What does community mean to you?

In The First Law of Geography, cartographer and geographer Waldo Tobler says that,

"Everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related than distant

things." In turbulent times, when global challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed,

it may be comforting to know that the most impactful changes can start close to home,

right in our own community.

When you support Circle of Concern, it's a clear and tangible way to make a difference right

here in our neighborhood, in west St. Louis County and parts of Jefferson County. When we

join forces, we can help local, low-income families, and individuals like Steven, who recently

moved to Missouri and took a full-time hourly position with an area retailer.

He was excited to start his new life, but getting set up in his apartment with first and

last months' rent, utility deposits and more stretched his finances thin. He soon found

himself in need of help. He turned to Circle of Concern, where volunteers greeted him with

compassion and immediate support. He received a generous supply of wholesome foods

and personal care items. It was just the help he needed to get through a rough patch.

Some of our clients need support for a longer stretch, due to obstacles that don't resolve

with simply a grocery cart full of food. Our comprehensive approach at Circle offers monthly

visits with trained volunteer case workers, shopping in our client choice food pantry and

additional wraparound services. When we walk alongside our clients in this way, we can

identify the issues, assist with the most pressing needs, and respond quickly with resources.

We can help individuals and families in crisis to gain stability and a sense of hopefulness.

Last year, we served an average of 737 families each month - 7% more households over

the previous year. That's a big increase, and it shows just how many of our neighbors are

struggling to put food on the table.

Food insecurity is a USDA term for when struggling households don't have enough healthy

food to eat for an active, healthy life. It's growing in our area, and we are working hard to

fight it — and to be there for those who need us.

112 S t . Louis Av e n u e

P.O. Box 44

Valley Park, MO 63088

P h o n e : 636.861.2623

www.circleofconcern.org

Everything we do at Circle is meant to help local families thrive through hard times. Our client choice pantry has healthy food choices like fresh fruits, vegetables, protein options and dairy products so clients can choose what works best for them.

When families are behind on bills and money is tight, our emergency financial assistance program can keep their lights on and a roof over their heads. We offer counseling for those who are feeling overwhelmed by their circumstances, and a mentorship program to help with career coaching and other support. We send kids to summer camps throughout the community, where they can learn new things, make friends, and just enjoy being kids. Through our scholarship program, we give students the chance to grow and work toward a better future.

We make sure those who are struggling feel cared for, not just with food or financial support,

but in ways that bring joy and hope.

Supporting local means making an impact right where you live. Thanks to you, Circle clients like Steven feel seen, supported and hopeful while facing life's challenges.

Will you chip in today to support your local community and hard-working neighbors like Steven?

With thanks and best wishes,

Mark Barbee

President, Board of Directors

Cynthia R. Miller

Executive Director

P.S. The Missouri Food Pantry Tax Credit program is an easy-to-access

50 percent tax credit program that can reduce your Missouri income

tax bill when you contribute to a food pantry. Please reach out to

circle @circleofconcern.org for program guidelines and tax credit limits.

P.S.S. Donors like you make the work of Circle of Concern possible!

n appreciation, we've partnered with FreeWill to offer a complementar

will-making service. In just 20 minutes you can create your legacy, bringing

peace of mind and security to you and your loved ones. Have you already

included us in your plans? Please let us know so we can thank you! Visit

circleofconcern.org for more information or email circle@circleofconcern.org.

*Client name has been changed to protect privacy.