Social asset programming activities provide an opportunity for people in poverty to build skills, social assets, and engage in community life. Social support through human connections helps to ward off the effects of stress, depression, anxiety and other health problems. Positive social interaction and encouragement builds hope for the future.

Weekly facilitated meetings provide a framework for developing relationships across socio economic class and race lines. Social asset building meetings provide a safe, healthy, and consistent atmosphere to grow social skills and self-confidence.

While building a social support network, people who engage in Circles of Support learn about resources and community opportunities that can help them achieve their goals.

In order to bridge the gap between those who struggle financially in our community and those who do not, non-poor community members are welcomed and encouraged to engage in weekly meeting activities. 

In addition to individual development, Circles of Support is an opportunity to learn about poverty; about the systemic barriers that keep poverty alive; and about how communities respond to poverty.

Social Asset building:

Poverty is the common denominator that brings people to Circles of Support. In addition to poverty, meeting attendees come from a diverse collection of life experiences that drive them to seek support. Examples include but are not limited to:

• isolation & loneliness
• chemical dependency
• divorce
• custody issues
• domestic violence
• community reentry after incarceration
• food insecurity
• dysfunctional relationships
• physical disabilities & obesity
• mental health stability
• homelessness
• grief
• rebuilding healthy social support

The Circles of Support community meets every Thursday evening. Meetings begin at 6:00 pm at Veteran’s Park in Grand Rapids. A meal is provided each week from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm. In the case of inclement weather, meetings will be on Zoom. Please contact Michelle at 218-999-5883 or [email protected] for information.

Meeting discussions are designed to promote social interaction and learning. Topics revolve around an understanding of one’s self and their community as well as systemic barriers that impact forward mobility.

Circles of Support meetings open and close with very specific cognitive restructuring activities that encourage focus on positive aspects of life despite any negativity that may be present.

Relationships created through this process value life experiences and allow learning to happen across differences without placing blame. Progress toward self-selected goals is recognized and celebrated.

Skill building activities are woven into meetings including financial literacy, self-empowerment, and leadership. Additional activities such as picnics, artistic opportunities, and recreational outings are scheduled throughout the year.

Eligibility

Circles of Support social asset building activities are open to people experiencing poverty related issues as well as community members who are not in poverty but have an interest in befriending people who struggle with poverty related issues.

• Meeting attendees must be at least 18 years of age
• Sobriety at meetings is expected. Meeting attendees are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Meetings attendees possess the ability to demonstrate appropriate group meeting behaviors and respectful social interaction