Circles Cobb appoints executive director

Barbara Gardner has been appointed Executive Director of Circles Cobb, a chapter of Circles USA, a nationally-proven and innovative way of connecting people across socioeconomic lines in an effort to move individuals and families out of poverty. 

Circles is uniquely designed to reduce poverty by helping low-income individuals expand their social capital while bringing the community together in solidarity to reduce the barriers that keep people in poverty.

Garner served previously as Donor Services Manager for Cobb Community Foundation. During her five year tenure, she built strong relationships with funders, nonprofit agencies, volunteers and professional advisors and achieved the prestigious Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation in 2021. 

Circles Cobb, which formed in 2022, focuses on building communities to end poverty through a proven model that gathers people who are motivated to move out of poverty and matches them with middle-income and high-income volunteers who can support and encourage them on their journey.

Participants in the Circles Cobb program are called Circle Leaders because they are the ones who lead themselves out of poverty. Prior to starting the Circles program, Circle Leaders receive training to learn about:

• Time and money management
• Job opportunities
• Improving communication skills
• Goal Setting

In her new role, Barbara is available to speak to groups about Circles and/or about poverty in the community and how to help bring about an end to poverty.

For more information, visit their website by clicking here or by emailing barbara@circlescobb.org.