Sheila initially joined Circles with hesitation, encouraged by a family member’s invitation. Upon her arrival, she felt closed off, uncertain, and simply going through the motions. However, over time, this Circle leader began to find the discussions meaningful; she connected with the various emotions shared and started to see the potential benefits of Circles for herself. Paired with her mentors, or “Allies,” Sheila set three primary goals: to save $1,000 for an emergency fund, to eliminate her outstanding debt, and to secure a new job. Remarkably, within just a month of working with her allies, Sheila successfully saved $1,000 for her emergency fund; moreover, she grew more comfortable with her allies and the staff. She began to open up about her struggles and shared vulnerable moments with her newfound support system. After 14 months of dedicated Monday nights, with Sheila never missing a session, she graduated. During her graduation, Sheila expressed pride in her newfound confidence, her ability to advocate for herself, and her skill in saying “no.” She concluded her speech by acknowledging the steadfast support she received through Circles, stating, “You’ve been more of a rock than you know.” Her heartfelt words resonated with everyone present, underscoring the significance of a strong support network. Sheila plans to continue attending Circles and hopes to buy a new home with her husband in the future. For now, she is focused on growing her savings and is proud of all she has accomplished.