift to Circles USA.

This International Friendship Day, Circles USA salutes the true backbone of our movement: the close-knit relationships of Circle Leaders and their Allies everywhere. The “dynamic duos” (and trios, and chapters!) of Circles, these members who form time-tested, intentional bonds have always driven our poverty alleviation work. Today we’re proud to showcase some All-Star friends who have come together to face tough obstacles, grow their social capital, and build community to end poverty in our lifetime. “ Relationships have blossomed into friendships —with boundaries.” Social Capital: the Key to Poverty Alleviation In this seminal 2022 post, we outline the major tenets of social capital ( bonding , bridging , and linking ) and discuss how Circles USA is helping Circle Leaders and Allies create wealth in the form of intentional friendships. “ She is a bright spot in my life. Evalee is so upbeat. So kind and loving, so generous.” Friendship Grows Financial Independence: Circles Jackson County, NC Circles USA talks with Evalee and Mary Anne, two tight-knit friends from North Carolina who are building social capital and long-term financial stability to change their lives, their chapter, and their community for the better. “[Mary Anne] is a great friend. I wouldn’t trade her for the world. ” “ Social capital is  the safety net. It’s the community we create around one another and the key to removing the systemic barriers keeping people in poverty.” The Learning Curve Chronicles: The Healing Power of Social Capital Circles Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander reflects on the huge difference a robust social support network has made in her life…especially during times of crisis and upheaval. “ They’ve become more than just Allies to us. They have become friends and mentors that hold a very special place in our hearts. It was amazing that people we barely knew were willing to go the extra mile for our family.” Breaking Cycles of Poverty Together: Circles Sauk Prairie Caitlin and Capri, married Circle Leaders at Circles Sauk Prairie, WI, both come from families experiencing generational poverty. Like many people raised without financial literacy tools, they felt permanently stuck in survival mode. But when they joined Circles USA, Caitlin and Capri began to break that cycle—rewriting harmful narratives about money and building thriving futures through the power of intentional friendships.  “That’s how social capital and grassroots organizing goes: sharing our lives, our relationships, and our heart-centered purpose. ” Bread for the World Advocacy Summit, Pt. 2: Partnerships and Coalition Building for Effective Change In this two-parter, Executive Director Kamatara Johnson connects her recent trip to a Washington, DC event with a major life shift: two adventures made richer by the company of supportive, like-minded partners and friends old and new. “[With] the addition of new relationships within our Circle, our power grows too. ” The Big View  Season 2, Episode 3: Transformational Relationships National Coach Addie Hartnett joins The Big View  pod to discuss how intentional friendships—ones grounded in trust, reciprocity, and long-term commitment—can radically shift the way we approach systems change. “Circles changed me as a person in a way that made me more comfortable with myself…and knowing that there’s help out there, and that it’s okay to ask. ” Lives Transformed: Asking For Help | Yakilin’s Story When hard-working single parent Yakilin stepped out of her comfort zone and joined Circles USA, she built bonds that empowered her to reach out in times of need—giving and receiving support within a caring, non-judgmental community. This is Yakilin’s story of building life-changing friendships, in her own words and through the eyes of her Ally. Building Community to End Poverty in 25 States Make an impact across the nation with a gift to Circles USA.

