Help our Nurses, Help our Veterans!

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Do you want to help someone double their income?
Do you have friendships that are longer than 18 months?
Do you have friends that call you for advice or a listening ear often?
Do you have friends you see at least twice a month?

This is what being an Ally to someone in poverty is! Offering your friendship and unique skills at least twice a month to an individual working hard to exit poverty!

Circles is a national initiative that seeks to involve our communities in ending the cycle of poverty. Our volunteers will be working closely to support CNAs working to complete schooling and training to achieve their goals to become LPNs.

Participants are called Circle Leaders, and volunteers are called Allies. After both groups receive training, two Allies are matched with every Circle Leader. These intentional friendships are the foundation of the Circles model. Circle Leaders set their own goals and volunteers provide them with support and guidance. As an Ally, your job is to listen, ask questions, and make suggestions. You’ll help Circle Leaders use their unique gifts and skills to reach their goals, and Circle Leaders will help you better understand poverty in your community.

LEADERS & ALLIES COMMIT TO

> Building a friendship

> Attending meetings regularly

> Being open to new perspectives

> Being honest

> Trusting the process even when it’s challenging

HOW IT WORKS

> All participants and volunteers receive training

> Circle Leaders set goals, and Allies support Leaders as they meet their goals

> Circle Leaders and Allies gather for weekly large group meetings (minimum twice a month)

> Monthly sessions engage community leaders in the work of poverty reduction

> Most families achieve financial stability around the 18-month mark

> Victories and milestones are celebrated together

> Friendships formed in the group last a lifetime

For more information go to www.CirclesUpstateSC.org