Start your Circles journey

Become a Circles Leader

Are you living paycheck to paycheck?

Are you ready to pursue your financial goals and personal growth?

Circles SMC empowers individuals and families by helping them move from poverty to economic stability through supportive relationships, goal-setting, and skill-building. Participants, called “Circle Leaders,” set personal goals to improve their financial, emotional, and social well-being. They are matched with trained community volunteers, known as “Allies,” who offer encouragement, connections, and practical support.

Through regular meetings, leadership training, and a structured system of accountability, Circle Leaders build confidence, expand their networks, and gain the tools needed to achieve lasting self-sufficiency. Circles USA shifts the focus from short-term aid to long-term empowerment, fostering a community where everyone works together to break the cycle of poverty.

Benefits of being a Circles Leader

Circles offers an extended community of support to walk alongside you on your journey toward achieving your goals. Through meaningful relationships, shared resources, and ongoing encouragement, Circles creates a network that empowers you to move toward greater stability, success, and self-sufficiency.

Through Circles SMC, you will build connections to valuable resources and opportunities, shared by fellow Circle Leaders, volunteer Allies, and dedicated staff members. Together, this supportive network helps you navigate challenges and move steadily toward your goals.

You’ll have opportunities to participate in workshops designed to advance your career, financial, and educational goals, giving you practical tools and knowledge for lasting success.

Each week, Circles gathers for a community meal, with free childcare and a Young Leaders program for children — creating a welcoming space for building friendships, sharing support, and growing together.

It’s hard to put into words just how life-changing becoming part of the Circles community can be. We understand how emotional and courageous it can feel to reach out for support. That’s why we invite you to watch the Circles Leader — Annette Brown’s story.

Annette’s journey is full of inspiration, hope, and real transformation. If her story moves you, we encourage you to take a brave step out of your comfort zone and explore how Circles could change your life too. We’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Circles SMC is a community-based program that is committed to increasing the upward mobility for individuals and families in poverty in St. Mary’s County. Based on the national Circles® USA model, the Circles program uses financial and career training combined with intentional relationships across socioeconomic lines to take these families from surviving to thriving. The Circles journey creates long-term success by providing access to resources and social capital, which keeps the Circles Leaders on a path for continual economic growth and stability.

Discover Circles

Circles SMC is a powerful program fostering connections between individuals and volunteers to break the cycle of poverty. Explore these videos from Circles USA to gain insights into this transformative experience.

It’s difficult to explain in words, just how much joining Circles can impact your life. Please watch the videos, and then fill out the Get In Touch with Circles to start your Circles journey.

What is Circles?
What is Poverty?
How much does it cost to live in Maryland?
Circle Leader April’s Story

Circles Mission

Building community to end poverty through intentional friendships, personal transformation, and systemic change
led by the people closest to the challenge.

Circles Vision

All individuals live in equitable, thriving communities
where poverty no longer exists.

Join the Circles SMC Community

Discover how to become a Circles Leader
If you’re struggling financially and ready to make positive changes in your life, know that there are people in our community that would like to help.

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 a Circles Ally 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!

We encourage you to fill out the Get In Touch with Circles contact form below if you are interested in letting us help you create a roadmap for change in your life, by becoming a Circles Leader. We want to walk by your side during your journey from surviving to thriving. Please take a few minutes now, venture out of your comfort zone, and fill out the contact form below. We’re waiting to hear from you!

Circle Leader Application
Discover how to become a Circles Ally
We are recruiting volunteers to mentor Circle Leaders while they are on their path to financial stability through the CirclesSMC program. These families lack resources and social capital. Giving these families the right support and hope, knowing there are people in our community that care, can make all the difference.

We encourage you to fill out the Get In Touch with Circles contact form below if you are interested in volunteering as a Circles Ally. We need you to share your experience navigating the challenges of life with Circle Leaders. CirclesSMC will provide you with training and resources to help you be the kind of Ally our Circle Leaders need to thrive.

Circle Ally Application

Change your life for the better

If you would like to have consistent support and encouragement to help you achieve the financial security you’ve always wanted just Fill out the Get In Touch with Circles form and let us know!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Leader vs Ally?

Leaders: Individuals experiencing poverty who actively set goals and drive their journey toward change.

Allies: Volunteers who support leaders with guidance, connections, and encouragement.

The Leader and Ally relationship is not one of a helper and someone being helped. It’s a partnership built on mutual respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty.

How do I qualify?

The next step toward changing your future as a Circles Leader is to make sure you qualify. To join the program, you must:

Be willing to commit to regular meetings to plan and work toward your goals

Be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

Be in stable housing, free from drug or alcohol addiction for 12 months

Is there a cost to participate?

There’s no cost to participate, and you’ll have access to a proven program of support to reach financial security.

Get in touch with Circles SMC

Office

21641 Great Mills Road
Lexington Park, MD 20653

Contact

kimberly@hopesmc.org
301-737-2870

Walk-In Hours

Monday & Thursday, 9 am – 11:15 am