At Circles, we know that leadership is more than a natural talent or a paid professional role. It’s the cumulative process of weaving each setback and success we meet into a consistent, goal-focused practice that benefits the whole collective. The more deeply we root our identity in service to our families, chapters, and communities, the more we distinguish ourselves as leaders within these groups striving to move from surviving to thriving.  Circles USA’s new Leadership Development Spotlight series spotlights graduated Circle Leaders who have stepped into challenging service roles at the chapter, regional, and even national levels. Among the most skilled, dedicated participants in the Circles network, these big-L Leaders’ stories offer insights and hard-won lessons guaranteed to inspire us all in our shared mission of building community to end poverty. Please share who you are, where you’re based, and what you do there! Hey, I’m Sarah Haworth. I am in Circles Reno County  in Hutchinson, Kansas, and I am the Executive Director. Welcome, Sarah. Will you tell us when and how you got involved with Circles? It's been about nine years. I actually started Circles because I was homeless with my three kids and in need of help. A friend invited me to come to Circles and see the program and how it works. I was a pretty cranky person; I didn't trust anyone! And with all the love and compassion, they slowly broke me down. I did the class, and I've now been out of poverty and on staff for several years—recently just moving into that Director position. What were your financial goals at that time? My goals at that point were to be able to take care of my children, to have enough food in the house. And my big goals, huge  goals, were…well, I promised my kids I'd take them to the ocean and into the mountains before my oldest graduated. I was late on the deadline: we made it three weeks after graduation to the mountains. We did the Rockies because they wanted to see the snow cap, and we ended up going up Pikes Peak and everything. I mean, we did the full experience, so they really loved it. But we did do both. Those were my goals, and I accomplished them. I grew up in the upper middle class, so I was in situational [as opposed to generational] poverty; I did not grow up that way. And so we traveled a lot when I was a kid. The first mountain tunnel that I went under just blew my mind. You know, one of those, like, eight mile tunnels through the mountain… it just was amazing. So I want to take them [to the Appalachians] next. Maybe in a couple years! That is amazing! So how did those goals transform over time? And what do your goals look like today, now that you're an Executive Director? Well, they definitely transformed. My goals continued to get bigger over time. It [went] from maybe doing a one- or two-day trip out to the mountains or to the ocean to full-blown weeks, four or five days. So the goals themselves got bigger. My goals now are just to maintain my stability. I definitely want to do more vacations, and save enough money that when my kids all leave home, I can go travel by myself all the time. Do you have any wins or New and Goods to share from your chapter? Oh, man. I have a million of those! I was an Ally as well at one point, and I think that's my favorite win. I had [married] Circle Leaders, and they were both recovering addicts. She unfortunately went from using drugs to spending a bunch of money on things like makeup and wigs. It made her husband frustrated because he tried to save money. And then they came to Circles, and I helped them. They ended up getting in a car wreck, and they got a settlement. She called me and she said, “Sarah, I got my check… I paid off all my credit card debt.” Instead of blowing all of that money like she normally would have, she made a really good, healthy adulting choice and paid her credit card debt off. And now they own a home. We're still friends. They are doing amazing. Where you are right now is not your final destination. And who you are today doesn't have to be who you are tomorrow. You can change. What is one thing that you'd like people to know about your journey from a Circle Leader to an Executive Director, and everything in between? I would say that where you are right now is not your final destination. And who you are today doesn't have to be who you are tomorrow. You can change. To me, that's the biggest thing because people lose that spark. I also have to say that we have an amazing executive team; [they’re] kind of my “checks-and-balances.” If it wasn't for them seeing all of this beautiful good that I have inside of me and helping pull it out, I wouldn't be where I am today in any capacity—whether it's the Director portion, or even just being a successful person and getting out of poverty. Read the first installment in our Leadership Development Spotlight series here . Building Community to End Poverty in 25 States Make an impact across the nation with a gift to Circles USA.

In this monthly blog series, Circles USA Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander shares insights on her learning journey, sources of inspiration, and what excites her about her work. The column offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the learning curve that drives growth and progress at CUSA as we continually deepen and enhance our mission of building community to end poverty. I have been thinking a lot lately about a seemingly minor privilege that I have now, for the first time in my life: automatic bill pay. I know you may be thinking, “What? Kris, that is not a privilege, that is a convenience.” I beg to differ. When I was experiencing poverty as a single mom, all of the many financial literacy classes, blogs, and experts suggested turning on automatic bill pay so that you always paid bills first, and therefore “always had money to pay them.” However, that doesn’t actually work in real life.  