Connections: A common theme we hear from many of our volunteers, but we particularly love it when our volunteers make connections with our clients in a meaningful way. Our volunteer spotlight features Keli Graham, a pantry and guest relations volunteer that has been supporting Circle since we introduced the curbside model during COVID.

Keli has forged a connection with a particular client that has been greatly impacted by trauma in her past. Keli has a way of welcoming her in the pantry to help this client lighten her mood, even if for just a little while. The client, so grateful for Keli, sent us a note and said she was thankful for being “part of the girls and feeling included” because she doesn’t have that with anyone else. Keli shared that she tries to be a positive presence for clients and never wants them to feel any shame for their situation. Keli enjoys the camaraderie at Circle and loves that everyone here is so “caring and here for the same reason” and says she sees that reflected throughout the building. Keli sees the client journey from start to finish in her volunteer roles at Circle, and we see compassion and positivity in her interactions with our clients.

Keli also volunteers at the golf tournament and is joining the trivia committee this year! Last year she “volunteered” her husband’s Edward Jones office to conduct a food drive and then recruited them to play in the golf outing! And those connections – still happening! Keli came to us through another volunteer’s recommendation (thank you, Stephanie) and has made many new friendships here. Fun Fact: When she recently vacationed in Maui, she made a point of meeting up with another volunteer friend and the two families attended a luau together! When she’s not at Circle, she likes to workout, travel, and hang out with her lifelong friends (coincidentally, called Circle of 7). Be sure to say hello and introduce yourself to Keli if you see her around the building. She always has a smile to share!

Thank you for all the ways you support our clients, Keli! We are most grateful!

Our Summer Opportunities program has officially ended for 2024, and this year, we were able to fund a summer experience for 109 children! This program is so impactful because it offers children new experiences, skill sets, and hobbies that they may have otherwise not had access to. Through this program, children and youths participated in horseback riding, football camps, lifeguard lessons, and more. We are so lucky to be able to offer this program thanks to supporters like you.

Mark your calendars for this year’s Harvest Moon Trivia!

Our trivia night is coming back on Friday, October 18th, 6:00pm-9:30pm at Andre’s West with hosts Trivia Riot. You’ll experience all the fun you’ve come to expect plus some new features. Stay tuned for details!

Stamp Out Hunger – May 11

In the 30 years since it began, the Letter Carriers Food Drive, conducted in neighborhoods throughout the United States, has collected nearly 1.9 billion pounds of food!

Circle of Concern benefits from the collections done by the Valley Park and Ballwin postal workers.  On the week leading up to Saturday, May 11, your postal delivery professional will drop a donation bag in your mailbox.  We ask that you fill the bag with our most needed unexpired food items (cereal, jelly, peanut butter, pasta sauce, dinner helpers, healthy snacks and bean/rice/potato packets); then place the bag near your mailbox early on May 11th.  Your postal driver will collect the items and take them back for sorting and delivery to Circle of Concern.  This is an important event for Circle.  We thank you for your support! Click here for more info on this national event.

Contact Nancy today to volunteer! 636-861-2623 x 113 – nancy@circleofconcern.org

How can I help?

That’s the question I like to ask myself when I approach any situation. Growing up playing sports and continuing with basketball at Maryville University (in the early 2000s), I’ve enjoyed the collaboration and results a team can accomplish. Now, joining the staff at Circle of Concern as the Communications and Development Manager, I carry on that question with this exceptional team.

My family and southwest Missouri roots guided my interest in helping others. Most recently, I served as the fundraiser for AmeriCorps St. Louis, a nonprofit focusing on the development of the next generation of leaders in the areas of environmental conservation and disaster response. While there, I helped build partnerships and expanded the network of resources for communities in need. Notably, the area that became a focus for me was the services we provided for the unhoused community. In addition to the AmeriCorps program, the organization offers weekly shelter services including showers, meals, clothing and case management for the unhoused individuals and families in the downtown St. Louis area. Creating relationships with these individuals was rewarding and revealing. As I saw the need for support, my interest continued to grow in assisting those least served, last served and never served.

“How can I help?” has become a self-motto which led me to Circle of Concern. As I begin my journey here, I hope to increase the support for clients and build upon the impact that the staff and incredible volunteers have established. I look forward to interacting with all of you in the Circle community and sharing progress of our guests on their path out of poverty.

Please stop by, call or email anytime! 636-861-2623 x106 – tim@circleofconcern.org

Tim and his wife Lauren live in Ellisville with their two cats, Clover and Willow.

“As a caseworker, I have the privilege of getting to know clients on a more personal level.”

This says a lot about Kathie Fuchs, our newest volunteer in the spotlight. Kathie volunteers weekly as a caseworker, and also serves in the Client Resource Manager role several times a month. Her commitment to our clients is inspiring; she worries when she hasn’t seen a regular client and yet celebrates their milestones along the way! She remembers sharing a joyful moment with a client who overcame several challenges and was proudly stating that she no longer needed our services. The happy client said “it’s time for me to go so you can help someone new.” Kathie talks about how this was bittersweet but a great reminder about how Circle of Concern touches the lives of so many in our community.

Not only are we lucky enough to have Kathie guiding our clients, but she also serves on our scholarship committee and recently joined the Garden Greens team. She has a few other talents up her sleeve as well; her help on the Trivia Night silent auction team was invaluable!

When she’s not at Circle, Kathie is having fun! She has six grandchildren – all in St. Louis – and they keep her running! To channel her creative outlet, she enjoys painting furniture and cabinets for family and friends and also volunteers at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on Friday nights.

What’s Kathie’s favorite aspect of volunteering at Circle? The people! The clients, volunteers and staff all “working together to provide positive outcomes. That’s a win-win for me!”

Thanks for all of your efforts Kathie! We appreciate you.

Kids love breakfast cereal. They just do! Will you help to stock our pantry shelves with kid-friendly options?

You can shop at your favorite grocery store and deliver during our business hours (www.circleofconcern.org), or you can shop virtually from our Amazon wish list here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2VVNMVF6EMQQX?ref_=wl_share

Thank you for filling hungry little bellies!

Jim Brockman is a quiet, behind-the-scenes kind of guy, but his contributions make a big impact. He has volunteered at Circle for more than ten years as a member of our warehouse team, warmly greeting donors and helping to process thousands of pounds of donated food each year.

Beyond that, Jim can literally fix anything! He has made countless repairs and improvements here at Circle. He was instrumental in helping to get our vegetable garden plot configured, building the compost bin, and repairing the water line the garden team uses. Recently, he was part of a team of volunteers that installed new commercial shelving in our pantry.

When Jim isn’t volunteering at Circle, he enjoys tennis, golf and gardening; and on occasion – fishing! He volunteers at his church and another food pantry. Jim says his favorite thing about volunteering at Circle is “being able to help others in a small way that truly makes a big difference in their lives.” He says he enjoys working with many “wonderful people” who have also become close friends. Well said, Jim! Thank you for being such a great Circle ambassador!