Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments (SEUALG) has a non-profit program called Circles that offers support to those living in poverty. Community Services Program Manager, Julie Rosier took some time to speak over the telephone with Castle Country Radio about this nationally known program.

“Circles is an initiative that Southeastern ALG is doing and what it does is it helps support families that are living in poverty and helps to move them to stability,” said Rosier. Participating families known in the program as Circle Leaders, are inspired to commit to long-term solutions by teaming up with middle class volunteers within the community. The program itself provides a practical way to help Circle Leaders learn to eliminate debt and overcome any of the challenges that poverty brings.

The program’s volunteers that work with the Circle Leaders are called “Allys.” These Allys are basically individuals within the community who lend a hand in guiding the Circle Leaders towards a more stable lifestyle. This is done through accompanying them to their Circle meetings, helping them set and achieve their goals to help get them out of poverty. There are also other program volunteer positions available, as Rosier explains, “We’re looking for Resource Team volunteers and part of that to is if you already have a service you can be on the resource team, that’s just trying to guide and direct those Circle Leaders to the resources they need and we’re also looking for Big View participants; and the Big View volunteers work with the Circle Leaders to change barriers and policies that lock people in poverty.” As you can see, the Circle Program relies heavily on its volunteers as they play a huge part in the success of each Circle Leader.

To learn more about the Circle Program visit the Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments website at http://seualg.utah.gov/ or by calling (435) 613-0065.