My experience with automatic bill pay was that money—often an unknown amount—would come out of my account unexpectedly. It would quite often overdraft my account, and I would end up having to pay an overdraft fee on top of the bill I already wasn’t expecting to come out. I clearly remember conversations begging companies to return money from automatic payments that I had already budgeted for something else more important at that moment, like putting gas in the car to get to work. Automatic bill payment only lasted a (horrifying) couple months for me before I turned it off. At that time, I would rather have had my lights turned off than try to figure out how to feed my son and pay off the $35 overdraft fee that accompanied the “convenience.” It might have come with begging representatives at the water company to give us just a few more days before they turned our water off—but that was better than the alternative for me. I recently completed The Trauma of Money  course, which gave language and validation to the financial trauma I’ve carried for years. It helped me understand how poverty creates not just logistical challenges, but deep nervous system responses around money: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn . What I have experienced isn’t a failure of budgeting or discipline; it is my body reacting to real fear and instability caused by a lack of opportunities and resources. Automatic bill pay is framed as a simple solution, but for someone living paycheck-to-paycheck, it can easily become a threat, not a tool. The same is true for a budget. While often taught as the answer to all your money problems in financial literacy courses, it can cause more harm than good. This is especially true for someone experiencing poverty and relying on minor miracles every month to make ends meet. The pressure to "just get organized" and “cut out luxuries” ignores the somatic imprint of scarcity and lived experience of poverty. That trauma has lasted throughout my life, and even once I was more financially stable, I never turned automatic bill pay back on. The budgeting tools that would help me know when and what was coming out often have subscription fees, and I’ve never been “budgeting app rich,” as I call it. Additionally, the absolute terror of having a company take money out of my bank account,  seemingly at their own whim, kept me from ever pursuing it again. Circles USA understands that these experiences aren't just anecdotal, they're systemic. In Circles, we are supporting individuals and families as they leave poverty behind permanently . That includes naming the lingering stress responses, trauma, and emotional weight of trying to navigate systems that were never designed for people with limited resources. Circles also focuses on removing the actual barriers that keep people in poverty. One of those is the idea that financial literacy alone is enough to get someone out of poverty. Ryan and I at Devil's Bathtub VA this summer In 2021, my now-spouse and I moved in together and combined our finances. Ryan had only ever used automatic bill pay and was incredibly confused as to why I wasn’t taking advantage of this convenience. With their support and reassurance, I eventually agreed to try it again. I still had moments of fear and activation when I saw money come out of our account that I didn’t realize was drafting that day, but the money was always there to cover the cost without a hard decision or overdraft fee attached. It took the power of community for me to move forward instead of remaining stuck in my trauma. That journey hasn’t always been a smooth one. Like most couples, money has been one of our primary sources of disagreement. We both handle money—and our anxiety and stress around money—very differently. Just six months ago, we finally decided we needed a budgeting app to help us stay on top of our finances . We became “budgeting app rich.” That $120 we spend a year has been life-changing for us. We no longer argue about money, we know where every dollar is, we’ve paid off some relatively significant debt and even financed a new car! What a privilege it is to have money for a budgeting tool. Bread for the World Advocacy Summit Circles teaches individuals and families that community support and practical tools work hand-in-hand. No one gets out of poverty alone. Whether it's being able to ask, “How do you keep up with it all?”, sharing overwhelm without shame, recognizing the trauma poverty has caused in our lives, or expressing the emotional relief of feeling in control of our finances for the first time. Circles not only reminds us that transformation happens in relationship; it also provides a community for those necessary, intentional friendships to thrive. Just like The Trauma of Money  helps recognize the patterns we are stuck in, Circles offers a way to build new patterns—collectively. Honestly, I haven’t worried for months about what we pay in bills. It comes out, the budgeting app tracks it, and I simply go in and approve the amount. I couldn’t even tell you what day we pay any of our bills. Habits are hard to break, and trauma stays in our subconscious brain and nervous system long after we are safe. Pretty regularly, I will panic and forget that bills are automatically paid. I will wonder if the electricity, or the water, or the internet is about to get cut off. My brain will go to the worst-case scenario, and I will think about how I can’t do my job without internet, and that my boss will fire me. The past sense of scarcity, fear, and worry stays with me—even now, when my spouse and I both have incredible jobs with understanding bosses (months without water, electricity, and internet after Hurricane Helene proved that). There’s plenty of money in the bank (we have a cushion that our accounts never go below… talk about privilege), and all our bills are paid on time. No more digging in couch cushions for rent change. Every time I panic, then remember what my life is like now, relief floods over me and I am overwhelmingly grateful for the privilege of automatic bill pay. As recently as a couple years ago, I would have told you I was not ever going to experience the luxury of not worrying about bills. It seemed like a unicorn experience, something only ultra-rich folks got to do. We all have our personal definitions of success. Automatic bill pay and using a budgeting app is mine. Yes, my home, job, spouse, new car, and incredibly spoiled pets are up there—but nothing gives me quite the sense of relief and comfort as those two tiny “conveniences” that began as a threat for me. I wish this for everyone. And programs like Circles and tools like The Trauma of Money  make it more than just wishful thinking. It’s possible. Maybe automatic bill pay and budgeting apps aren’t