County hears pitch for Circles poverty-reduction program; commissioners offer support

Representatives of the 5-County Community Action Partnership introduced Circles, a nationwide poverty-reduction program the association is proposing to launch in Iron County, during the county commission meeting on Sept. 20.

Catherine Moster, who said she manages the program for 5 County, described Circles’ goals: help participating households move toward 200% of the federal poverty guideline through weekly cohort meetings, coaching, job and education linkages, and volunteer “allies” who provide social capital. Moster cited local indicators she said demonstrate need — roughly 38.6% of Iron County residents fall below 200% of the federal poverty guideline — and outlined proposed services including deposit and rental assistance, child programming and connections with Dixie Tech and workforce services.

Darren Bushman, introduced as 5 County’s executive director, said the model relies heavily on community volunteers and asked commissioners to help recruit allies and local partners. Commissioners suggested locations (the county senior center and library meeting rooms were mentioned) and discussed timing; Moster said the group aims to start a Cedar City cohort in January or February 2026. Several commissioners said they would share contact information for senior-center staff and other local partners.

Moster said national Circles cohorts report income gains and other measurable outcomes; locally, the 5 County cohort in Washington County showed early increases in pay after three months. Commissioners expressed support for the program and encouraged staff to help coordinate community connections and volunteers.