Together We Thrive.

Circles® Muskoka is a community collaborative committed to the reduction of poverty by harnessing the power of relationship.

 
 

What is Circles®?

Led by YWCA Muskoka, Circles® Muskoka helps lower income individuals and families move from surviving to thriving by:

  • Creating community through nurturing intentional friendships across economic lines.

  • Supporting individuals and families on their unique paths to prosperity.

  • Providing education opportunities.

  • Identifying systemic barriers and exploring innovative solutions to help address poverty in Muskoka.

  • Advocating for change.

 
 
 
 
Circles members sharing in a meeting

How It Works

Circles® Muskoka creates relationships across economic lines, matching people who have self-identified as low income with community volunteers looking to make a difference. Together, they form a supportive and reciprocal friendship called a "Circle", made up of a Leader and their Allies.

The Circles Model
The three pillars of Circles: Getting Ahead, Bridges Out of Poverty, and Circles Muskoka

The Three Pillars

The Three Pillars of the Circles® model are Getting Ahead, Bridges Out of Poverty and Circles.

Getting Ahead is a a 12–15 week initiative for individuals self-identifying as experiencing poverty. The course is designed to help ‘investigators’ gain ownership of their lives, develop a greater understanding of their situation and poverty in the community, and to create a ‘future story’ for themselves. Some Getting Ahead graduates may transition into Circles®.

Bridges Out of Poverty is an internationally recognized workshop for professionals, business leaders and community members. Participants gain an understanding of the strengths and challenges of people living in poverty, the hidden cues and codes of different income groups in society, and how access to resources impacts the way we see the world. Participants have the option to Become an Ally in Circles®.

Get Involved

  • Become a Circle Leader

    Join our supportive Circles® community as you are encouraged to build reasons, resources and relationships to help you stabilize your life out of poverty.

    About Circle Leaders

  • Become an Ally

    A Circle Ally is a volunteer who walks alongside an individual or family as their friend and Ally as they set goals, achieve their dreams, and work to move out of poverty.

    About Allies

Poverty in Our Community

  • 13% of Muskoka residents are living in poverty.

    (Vital Signs Report, 2018)

  • Median employment income in Muskoka is 21% lower than the Province.

    (Vital Signs Report, 2018)

  • Since 2015 there has been a 17% increase in the amount required to earn a living wage in Muskoka and meet basic needs

    (Vital Signs Report, 2021)

  • There are FIVE foodbanks in Muskoka

    (Vital Signs Report, 2021)

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Circles® Canada

Circles® Muskoka is proud to be a chapter of Circles® Canada.

“I have hope now. I feel everyday there is new inspiration.”

- Circle Leader