the definition of success for you. Maybe it’s having central heating and air conditioning, or a yard, or being able to go on vacation once a year. I know one person whose “made-it moment” was having water and ice in their refrigerator door, and another for whom it was owning Yankee Candles. Maybe it’s spending more time with your family because you no longer need that second job, having enough money for your child to buy a birthday present for a friend, or simply being able to stay home and rest when you're not feeling well. These small things may seem insignificant, but I think they are everything. They’re how we rewire our nervous systems. They’re one way we reclaim dignity. And in the context of Circles and trauma-informed tools, they are how we begin to build a future that doesn’t just look different, but feels  different too. Tell me your “made-it moment” in the comments. What tiny things in your life feel like success to you? Let’s celebrate together. Read more from Kris on her monthly Circles USA blog, The Learning Curve Chronicles : Introducing Camp Kaleidoscope The Healing Power of Social Capital Healing the System, Healing Myself The Serviceberry as a Blueprint for Community Embracing the Both/And The Science of Relationships Youth, Varying Exceptionalities, & Poverty

Daishayanea Jackson  is the Children's Program Coordinator at Circles Washtenaw County . She has an educational background and experience working with youth. By day she is a Youth Services Paraprofessional at a library. She has a passion working with youth, creating opportunities and experiences for them to explore their creativity, try something new and feel inspired to be who they want to be. Greetings from Circles Washtenaw County  in Ypsilanti, Michigan! I am Daishayanea Jackson, the Children’s Program Coordinator here in Washtenaw County. In celebration of International Youth Day on August 12th, I want to share pictures of my amazing kiddos and what we do in our program to support, encourage, and love them every Tuesday night. I have been in the Children’s Program Coordinator position for almost 2.5 years now. During my time here, I have revamped the way we do programming. I still follow the curriculum, but I put a spin on things using my education background and experience working in elementary education. Each month we choose a theme that correlates to, or highlights awareness for, that month’s [special campaigns] . For example, with May being Mental Health Awareness Month, I tend to focus on emotional health; but I also include physical health because our minds and bodies are interconnected and my kids enjoy running around and playing. As September is the month kids go back to school, we focus on building relationships. In addition to choosing themes that connect with each month, I try to pay attention to how my kids experience programming and respond to the different activities I plan. My younger kids are adventurous and will try just about anything, but my older kiddos really enjoy talking and having discussions. I tailor activities to their needs and interests while still including skills and ideas that they can develop or enhance. I noticed that [the element] of experience was lacking from programming, so I began reaching out to local individuals or organizations that create space for the kids to explore, tap into their creativity, and build connections within the community. These experiences opened the kids up to a new world beyond our Circles space and made the theme of the month more fun to explore. We have had field trips to the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum, where the kids explored “slime time” and states of matter for our July focus on STEM. At the Youth Arts Alliance, we explored music; we’ve also worked with a personal trainer who did fitness activities. Recently, I brainstormed a Circles Summer Camp because I am aware of how costly and inconvenient summer camps can be. Scheduling and transportation can be challenging for families, so our camp would ensure that children have access and opportunities to learn, play, and connect with others while on break from school. Circles Summer Camp was created and, during the past few weeks, children have had the opportunity to experience different activities, field trips, and engagement with youth community organizations on a weekly basis. I noticed that [the element] of experience was lacking from programming, so I began reaching out to local individuals or organizations that create space for the kids to explore, tap into their creativity, and build connections within the community. After a few weeks of Circles Summer Camp, I attended the Circles USA Youth Support Call that Kris and Addie hosted, and I shared with the group that I had started this camp for Circles Washtenaw County. This got Kris’ idea gears turning, and I mentioned to her that if she wanted to create something for all Circles chapters to use, I would meet with her. The next week Kris, Jessica Lyseng (a Circles Washtenaw County teacher who has supported me in planning our summer camp activities) and I met. Together we started brainstorming and outlining the Camp Kaleidoscope  curriculum. This initiative is also meant to offer Circles Children program coordinators, teachers, and volunteers the opportunity to slow down and connect with the kids in playful, adventurous, engaging ways. [We wanted programming] that would support our children growing in areas like compassion, emotional health, respect, leadership, teamwork, etc. This summer camp has created space for all that and then some. My kids have enjoyed summer camp and often say, “Can we do that again next week?”,  “What are we doing next week?” or “ I’m not ready to leave yet.” The joy in their faces, the laughter echoing in the gym or outside as we’re running around playing tag with water guns, has been the highlight of my role as a Children’s Program Coordinator.  Daishayanea and the Circles Washtenaw County Children's Team We welcome guest blog contributions from all roles of the Circles network, including staff, Circle Leaders, Allies, partners, volunteers, and champions. Whether you have a success story, best practice, or insight to share, we’d love to feature your perspective! Building Community to End Poverty in 25 States Make an impact across the nation with a gift to Circles USA.

