Applications are available for the first group of participants in the new county poverty initiative, Circles of Troup County.

The new program is a part of the national Move the Mountain organization. Circles uses a model to help families out of poverty.

“We’re looking for people who have been working to get out of poverty, but haven’t been able to do it alone,” said Sherri Brown, director of Circles of Troup County.

A Circles group consists of families working to get out of poverty and several middle and upper income “allies” who befriend them and lend support. The family in poverty is the Circle leader, setting and achieving goals unique to their needs.

“Circles is designed to help families create their own path out of poverty. The volunteer allies bring their connections and knowledge to the relationship,” Brown said.

Training is provided for both volunteers and families making the journey out of poverty. The first group of Circles participants will begin in October with a 12-week class. After graduation, they will become Circle leaders and will be paired with two to four allies.

Circle leaders are expected to attend weekly meetings for 18 months. Allies attend at least two of those weekly meetings each month.

Applications for participants are available online at www.troupcountystrategicplanning.com under the “poverty initiative” tab; or at the Circles office at Mike Daniel Recreation Center, 1220 Lafayette Parkway.

Brown may be reached at sbrown@troupco.org or at 706-883-1687. Circles information is also on the Facebook page “Circles of Troup County.”