A Wider Circle

A Wider Circle was established in 2001 by health professional and American University professor Dr. Mark Bergel with the goal of developing holistic programming to help individuals and families break the poverty cycle. With the help of thousands of volunteers, the organization serves more than 10,000 children and adults each year through initiatives that are tailored to address both the root causes as well as the effects of systemic poverty.

The Essential Support program provides furniture, baby items, and other household goods to individuals transitioning out of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or re-entering the workforce. The Workforce Development program offers resources including resume writing, interview practice, job search assistance, and access to professional attire. The Neighborhood Partnerships program works to alleviate poverty from within low-income communities, and the Partnership to Independence program is a five-year pilot program designed to empower a cohort of 18 families. Through these services, A Wider Circle strives to empower individuals to achieve long-term self-sufficiency.