In this monthly blog series, Circles USA Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander shares insights on her learning journey, sources of inspiration, and what excites her about her work. The column offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the learning curve that drives growth and progress at CUSA as we continually deepen and enhance our mission of building community to end poverty. At Circles, we have two big goals: To support individuals and families as they leave poverty behind for good. To remove the systemic barriers that keep people stuck in poverty. Today, I want to tell you about a new initiative that beautifully supports both—especially the second goal of removing barriers. It’s called Camp Kaleidoscope, and it was created to break down the many obstacles that prevent Circles youth from experiencing something that should be a joyful part of growing up: summer camp. When I was a kid, summer camp was a regular part of my life. My favorite was South Mountain Christian Camp, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. What made this camp special was that it was designed for low-income children, with a commitment to welcoming every child—regardless of ability to pay. Now, I didn’t come from a low-income family. My parents were donors to the camp and brought me along to a dinner there one evening. I was hooked. I begged to attend, and they finally let me, mildly confused about what made that  camp the one I picked.  Once I got there, I stood out in every way. I was already a socially awkward, nerdy kid who didn’t quite click with my peers. At this camp, I was also the economic and cultural outsider. Most of the campers were kids from urban areas who had never swum in a lake or gone hiking in the woods. I loved it all as a small town mountain girl—but I was often teased and excluded. And yet, I kept going back. That experience shaped me. It taught me that even when things are hard or awkward, we can still find belonging, joy, and transformation in diverse community. Summer Camp is one of those quintessential childhood experiences that shapes individuals’ whole lives. Sadly, many of the children whose families are part of Circles don’t have the chance to attend summer camp at all. Even when financial barriers are lifted, there are still so many challenges: transportation, childcare needs at home, lack of information or internet access, and emotional or logistical burdens that make traditional camps out of reach. For all these reasons, socio-economic status remains the single biggest access barrier to summer camp for children. Gallup reported in 2024 that while "55% of U.S. parents say their child participated in at least one structured activity [such as] overnight camp...[t]he gap in participation rates between upper- and lower-income families is nearly 30 percentage points, 67% versus 38%."  That’s why we decided to bring the camp to Circles youth. Camp Kaleidoscope is a six-week program (expanding to 12 weeks in 2026!) held during our regular Circles Weekly Meetings. That means families are already gathered together—no extra travel required. Kids join their families for dinner and then head into a full-on camp experience: games, crafts, community, and fun. Every child in Circles is welcome, and there are no barriers (fees, transportation, etc.) to attend. Camp Kaleidoscope was inspired by the incredible work of Daishayanea Jackson and Jessica Lyseng from Circles Washtenaw County  in Michigan. They created a youth summer program filled with water fights, Capture the Flag, friendship bracelets, “field trips” (bringing cool experiences and programs to Circles), and even STEM learning—like the story of Lonnie George Johnson, the brilliant Black engineer who invented the Super Soaker.  In true Circles spirit, they generously shared their materials, lessons, and love with the rest of us. As a result, Camp Kaleidoscope was born to bring to all chapters across North America. Circles is a multi-generational movement. We walk alongside entire families, not just adults. And Camp Kaleidoscope is one more way we live out that value, helping kids build positive experiences, make friends, and strengthen relationships that build social capital—those deep connections that are essential to thriving. While it may seem small, summer camp is just one more way that we are breaking the cycle of generational poverty and supporting families in leaving poverty behind permanently. If you’re already part of Circles, check in with your chapter’s youth coordinator to see how you can get involved—maybe even as a Camp Counselor! And if you’re not yet a part of Circles, visit our website to find a chapter near you or learn how to start one  today. And for a simple way to connect right now? Grab the kids in your life and make a kaleidoscope  together. It’s a fun, colorful reminder that beauty is made from many different pieces—and when we come together in community, we create something truly extraordinary. Editors’ note - 7/5:   It is impossible to mention summer camp in this moment without evoking the 27 young girls currently missing amidst catastrophic flooding in Kerr County, Texas. Circles USA sends our collective grief, concern, and wishes for speedy reunions to all families of Camp Mystic; condolences to the loved ones of those lost in the Guadalupe River flood; and also our thanks to the 1,000+ first responders and community leaders whose efforts have saved more than 850 lives so far in the Texas Hill Country disaster. Read more from Kris on her monthly Circles USA blog, The Learning Curve Chronicles : The Healing Power of Social Capital Healing the System, Healing Myself The Serviceberry as a Blueprint for Community Embracing the Both/And The Science of Relationships Youth, Varying Exceptionalities, & Poverty Click the Give to Circles button  and help us celebrate 25+ years of building community to end poverty!

