Oxford County is looking for volunteers who want to help lift individuals in our community out of poverty by joining our Circles program.

The Circles program began in 2019 to help tackle poverty by breaking down barriers and partnering those looking to break free of poverty with a middle-class support allies.

Oxford County is currently in need of more local allies to support the Circles program participants, called leaders. As an ally with Circles Oxford County, you will connect with people that are working to get out of poverty (leaders), and help them create an action plan to achieve their goal of moving out of poverty successfully.

Circles is an intensive 18-24 month voluntary program that includes weekly meetings where Circles members – leaders, allies and coaches – 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.

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, and are required to attend a one-day virtual workshop, Bridges out of Poverty. In this workshop, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges of people living in poverty.

For more information about the workshop, please visithttps://www.eventbrite.ca/e/oxfords-bridges-out-of-poverty-virtual-workshop-tickets-276366237857?aff=ebdsoporgprofile.

Comment

Lynda Bartlett, Manager of Human Services, Oxford County

“Many of our Leaders go on to secure full time employment, have returned to school or completed post-secondary education or other employment certifications. One of our previous Leaders has been successfully employed for over a year and is now an Ally with Circles and giving back.”

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About Oxford County

Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 125,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” As a partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is emerging as a leader in sustainable growth through the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan and County Council’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy, becoming a zero waste community and working towards zero poverty. Situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, agriculture is a key industry that is driving innovation in sustainable industries and diversifying the local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The Oxford County Administration Building is located in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca or follow our social media sites at www.oxfordcounty.ca/social. Oxford County’s Strategic Plan is at oxfordcounty.ca/strategicplan.