Allies are intentional thought partners for Circle Leaders. As an Ally, your job is to listen, ask questions, make suggestions, and be a true friend and supporter. You and 1-2 other Allies will help Circle Leaders use their unique gifts and skills to reach their goals, and Circle Leaders will help you better understand poverty in your community. The commitment is for 18 months which includes participation on Tuesday evenings and weekly contact with your Leader when you are unable to attend on Tuesday.
If you're interested in becoming an ally, complete our volunteer form.
Prior to starting the Circles program, you will receive training to help increase your understanding of poverty in our community and learn how to be an effective Ally. Part of the training is an online self-paced training and the second portion of training is in person.
You won’t be doing this alone. At Circles, there is a large community of volunteers and resources to help you and the Circle Leaders in your journeys together. You will have the opportunity to gain new perspectives and experiences of your community and work for broader community change in the effort to reduce poverty.
The first step in becoming an Ally is to attend a Circles Info Session. Please complete the volunteer application below and you will receive an invite to some of the upcoming sessions.
Walk alongside an individual or family as they work toward their goals of eliminating poverty from their lives.
There are many ways to join the Circles Washtenaw County community! Whether you are an individual or a group of people looking for ways to give back, there are opportunities available for you.
Join us for two hours on Tuesday evenings from 6-8pm to support the youth with their goals and hopes for the future!
We have several resource teams designed to help support the success of the Circles program. These teams meet at different intervals throughout the year.
Learn more
Every week we depend on the generosity of volunteers to provide and serve a meal to our Circles group!
Circles helps families become stable with a unique approach. Participants are called Circle Leaders and receive training on finances, employment, health, goal setting, and communication skills. As a Circle Leader, you will be matched with 2-3 Allies who are there to support you in your journey out of poverty. Getting out of poverty is easier when you have a circle of support!
Learn MoreAllies are intentional thought partners for Circle Leaders. As an Ally, your job is to listen, ask questions, make suggestions, and be a true friend and supporter. You and 1-2 other Allies will help Circle Leaders use their unique gifts and skills to reach their goals, and Circle Leaders will help you better understand poverty in your community.
Learn MoreThere are many ways to use your gifts in the Circles community! Some of these opportunities include joining a Resource Team to provide an additional layer of support for Circle Leaders. Every week we are looking for groups to provide and serve a meal for the Circles group. We also have an energetic Children’s Program that welcomes volunteers to share their time and talent!
Learn MoreCall the friends in Deed Help Line: (734) 484-4357
Monday-Friday • 9:30am to 2:00pm
Contact UsView the Friends In Deed programs.
