Circles East Alabama

Circles East Alabama seeks to inspire and equip our community to reduce poverty and remove the barriers that stand in the way of financial security. Poverty is more than a lack of material wealth; sometimes it means relying on family, friends, and government assistance, which can be dehumanizing. When people achieve financial security, they experience a surge of pride and confidence. Often, they say they have regained their dignity, their value, and their humanity.

​At Circles East Alabama, we believe everyone can work together to reduce and eradicate poverty. The Circles model focuses both on what individuals can do to change their situations and on what society can do to remove the barriers that stand in their way.

In 2018, the Envision Opelika Foundation introduced the Circles initiative to our community as a strategic approach to help families overcome poverty and achieve long-term stability. Initially known as Circles Opelika, the program operated under the guidance of Envision Opelika and later the PRF Teaching Ministry. In 2025, the organization took a significant step forward by becoming an independent nonprofit and adopting a new name—Circles East Alabama—reflecting its expanded mission and regional impact.