In Pt. 1: Your Stories Matter…Even in DC , Executive Director Kamatara Johnson discusses how her recent trip to Washington, DC to support CUSA partner organization Bread for the World recharged her sense of civic responsibility and connectedness with our elected officials. This week, Kamatara reflects on the power of working together to create real change in our communities and our country....with a special invitation to join us in Utah this October . Supported by the National Big View Team  that has been meeting for over two years, I finally had the courage—and the right opportunity—to jump into the Big View myself at Bread for the World’s 2025 Advocacy Summit . Beyond engaging with my legislators, I connected with national advocates and leaders from my state of New Mexico. I was privileged to join folks from Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Las Cruces.  I actually moved to Las Cruces, NM the week before the Summit, unpacked my bags and boxes, and then flew to DC…only to meet a retired librarian and social activist from Las Cruces. What a delight to encounter Lynette S., who is deeply connected to the local community through health and human services agencies, coalitions and social justice groups, and her progressive church. Lynette Schurdivan, retired librarian and social activist from Las Cruces, NM Upon my return to NM, we shared a Sunday service—one so very welcoming and deeply rooted in the people and culture of Las Cruces—where she introduced me to many community leaders in my new city.  From these connections, I volunteered at the drive-thru food bank on Thursday, loading up car trunks with food for 100 families. Later that same day, Lynette and I connected for lunch at a local establishment where she introduced me to an employee for the City of Las Cruces. Next month, I’ll be her guest at an interagency gathering for health and human services and service oriented nonprofits in Las Cruces. And that’s how social capital and grassroots organizing goes: sharing our lives, our relationships, and our heart-centered purpose. Now I am more than just moved to Las Cruces. I am home and ready to build relationships to end poverty right where I am. I was also joined in DC by some of our own beloved community, including CUSA Board Member Jennifer Pelling, who also serves on the board for Bread for the World. Circles Central Florida (led by Poverty Solutions Group ) was represented by their executive director Lynette Fields and graduated Circle Leader—now Circles Coach!—Bonita Thomas. I learned how to navigate the DC ecosystem from Lynette and Bonita’s experiences on Capitol Hill, where they have engaged frequently and effectively with their state legislature . That is the power of our community of practice to support each other, expanding our reach and our collective impact.  Jennifer Pelling (CUSA Board Member), Florence French Fagan (Regional Organizer for Bread), and me :) Circles USA originally connected with Bread for the World through Lynette, and also through Florence French Fagan, Bread’s regional organizer for the South. Circles has utilized Bread’s powerful Racial Wealth Gap Learning Simulation  to train almost 400 staff members and CUSA champions; this is because it’s impossible to work equitably in the anti-poverty arena and not talk about key intersections of poverty, especially race. Connecting face-to-face and heart-to-heart with their President/CEO, the Rev. Eugene Cho, was a powerful moment to express our gratitude for the Advocacy Summit and the Racial Wealth Gap Simulation. It also afforded us a chance to imagine how our partnership might expand as mission-aligned organizations uplifting those who would otherwise be left behind.  This is how we move beyond an initiative and into a movement . Poverty Solutions Group's Lynette Fields!! Coalition building with key partners has deepened Circles USA’s toolkit, reach, and impact. Now, this October in Ogden, Utah, our Leadership Conference  will convene partner organizations like Think Tank ,  Employer Resource Network USA , The Workers Circle , The Prosperity Agenda , Martha O’Bryan Center , Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta , Leap Fund , and many more. This is how we move beyond an initiative and into a movement. Circles has stepped up our engagement, increased our visibility, and aligned our hard-earned insights with all this powerful collective work in the anti-poverty arena. Together as neighbors and peer organizations, we convene and connect to build social capital and amplify the voices of people closest to the challenge. How is your chapter building relationships—and social capital—for the mission that calls to your hearts? Register today for the 2025 Leadership Conference  and join us in lifting up best practices, stories, and tested models for ending poverty in our lifetime. Click the   Give to Circles button  and help us celebrate 25+ years of building community to end poverty!

