About the Adams County Circles Initiative

ABOUT CIRCLES

The Adams County Circles Initiative (Circles) is an initiative to engage the community in helping families move out of poverty, children succeed in school, and address systemic solutions to poverty.

Developed by Move the Mountain Leadership Center, Circles links community members with families who are experiencing poverty. The reciprocal relationships built in these groups help break down the isolation many low-income families experience and add meaning to the lives of middle-income individuals and participating families alike. Circles began in Gettysburg in April 2007.

The Circles Model:

Each Circle consists of a family working to get out of poverty and several middle and upper income Allies who befriend them and lend support.

The family is the Circle Leader, setting goals unique to their own needs.

Getting Ahead is the curriculum in which Circle Leaders investigate systemic causes of poverty and identify barriers.

Bridges out of Poverty is used to train 2-4 Allies per Circle Leader.

Weekly Meetings gather Leaders and Allies to provide support and networking opportunities.

At Big View Meetings, held monthly, systemic and community causes of poverty are addressed.

THE CIRCLES EXPERIENCE

Watch videos of Circles members share their experiences.

View pictures from the Circles trip to DC!