Coming Full ‘Circle’ with Darshee’ Clarke
Darshee’ Clarke recently spoke with “ThePhilVA” – a newsletter about non-profits in the region. Click “Read More” to access.

S.M.A.R.T. Goals
Charlene tells us about the benefits of joining Circles RVA and how setting realistic goals helps her. She is grateful for the support of two Allies.

In For The Long Haul
Through all of Circles Support from my Ally Family and Circles Family , I have Started that business that I wanted. I have cleaned up a lot of my credit and I sit on the Board of Directors of Circles and am putting life into action with a pay forward attitude in the way CRVA has helped me.
Today I am proud of being one of CRVA first Cohort and proud of being a leader of my own life. Starting my business is just the start of what’s to come from me. Now face with the Pandemic has pushed me to come up with other ways to stay in business and also be able to help my family and community safely.

Overcoming Hurdles
My 18 month journey has been nothing but BLOOD, SWEAT, TEARS AND LAUGHTER. There are times I wanted to give up and walk out. Life throws us curve balls sometimes, we just have to know how to swing the bat at it. I have learned how to fix my credit score, how to save money, how to parent better, how to focus and how to grow. I have been surrounded by doctors, lawyers, beauticians, barbers, accountants, business owners, counselors, physical therapists, bankers, nurses, forensic scientists, and even pastors while in the Circles RVA program. No matter what goal I set, there was always someone who could help me and if there was not, Circles coaches and facilitators brought someone into the program to teach it to us and provide those resources to us.

Making Progress
It (Circles RVA) worked for me. I’m looking for a house to move to. I’m working on it and through these people (Circles RVA) I get the information. So they give me ideas on where I can go. It will take a year or a year and a half but I’m in the process. It bring a lot of sense to my head…