Earlier this month, I ventured to Washington, DC to join our partner organization Bread for the World  (Bread). It was a joy to help celebrate their 50th anniversary, as Circles USA has long stood as a peer advocate to end childhood hunger in the US and around the world. This convening also marked Bread’s  2025 Advocacy Summit , an occasion to support community leaders from all 50 states and Puerto Rico to connect with our leaders in the Congress and the Senate.  I hadn’t been to DC in 30 years; and, like most people in the United States, I have never spoken with my representatives…ever. I have been inspired by our Circles community members who have meaningful relationships with their policymakers  and speak up regularly on the issues that impact those experiencing poverty. It was definitely my turn to step up. Bread hosted over 400 people at its Advocacy Summit this June and equipped us with inspiration, information, and connections. We learned the talking points to share as we advocated for saving SNAP and WIC, along with joining global support for the US Agency for International Development (USAID ): an imperilled resource which, during 2023-24, disbursed roughly $21B in federal health funding . We spoke up for the elderly, children, those with disabilities, vets, and people experiencing poverty, especially food insecurity.  Each state delegation was scheduled to meet with each and every representative office: sometimes with the actual legislator, but more often with the staffer, which is how things get done in DC. Much appreciation to all the young adults with razor sharp acumen and a pulse on the nation, listening to dozens upon dozens of people day after day and then conveying those demands to the representatives. With Bonita Thomas! Both exhausted after a LONG day of advocating with representatives, over 13,000 steps that day! Inspirational choir to nourish the soul before going out to support legislation that nourishes the body Throughout all the meetings I experienced, I noticed that our policymakers and their staff were most engaged when people shared their stories. A college student from Puerto Rico shared with my New Mexico representative the difficulty of receiving their version of SNAP, and of not having enough to eat on the weekends—but feeling grateful to even eat one meal a day on the weekdays. Hunger on college campuses in the 50 states is equally as prevalent, with  3 out of 5 students reporting food or housing insecurity in 2025 , as is hunger for families and individuals who cannot keep up with the high cost of groceries. I shared my personal story of following the social narrative in our country: work hard, get the scholarship, go to college, get married, get a great job, and live the American Dream. I did all of that to become a teacher, married another teacher, and promptly became the working poor. When our first child was born, WIC was absolutely essential to support our food budget for the nutrition and wellbeing of my family. I shudder to think what our lives would have been like without that support in a time of need. And that was 24 years ago. Today, roughly 13.7% of Americans  in this volatile economy need this critical support, as opposed to 10.7% in 2001. Systems change is people change…it’s all about relationships and sharing our stories with each other. NM Representative Gabe Vasquez's Office Sharing our personal stories—how these proposed cuts impact our children, our neighbors, and ourselves—is the most powerful persuasion possible. It connects the mind to the heart, the facts to the people, the policymaker to the lived experience. While a lot of folks may think our representatives are cold-hearted or only care about money or big business, my experience is that they do care about their constituents. State-level government is where we can access the biggest opportunity for systems changes. And remember, systems change is people change…it’s all about relationships and sharing our stories with each other. So I’m grateful for this powerful experience of being in DC, meeting with my New Mexico representatives who are fighting the good fight as much as they possibly can for the people who need the most support in this great nation of ours. Our stories matter to them. Our stories fuel them up to keep going even in the face of what feels like utter lunacy and futility. It gives me hope that We the People—especially the people of Circles USA— still have representative voices in DC…and allies in our fight to end poverty in our lifetime. Stay tuned for Pt. 2, where I'll discuss partnerships and coalition building for effective change. Click the   Give to Circles button  and help us celebrate 25+ years of building community to end poverty!