Circles of Central Kansas is a relatively new program in Barton County that is designed to give people a road map out of poverty. So far it has been a great success having graduated two classes with a third class forming. Sunday the local organization will hold a fundraiser that includes a pig roast at Heartland Community Church on west 10th street in Great Bend from noon until 2 pm. Jamie Baldwin is a Co-Coach in the Circles program.

Jamie Baldwin Audio

Baldwin is a graduate of the program herself. While undergoing recovery for substance abuse at the local Oxford House, she learned about the program from Central Kansas Community Corrections Director Amy Boxberger.

Jamie Baldwin Audio

Circles of Central Kansas is modeled after the circles program in McPherson County and is a joint effort between the Barton County Health Department, 20th Judicial District Community Corrections, the Essdack program at the Barton County Academy, and Kansas Kids @ Gear Up.

The Circles program connects people in relationships across income lines and helps develop clear goals for education and stable income. Circles also focuses on supporting families to help themselves get completely out of poverty.