New Program in Oxford Partners Low Income Residents With Middle-Class Allies

Friday, 27 September 2019 13:49

Oxford County is looking for volunteers to sign up to be leaders and allies in a new program called "Circles" that is designed to help lift people out of poverty.

OXFORD COUNTY - Oxford County is launching a new program called Circles.

Circles is designed to help lift people out of poverty. It helps to break down barriers by partnering anyone looking to break free from the poverty line with a middle-class support ally. They are looking for middle class allies to volunteer their time and join the program as a leader.

According to the 2017 Oxford Community Health Report, 10.8 per cent of people in Oxford County are living with low income. Of the 11,835 residents living with low income, 27 per cent were reported to be children under the age of 17, and four per cent live on an income too low to cover basic needs.

Circles is a 2 year program where Leaders, Allies and Coaches are partnered with someone struggling to make ends meat. They will come together to enjoy a meal, connect, share and learn from one another. The meetings also help Leaders to develop meaningful action plans to drive positive change, lifting the individual (and their family) out of poverty and into a place of self-sufficiency. Each Leader is paired with at least one Ally, during the program.

This program has already proven to be successful in other communities, including Wellington County.

Individuals interested in becoming Circles Allies in Oxford County should visit the program’s website to download the volunteer application form. Allies are asked to make a two-year commitment to the “Circles” program, which involves attending weekly meetings (which include supper) to support Leaders, for a total of six to 10 hours a month. A criminal reference check is also required. Those interested in becoming Allies will receive special training through a workshop prior to the program’s official launch in November 2019. The deadline for Allies to submit their application to participate in the program is October 7, 2019.

Individuals participating as “Leaders” in the “Circles” program in Oxford are those looking to lift themselves (and their families) out of poverty. Leaders may be receiving social assistance, or working poor and are required to complete a program called “Getting Ahead” prior to beginning the Circles program.

You can find more information on how to become an ally or a member online here.