The Capital City C.I.R.C.L.E.S. Initiative

The Capital City C.I.R.C.L.E.S. Initiative (CCCI) is a cooperative community effort to elevate people out of poverty by intentionally creating relationships across class lines and empowering people in poverty to chart their course toward self-sufficiency.

Celebrating 20 years of success stories in January of 2023, CCCI continues to grow and evolve to inspire and foster change. Relationships take root in the program's first phase as we make our way through the fifteen-week curriculum together. Relationships thrive in the second phase as we establish and meet individual goals. Participants and allies explore the 8 domains of wellbeing, a universal connection, in how we cultivate balance and abundance in our lives. The Art of Emotional Resilience authored by Molly Dahl is a unique approach to the possibility of change that many of us desire. 

C.I.R.C.L.E.S. is a proven program that achieves measurable results. The average time it takes for an individual or family in financial poverty to become economically independent is 18-24 months. When accompanied by social, emotional, and relational growth, participants are far more motivated to sustain self-reliance. 

C.C.C.I. is a non-profit organization that relies heavily on the support of the local community and is comprised of community leaders, elected and appointed officials, volunteers, and program participants.

Participant testimonials:

"C.I.R.C.L.E.S. has given me the ability to be more optimistic and enjoy life on a daily basis. Before C.I.R.C.L.E.S., as a single father, I was overwhelmed and barely keeping my head above water. I felt I was living without direction and had no idea of what my future could hold. With the support of C.I.R.C.L.E.S., making new relationships and peer guidance, I now see a future full of possibilities for myself and my children. At first, I saw Denise, JD, and the Allies as teachers, now, I see them as friends. Without this connection, I could not see my potential, and I am so very grateful to be a part of the C.I.R.C.L.E.S. family."  -Jeff, Phase I Participant

"As a recovering addict, with four years of sobriety, my life was always a roller coaster. I’ve always been a single mother and now we are building a stronger relationship each day. I really look forward to C.I.R.C.L.E.S. every Wednesday when we meet with our allies and other participants, spending time, having dinner, talking about what has gone on in our week; just sharing and being really supportive to each other.” -Dawnyel, Phase II Participant

“With the teachings of C.I.R.C.L.E.S. I feel like I am ready to embrace setting goals and finding 
a better way of life through knowing poverty from my childhood and my attitude towards money.” -James, Phase I Graduate