In 2008 15.8% of Escambia County Residents were below the poverty level, and our goal in the Bridges to Circles Program is to ultimately cut the percentage down to 7.9% or lower. Bridges to Circles strives in achieving this by matching people living in poverty, who have a strong desire to improve their quality of life with allies from the community who provide emotional support, assist with complext issues, and understand the hidden rules of economic class. This is a community-wide initiative begun by Unite Escambia's Poverty Solutions Team, a collaborative of over 80 social service agencies including Manna Food Bank and Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast; businesses including Beach Community Bank, and churches of all denominations. The Poverty Solutions Team then links the families and their allies with action teams working toward systemic changes in our community to eliminate the barriers that perpetuate poverty.

Bridges to Circles is a program full of Circle Leaders living at or below the poverty level working with allies which consist of members of the community whom are connected with businesses, and organizations to help the Circle Leader and their family to be self sufficient.

Reduce the number of people living below the federal poverty level in Escambia County by 50%, 15.8% to 7.9%, by 2020.

Residents who are at or below the proverty level that are willing to be self sufficient in Escambia and Santa Rosa County.

Ally training in Pensacola

Janet Westlake, Community Organizer
Esella Lee, Coach

Unite Escambia Poverty Solutions Team,Manna Food Pantries, Catholic Charities, Council on Aging of West Florida, Florida Department of Children and Families Circuit 1, Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast, Pensacola Boys Base, Willstaff Worldwide, and citizens of Escambia County.

We are a collaberative group of individuals working together throughout the community to not only improve the specific lives of the Circle Leaders but the community as a whole.