Food Center Re-opens, Streams of Hope Acquires CirclesGR

We are so excited to share with you two announcements:

1. Our client-choice Food Center is re-opening for in-person service, with safety measures in place, beginning July 2.

2. We have just acquired CirclesGR, a local program that builds relationships to end poverty.

First, our Food Center. We regularly serve 500+ families in the Townline neighborhood with supplemental food assistance. During the coronavirus pandemic we have remained open utilizing a drive-thru format, and in recent weeks saw a 50 percent increase in visitors. We are excited to open our doors back up to allow visitors to choose their own food. This helps preserve the dignity of our shoppers and reduces food waste, and clients can still utilize the drive-thru format if desired.

Are you in need of food assistance? Please click here to schedule a time to visit our Food Center.

Secondly, please welcome CirclesGR to the Streams of Hope family! We are so excited about this initiative because it helps invest in long-term solutions to poverty. At CirlcesGR, a cohort of Leaders and Allies walk through training and weekly meetings together, building relationships and practicing tangible steps to reach financial independence.

CirclesGR uses small community groups to empower participants to reach financial independence.

“Part of our purpose is to raise the poverty IQ of Allies and of the community,” shared CirclesGR Director Julie Liske, who will temporarily stay on staff with Streams of Hope to ensure a smooth transition. “Poverty is complex: root causes, systemic barriers, and the impact not only on the family but the whole community. CirclesGR offers a holistic way of looking at both poverty and prosperity, and how we might be able to empower more individuals to reach a place of economic independence.”

“We are excited to re-open the Food Center and bring CirclesGr into our family of programs,”said our Executive Director Kurtis Kaechele. “We are creating a healthier neighborhood together, alongside our community.”

The current CirclesGR cohort will continue to meet during the transition. To ensure safe shopping at the Food Center, visitors will make an appointment online and receive a health check before entering the building with a face mask.