ARE YOU READY TO ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS FOR A BETTER LIFE?
HAVE YOU LIVED IN POVERTY LONG ENOUGH?
WILL YOU COMMIT TO WORK ON YOUR GOALS?
If so, Circles Ashland can help with:
Time and money management
Job opportunities
Improving communication skills
Two caring Allies to guide you on your journey
Staff who are devoted to your well-being
Gatherings at which a meal and childcare are provided
Circles offers a unique partnership of Circle Leaders, each matched with 2 Allies. A Circle Leader is a person and/or their family members, currently earning below 200% of the federal poverty level, and committed to improving their quality of life through livable wage employment and self-sufficiency. Circle Allies are community members who enter into an intentional friendship with their Circle Leaders serving as encouragers and bridges to social and economic wellbeing.
Who can apply to join Circles Ashland?
Those who would like to move out of poverty through a two-year program that assists you in setting and reaching your goals. Applicants should be clean/sober for at least six months, not currently experiencing domestic violence, have stable housing and employment, and any mental health issues should be currently being supported/treated. Also, applicants should have a desire not only to make change in their own lives, but to be a leader within our community. Meetings are held weekly on Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Questions about joining? Know someone you’d like to refer to participate in Circles Ashland? For more information contact 804-496-1212 or email info@circlesashland-va.org.
APPLICATIONS
Applications can be filled in online or delivered in person at our offices at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 Henry Street, Ashland VA or mailed in to Circles Ashland, PO Box 509, Ashland, VA 23005.
UPDATE, 12/1/2023: Applications received will be added to our wait list for our next cohort.
At one time, about four years ago I was comfortable and happy, or so I thought. I had a good lifestyle, I was an accomplished producer of Television Commercials, I’d had awesome experiences, a supportive loving family, I was in a good relationship, had two vehicles, a motorcycle, plenty of “friends,” a house, the ability to travel and pretty much go wherever and do anything I wanted to do. Or, so I thought.
In an effort to help a few so called “friends” and rescue a relationship turned violent, I ignored all the good things and the God-given talents I was born with. I allowed myself to become involved with, witness things, and eventually sink to a place I never thought I’d experience. I had abandoned my house, abandoned my finances, abandoned my few loyal true friends, abandoned my family, and abandoned all my responsibilities. I avoided reality, avoided hard life choices, basically I escaped life. In-turn I lost my “self.” I was in deep depression, financially broke, broken spiritually, and suffering from low self confidence and extreme depression.
I was rescued by my parents, returned to my house, and rekindled a friendship with the one true friend that stuck by my side. It was through his patience, kindness and his suggestion that led me to apply to join Circles Ashland.
Upon being accepted by Circles, and after experiencing the first nine months of a three year commitment I feel my self esteem, my confidence and my value of the things that are inherently good to me are coming back full force. Most importantly for me, I feel my self confidence is coming back.
I feel that Circles Ashland, and more importantly, the kindness and caring I’ve received through all the good folks involved in Circles Ashland have shown me the value of good relationships. I always look forward to our weekly meetings. Circles inspires me. it’s given me the sense that I can be, and I am part of this community. It’s put me on the path of re-building my life in a good positive direction, as hopefully a compassionate, successful, and contributing member of our community. While I personally feel that all experiences and hardships in life are meant for a greater purpose and all are learning experiences; I truly feel that family, one good friend, the fine group of folks of Circles Ashland, and being a member of Circles Ashland are vital contributions to what is the most valuable positive growth experiences in my adult lifetime.