Receiving, Then Giving Back

(Originally Published Tuesday, May 09, 2023)




















Jacob Easley first learned about Harvey County Circle of Hope in 2011 through a friend, another program participant, who invited him to an evening program and dinner. Jacob came to the dinner but slipped out before the program.

Five years later, Jacob returned to the program with another attendee, but this time he stayed for dinner and the program. He liked what he heard. Jacob quickly signed up for a financial management class offered as part of the robust program. He wanted to learn how to budget, to set goals, AND stick to them! Jacob and five others attended the 15-week Getting Ahead Class where they learned all about financial and social capital, causes of poverty, and re-examined their community. 


After the Getting Ahead Class, Jacob was matched with three Allies: John, Marvin, and Deb. These three volunteers walked alongside Jacob as he made progress on his goals, offered insight and advice when needed, and provided a listening ear as Jacob shared about his journey. For 18 months, these intentional friends held Jacob accountable to his financial goals, shared useful information punctuated by occasional jokes, and fostered a relationship where they could learn from one another. For Jacob, the time went too fast. He says he wishes for more time with his Allies.
As the Matched Circle completed their formal time together, Marvin shared “As much as we’ve helped Jacob, Jacob has helped improve my life as well, and I will be a better person because of him.” This phrase really stuck with Jacob as he found a sense of purpose and belonging, and knows he has something to offer in return.

Five years after completing the Getting Ahead Class, Jacob is still in touch with his Allies and regularly attends the weekly program. He’s also a Circle of Hope volunteer. You can find him cleaning up after weekly programs or serving some of his much-complimented tea during dinner. Jacob says he volunteers because he wants to give back when and where he can. He also wants to be a role model for others, as he didn’t have a role model growing up.

Harvey County Circle of Hope relies on community support to run weekly programs like the Getting Ahead class that Jacob attended. Your donations cover the meals, child care, and the materials it takes to operate weekly programming continue to improve the lives of people like Jacob who don’t always recognize their skills and strengths, and yet have so much to offer to their families and their communities.

Currently, Circle of Hope is struggling to fund this year’s Getting Ahead Class. Please consider sending a tax-deductible donation today to help support individuals like Jacob and support ongoing programing at Circles of Hope.

Want to know how else you can contribute to Circle of Hope? 
Reach out to Kendra Davila at 316-284-0000 or info@peaceconnections.org to schedule a time to talk, sign up to be a volunteer, or find out about funding needs.

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