One of the perks of getting to know our volunteers is learning about all their incredible talents and interests. Darla is no exception! Darla is a caseworker at Circle, but we first got to know her through another passion of hers – knitting. Through the years she has donated knitted hats, scarves, pot holders, and more to Circle families and even treated the staff to some of her creations one holiday. Now she’s a caseworker and sharing another talent – being a great listener.

Darla does a wonderful job of offering a variety of resources to clients during their case appointment, but says she always tries to end their appointment with a touch of humor, as a small way to bring some joy into their lives. Darla describes working with clients as a win – win, saying she benefits from client interaction as well. She has been really touched by clients, seeing them persevere through difficult situations, and in the end, overcoming hurdles to reach a milestone or achieve success. In particular, she mentioned an unhoused client that she sees each month, who recently found a job and is working to get into a sustainable living situation. She also shared about a client that loves to cook and talked Darla into trying a cabbage recipe. It’s quite admirable how she connects with clients!

When she’s not helping clients or knitting (she’s a member of the St. Louis Knitting Guild), Darla also enjoys NFL football, strength training, interior design and a host of other fun interests and hobbies!

Darla feels that there are “little miracles happening everyday at Circle. Clients are fortunate to have a place like Circle to come to not only for groceries but for a wide variety of assistance and genuine caring. We are blessed to get to help them and to get to know them as well.” Such a great perspective, thank you Darla!

AARP Tax Aide provides tax assistance, free of charge. You don’t need to be an AARP member to use the service. You’ll get assistance from volunteers certified by the Internal Revenue Service. You can even get your tax return sent electronically for free, which will speed your refund. They will do onsite return preparation for tax year 2024 at Circle of Concern. Interested clients need to sign up at the Circle guest relations desk or call 636.861.2623

WHAT TO BRING

• Last 2 year’s returns
• Documents for Tax Year 2024. NOTE: if you have multiple of any documents listed, bring all of them.
• Photo ID’s for adults and Social Security cards for all family members
• W2
• SSA-1099 Social Security Benefit Statement (Box 5 has a pink background)
• 1099-R Retirement Payments
• 1099-INT Interest
• 1099-DIV Dividends
• 1099-MISC
• 1099-NEC Non-Employee Compensation
• 1099-C Cancellation of Debt
• 1099-G Gambling Income
• Property Tax Credit (circuit Breaker)
  • If you own – Real Estate Tax Receipt for 2024
  • If you rent – Letter from your landlord documenting rent you paid in 2024. This needs to include:
    • The landlords name, address and phone number
    • The dates you rented the unite (if whole year 1/1/2024 – 12/31/2024) and
    • The total amount of rent you paid
  • Documentation of SSI or other assistance received

*Not all participants will have every document

Help direct where Target gives

We are honored and excited to announce that Circle of Concern has been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target. And you have the chance to help direct a portion of Target’s donation to us!

Now through March 31 vote for us through the Target Circle program to help determine how Target’s donation will be divvied up. Find out more about Target Circle here: www.target.com/circle

We’re asking our supporters to help us make the most of this incredible opportunity. Every vote counts to help us receive a portion of the available Target funds as we continue our mission to feed the hungry and provide assistance to low-income families living in our community.

Don’t forget, as you earn more votes, you can keep voting multiple times during the campaign! Thank you for your support, and we encourage you to share your support for us (and your thanks to Target) on social media throughout the duration of the voting!

Here’s how to vote after you sign in or create your free account:
Step 1: Choose ‘My Target’ in the Target app or ‘Account’ on Target.com
Step 2: Tap ‘Cast votes’
Step 3: Find us & vote

Circle of Concern is excited to announce the acquisition of new property that will expand its capacity to serve families in need.

The purchase of this property, previously home to Meramec Jack’s Restaurant and Bar, was made possible by a generous charitable bequest, a testament of the strong community support for Circle of Concern’s mission.

“Circle has grown. We’re serving new communities and seeing more families,” says Cyndi Miller, Executive Director. “With the purchase of adjacent ground, we have opportunity to improve our operations and potentially serve even more families if needed. We’re immensely grateful for the support that makes this possible, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact these changes will have on our ability to serve our community.”

This strategic purchase is part of a larger campus-wide plan and will enable the organization to make future improvements that:
• Increase capacity to serve more families
• Improve safety for clients, volunteers and staff
• Improve efficiency and food distribution flow

In the short term, the plan involves razing the existing building to create a temporary green space as the organization plans next steps and improvements for the campus.
Circle of Concern is deeply grateful for the continued support of donors, volunteers, and community partners who share in the goal of helping our neighbors move from struggle to stability.

For more information, please email circle@circleofconcern.org or call 636-861-2623.