Circles Cobb is official! In January, a core group of faith-based organizations and business leaders came together to begin the work of establishing a Cobb-based, independent chapter of Circles USA. Circles USA is a proven, evidence-based poverty reduction initiative that revolves around building intentional relationships across income lines. Surrounded by people who have landed jobs, negotiated a lease, or managed credit card debt, for example, people experiencing poverty are more equipped to achieve long-term financial stability. This program is not a band aid approach, but a proven model with measurable data. On average, participants achieve a 39% increase in income after 6 months in the program and a 78% increase after 18 months.
Jeff Jernigan of Pinkerton & Laws and Roger Vest formerly of Powder Springs United Methodist Church, with some assistance from Cobb Community Foundation, brought together a core group of faith-based organizations and business leaders late last year to begin the work of building the program here in Cobb County. Cobb County nonprofit trailblazers Holly Tuchman and Jeri Barr have taken the reins as board chair and co-chair and have recruited an impressive board.
Holly Tuchman, Board Chair
Co-Owner, RobertKent Galleries and Former CEO, LiveSafe Resources
Jeri Barr, Board Vice-Chair
Retired CEO, Center for Family Resources
Bud Darr
Mobilization Director, North Metro Church
John Griffin
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Elliott Hennington
Chair, Powder Springs Community Task Force
Jeff Jernigan
President, Pinkerton & Laws
William Johnson
Local Ministries Pastor, Roswell Street Baptist
Shari Martin
CEO, Cobb Community Foundation
Alan Nicely
Director, Tillman House
Lisa Olens
Education Manager, Georgia Power Company
Daryl Price
Executive Director, Noonday Association of Churches
Angie Smith
Executive Director, Mission 1:27
Andy Starnes
Partner, Moore Colson
Bill Wagner
President, Argos USA
Initial funding has been secured and now the organization is in search of an Executive Director. Can you lead a new and dynamic program that is proven to change people’s lives? Check out the Circles Cobb Executive Director Job Description.
For more information about the Circles program, please visit the Circles USA website. You can also financially support this initiative by contributing to the Circles Cobb Fund here at Cobb Community Foundation.
