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Circles

Overview

Our mission is to empower individuals and families across Utah, Wasatch, and Summit County to overcome poverty through supportive relationships, community connection, and opportunities for growth.

We strive to create pathways from crisis to stability and from stability to lasting success. Our vision is a community where everyone has the resources, purpose, and support system needed to truly thrive.

General Program Overview

  • How does the program work? The core of the program revolves around weekly evening meetings that include a free community dinner, children's programming, and adult classes. The ultimate goal is to help participants overcome systemic barriers and reach at least 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.

  • What is a Circle Leader? A Circle Leader is an individual or family currently experiencing poverty who is motivated to direct their own journey toward long-term financial stability. They are the "leaders" of their own change.

  • What is the commitment like? Circle Leaders start by completing a 12-week training course. After graduating, they are matched with a dedicated support network of volunteers to help them execute their goals, build their resumes, and navigate barriers like the benefits cliff.

  • What does an Ally do? An Ally is a community volunteer who acts as an intentional friend to a Circle Leader. They don't provide financial handouts; instead, they share their life experiences, professional skills, and personal networks to help the Circle Leader succeed.

  • What is the commitment for an Ally? Allies commit to attending the weekly evening meetings (typically a 2- to 3-hour block) to support their matched Circle Leader. Because building trust takes time, volunteers are required to commit for a minimum of four months, though many stay longer.

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Meet the Team

  • Cody Martensen
    Cody Martensen

    Cody is a devoted husband and father that strives to help his family live balanced, meaningful lives. A lover of the outdoors, he finds peace in nature and on the softball field. After years of active addiction, narrowly avoiding prison, and bouts with suicide, Cody reached a turning point—realizing he had to change his life or lose his future. By choosing to face the man in the mirror and build a life he could be proud of. Today, his lived experience guides his work with Circles. Cody discovered a deep passion for helping others do the same. Today, his lived experience fuels his work with Circles, where he supports individuals on their own paths toward stability, hope, and long-term success.

  • Kira Ward
    Kira Ward

    Kira is a mother of 5. After a long career in dental assisting, she found her calling with Circles at Community Action. She realized she could use her own life experiences to make a deeper impact. Now, she brings empathy, resilience, and a strong passion for service to her work–helping individuals find hope, build confidence, and break through barriers to lasting stability.

  • Patricia Huratado
    Patricia Huratado

    Patricia is a bilingual professional fluent in Spanish and English, with experience in accounting, business management, and team leadership across North and Latin America. She has served as a church missionary in Peru, an Ally with Circles Utah Valley, and now as the Hispanic Facilitator, where she supports families and builds stronger community connections. Patricia brings a global perspective, strong problem-solving skills, and a passion for empowering others through both her professional and volunteer work.

  • Aubrie Bohman Pettit
    Aubrie Bohman Pettit

    Aubrie graduated from Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Business in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science and married her sweetheart in 2025. She values connection, growth, and community, and has a deep passion for helping others realize and achieve their potential. As the Circles Youth Coach, Aubrie developed the Youth Development Program to empower young people with mentorship, resources, and confidence to reach their goals and create brighter futures.

  • Chloe Kelson
    Chloe Kelson

    Chloe is currently a marketing student at Utah Valley University. She and her husband love the outdoors, love to travel, and spend time with family. She is passionate about volunteer work and community connection. As the Program Assistant for Circles, Chloe raises awareness about poverty alleviation, strengthens community engagement, and attracts everyone to be involved.

  • Tate Hoffman
    Tate Hoffman

    Tate Hofmann was born in Oklahoma and moved to Utah in the fall of 2021. He is the second oldest of five children and is currently studying Art History at BYU. Tate has worked with Circles Utah Valley since February 2025, where he plays a meaningful role in supporting teens as they build confidence, set goals, and develop the essential life skills needed to achieve them. He is passionate about creating a positive, empowering environment where young people can envision a brighter future and take actionable steps toward it. Tate loves being part of a program that strengthens families, builds community, and helps break the cycle of poverty. ¡Se habla español!

  • Lizzie Shumway
    Lizzie Shumway

    Circles Heber Coach

Voices From Our Community

  • "The Department of Workforce Services offers educational and training services, like paying for certifications. Once my son was in full-time preschool, I went through DWS to find one of their contracted programs. After looking into my options and interviewing Kira (Provo Circle's Coach) and others in the field, I decided on a 3-week Phlebotomy program that fit my schedule. I'm already finishing my second week, and DWS paid for everything, including the certification exam."

  • "With the help of allies and classes I learned how to write my resume and cover letter, and I also learned how to apply through Indeed. With this tool, I have been continuously applying to better jobs. Circles makes me feel a part a community that helps each other to improve in all aspects. Nora, our Spanish coach, is a great leader and based on her own experiences she works hard so that we have all the resources and knowledge necessary to have better conditions and fulfill our dreams."

  • "Circles didn't just offer temporary relief; they gave me a team. With my Allies in my corner, I finally had the confidence and the network to transition from working three part-time jobs to starting a real career. For the first time in years, my family isn't just surviving—we're actually planning for the future."

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