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Approximately 40 people representing more than 10 local agencies and organizations were on hand at the Delta AHEC Wednesday morning to learn more about Delta Circles. Delta Circles is part of a national program called the Circles Campaign.
Founded in January 2007, the mission of the Circles Campaign is to empower citizens from every economic class to rid their communities of poverty by pairing low-income families with middle and upper income families who serve as allies in the process to gain self-sufficiency.
The Arkansas Delta is one of the poorest areas of the state and country. Eradicating poverty here has proven to be a chronically difficult task for state and local agencies. The Circles method has proven to be effective in more than 23 states.
“Bringing the Circles Campaign into the Delta Region represents a new era in the fight against poverty,” stated Patricia Ashanti of the Delta Circles Host Committee. “Helena-West Helena and Phillips County are ready for people to change their lives.”
Gina Elias, a nationally recognized trainer in the Circles Campaign, said the program is not just about people in poverty but is open to everyone.
“The Circles Campaign is a program designed to help mobilize a community to rid itself of poverty,” she said.
There was a wide representation of the community in attendance at Wednesday’s session – from educators to church leaders to representatives of various non-profit organizations.
“You are all people who can make a difference on the front line,” stated Elias.
According to Elias, stress, mental and physical health and one’s faith can all affect finances.
“During our discussion, you will hear a lot of references to investigators and allies,” said Elias. “An investigator is a person who lives in poverty but has a great desire to do something to better with their life. An ally is someone that can call on and rely on for advice.
Through the use of audience participation, Elias visually demonstrated just how allies come to the aid of those in need.
“Circles is all about bringing the community together by helping one person at a time,” commented Elias.
In her presentation, Elias pointed out that poverty exists in the absence of resources, relationships, reason and meaning.
“Bonding and bridging social capital is what makes the Circles Campaign unique,” said Elias.
According to Elias the Circles Campaign has produced some remarkable results in as short a period of time as six months. She reported that the national average for the program has shown an 88 percent increase in income and a 30 percent decline in welfare benefits.
Elias stressed that the project success depends on the commitment of resources such as time, talent, facilities food and other treasures from community members.
“In essence, the Circles Campaign is a support system,” she said.
Delta Circles is being supported, locally and statewide, by these organizations – Mid Delta Community Consortium, the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, Southern Good Faith Fund, the Arkansas Community Foundation, UAMS Area Health Education Centers, the Helena-West Helena School District and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.
For more information about the effort contact Ashanti at patricia.ashanti@gmail.com or call 870-995-5033 or Mindy Maupin at mmaupin@southerngff.org or call 870-816-1104.
Approximately 40 people representing more than 10 local agencies and organizations were on hand at the Delta AHEC Wednesday morning to learn more about Delta Circles. Delta Circles is part of a national program called the Circles Campaign.
Founded in January 2007, the mission of the Circles Campaign is to empower citizens from every economic class to rid their communities of poverty by pairing low-income families with middle and upper income families who serve as allies in the process to gain self-sufficiency.
The Arkansas Delta is one of the poorest areas of the state and country. Eradicating poverty here has proven to be a chronically difficult task for state and local agencies. The Circles method has proven to be effective in more than 23 states.
“Bringing the Circles Campaign into the Delta Region represents a new era in the fight against poverty,” stated Patricia Ashanti of the Delta Circles Host Committee. “Helena-West Helena and Phillips County are ready for people to change their lives.”
Gina Elias, a nationally recognized trainer in the Circles Campaign, said the program is not just about people in poverty but is open to everyone.
“The Circles Campaign is a program designed to help mobilize a community to rid itself of poverty,” she said.
There was a wide representation of the community in attendance at Wednesday’s session – from educators to church leaders to representatives of various non-profit organizations.
“You are all people who can make a difference on the front line,” stated Elias.
According to Elias, stress, mental and physical health and one’s faith can all affect finances.
“During our discussion, you will hear a lot of references to investigators and allies,” said Elias. “An investigator is a person who lives in poverty but has a great desire to do something to better with their life. An ally is someone that can call on and rely on for advice.
Through the use of audience participation, Elias visually demonstrated just how allies come to the aid of those in need.
“Circles is all about bringing the community together by helping one person at a time,” commented Elias.
In her presentation, Elias pointed out that poverty exists in the absence of resources, relationships, reason and meaning.
“Bonding and bridging social capital is what makes the Circles Campaign unique,” said Elias.
According to Elias the Circles Campaign has produced some remarkable results in as short a period of time as six months. She reported that the national average for the program has shown an 88 percent increase in income and a 30 percent decline in welfare benefits.
Elias stressed that the project success depends on the commitment of resources such as time, talent, facilities food and other treasures from community members.
“In essence, the Circles Campaign is a support system,” she said.
Delta Circles is being supported, locally and statewide, by these organizations – Mid Delta Community Consortium, the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, Southern Good Faith Fund, the Arkansas Community Foundation, UAMS Area Health Education Centers, the Helena-West Helena School District and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.
For more information about the effort contact Ashanti at patricia.ashanti@gmail.com or call 870-995-5033 or Mindy Maupin at mmaupin@southerngff.org or call 870-816-1104.
