Circles of Friends

Award-Winning Model

The Circle Way Project Collaboration Award

In 1996 Bridge Ministries was invited by The Center for Community Support (under the auspices of TASH) to participate in the Circle Way Study. The purpose of the study was to explore Circles of Support (i.e. Circles of Friends):

• their purpose,
• how they begin,
• how they are maintained and sometimes end, and
• how they are most effectively supported.

The study lasted four years and was coordinated by Sally Sehmsdorf. It involved participants from several Washington counties who were working with persons with disabilities. During this time several Circles were begun at Bridge and were studied closely. Support for Circle Facilitators was provided at monthly gatherings, which were modeled after Circles themselves. Assistance and information about coordinating Circles were shared in an atmosphere of hospitality and friendship. All the individuals and organizations participating in the study met regularly to share, explore and evaluate our findings. By the time the study concluded in 2000, the Circle of Friends Program at Bridge had a solid foundation, which continues to support it to this day. In fact, Circles are among the most effective ways through which Bridge builds, facilitates and nurtures life-giving relationships among persons with disabilities, community and church.

At the conclusion of the project Bridge Ministries received the 2000 Collaboration Award from TASH "for working together to craft a positive vision for the future through the Circle Way Project".

• Please visit Circles of Friends, Forming a Circle, Circle Volunteers, Volunteers, Facilitator Training, How to Apply, Dreams Coming True, and Award Winning Model for more information.

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