Participants are eligible if their household income is 150 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines. Successful participants are those who are motivated to become economically stable and are dedicated to strive forward.
Circle Leaders are expected to be a part of Circles for a minimum of 12-18 months. Initially participants attend a 12-week training where they establish their goals and future plans and learn new tools to reach economic stability. Childcare and a meal are always provided.
Upon class completion, participants are each matched with trained volunteers called Allies. Regular weekly meetings begin where the meetings are centered around Circle Leaders and Allies discussing goals and concerns.
An ally is someone in the middle class who builds a relationship with a Circle Leader. Allies provide a supportive network for encouragement and planning, as Circle Leaders work toward their goals. Allies have a unique opportunity to learn about the complexities of poverty and make a change.
If you are motivated and feel stuck with where you are financially, and want to provide a better future for your family, but need connections to resources and training to make it happen, then Circles might be a great fit for you.
Circles ABQ has many open engagements you can get involved in. We have tasks and opportunities ranging from 2-10+ hours of volunteering positions. We are always looking to recruit support for our resource team:
Services Team to help identify community services to support Circle Leaders in achieving their plans.
Community Team to help manage physical meeting spaces, secure donated meals, organize childcare and programming, and assist the Circles Coach, as needed.
Recruitment Teams are organized to recruit and enroll Circles Leaders, Allies, and other volunteers.
Jobs and Education Teams assist Circle Leaders in identifying existing jobs and educational pathways and placement programs.
Big View Teams are established to identify and address community-wide barriers to self-sufficiency, as people transition off subsidies into the workforce.