The Circles Campaign, launched by Move the Mountain Leadership Center in 2007, has drawn national attention for helping families out of poverty. It inspires communities to commit to new long-term solutions that address the barriers to economic stability. Rhonda O’Connor, director of Community Engagement at Visions for Change, will discuss the National Circles Initiative that is being piloted here in Syracuse.
At the heart of this program is matched Circles, consisting of two or more Allies and an individual who is ready to escape the grip of poverty. The Allies provide friendship, coaching, networking and support to help the individual achieve their self-sufficiency goals. Individuals begin their journey by participating in a 15-week training using the “Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin’ by World” curriculum. Once they complete the training, they choose to become Circle Leaders, become matched with their Ally, and start working on their passage to self-sufficiency.
O’Connor has been involved in the not-for-profit arena in many different capacities. As director of planning for PEACE Inc., her responsibilities included program development and evaluation, grants development and management, as well as budget development and fiscal oversight for a $3 million CSBG grant.
As director of Community Engagement for Visions for Change, O’Connor is responsible for the development, implementation and fiscal oversight of the Circles Initiative for Onondaga County and for the expansion of the Circle program into other communities within the state.
O’Connor received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from SUNY Oswego and her master’s degree in social work from Syracuse University.
The Institute for Retired Professionals, established by University College of Syracuse University, provides opportunities for retired people to stay intellectually active, to expand interests and make new acquaintances. Presentations are made by SU faculty and specialists within the community.
For more information on this program, call University College of Syracuse University at (315) 443-4846, or visit http://www.yesu.syr.edu/IRP.
In his remarks to the University Senate Meeting, held virtually, Chancellor Kent Syverud addressed the University’s COVID response, plans for the Spring Semester and progress on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. He also provided updates on enrollment, the University budget and…
Dear Members of the Syracuse University Community: As our students, faculty and staff remain vigilant to continue residential learning and to remain on campus this semester, work is well underway to refine the spring 2021 schedule. The spring schedule, as…
Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) community members are invited to join in sharing solidarity, showing support and building advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities, by signing the annual…
Students are invited to register for events during Fall 2020 Virtual Career Week, which will host nearly 300 employers over three days. For the first time in campus history, Syracuse University Career Services alongside career colleagues at the individual schools…
Erin Archer, CFA, has been named Syracuse University treasurer. With nearly 20 years of experience, Archer has an impressive track record of significant accomplishments in managing complex treasury and investment responsibilities. Most recently, she served as the treasurer at DePaul…
If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.
