Who We Are
The Circle Society strives to be a self-sustaining social enterprise dedicated to empowering at-risk, emancipated foster youth to lead successful and productive lives. It is the only organization in Ohio meeting the full spectrum of this group’s unique needs. The society provides former foster youth the critical resources, sense of security and life coaching they need to realize the vision they have for their lives. Residents of The Circle Society’s intergenerational living community value, teach and learn from one another, and share a common understanding of what it means to be part of a safe and caring community.
We Benefit Three At-Risk Groups:
Young Adult Residents
Senior Residents
Paws & Effect, the Dog Program
The Circle Society is a
Social Enterprise
Social enterprises are business created to further a social purpose in a financially sustainable way. This hybrid approach of combining non-profits and for profit companies together to support the overall mission has many benefits of which some are: Sustainability, scalability to use this model to create more of these communities, not spending time competing for donor dollars and creating a atmosphere of value in the community. These are just a few of the benefits of our holistic approach to building The Circle Society.
Young Adult Residents
When young people in foster care were asked, “who in your life was your favorite go-to person?”, the response often heard was my grandmother or my grandfather and at times another individual who might be a senior citizen. No surprise as senior citizens have lived life collecting experiences and knowledge that informs the wisdom to be passed to younger generations. It is well established that the single greatest factor in influencing a young adult’s life as he leaves foster care is the development of stable, consistent and productive relationships. With volunteer trained senior Life Coaches ready, willing and able to support young adults coming to our intergenerational neighborhood everyone benefits. One need not live in the neighborhood to be a Life Coach.
Senior Residents
The neighborhood is designed for active seniors living in contemporary apartments, or if need be, in assisted living arrangements. In addition, young adults preparing to leave foster care will live in family style homes each with a head of house. All will share the club house and various amenities on the grounds. Each young adult, as well as Life Coaches, will be supported by trained and experienced staff to meet his or her individual goals for success.
Paws & Effect, the Dog Program
Paws and Effect is an integrated dog rescue/adoption program run by the Circle Society. The program is lead by a Program Manager who coordinates teams comprised of a senior citizen, a young adult and the dog in their care. The Program Manager will train and guide each team to teach their dog basic obedience skills and helping the dog to be more ‘adoptable’. The Team will engage in socializing the dog, providing care, feeding and love. Each team will also participate in the adoption interviewing process to ensure that their dog finds a loving forever home.
