Programs & Services
Need Help? Get Help!
Life is challenging and ever-changing. We understand that certain events can change your financial circumstances quickly. We’re here to help, beginning with assistance in feeding your family so you can focus on other household bills and responsibilities.
When partnering with Circle, clients provide documentation confirming their residence and household income to be eligible, and meet monthly with Circle caseworkers while receiving assistance. We have two qualifications to receive services at Circle:
- Clients may have a total household income up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. For example, in 2025, the federal poverty level for a family of four is $31,250. Our client families of four can have a total income (including wages, social security, disability, government assistance and other resources) of no more than $64,300.
- Clients must live in west St. Louis County in the geographic footprint of the four school districts serving this area – Parkway, Rockwood, Kirkwood and Valley Park; or reside in the 63026 or 63049 ZIP codes; or have children who attend a school in one of the four listed school districts through the voluntary transfer or Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation (VICC) program.
Get Assistance Today:
Step One:
Call 636.861.2623 to see if you qualify for services and to make an appointment*.
We currently offer appointment slots on Monday, Tuesday and Friday between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, on Wednesday between 9:00 am and 6:30 pm and Saturday between 9:00 am and 12:30 pm. Appointment slots can fill quickly.
Step Two:
Come to your appointment at our location in Valley Park to talk with a Circle caseworker and to choose your groceries. If you must cancel or change your appointment, please do so promptly in advance to reschedule and to remain in good standing.
Step Three:
Take home a seven-to-ten day supply of fresh, frozen and non-perishable foods from our pantry. Clients can come to Circle every four weeks. As a food pantry client in good standing, you will have access to our other programs and services as well.
Programs & Services:
Food Pantry
The food pantry is our core service. It is also the gateway to other Circle programs and services. Families must be established clients actively participating in our pantry program to receive other services.
Emergency Financial Assistance
Circle provides emergency financial assistance on a limited basis when funds are available. We offer financial assistance to help keep utilities on, avoid eviction and address or meet other short-term needs on an individual basis.
Garden Greens
Through an onsite vegetable garden, our Garden Greens committee supports our pantry program, by growing and distributing fresh seasonal vegetables to our clients. We utilize sustainable gardening practices.
Counseling
Emotionally healthy individuals are better equipped to manage stress and the everyday challenges of life; this can contribute to better overall health, improved interpersonal and professional relationships, productivity and more!
With support from the Chiron Community Giving Fund, we are able to offer mental health care that would otherwise be inaccessible, or at least greatly delayed, due to limited resources in our community.
Scholarships
Ending the cycle of poverty is an important part of our mission. Higher education can lead to greater job opportunities and economic circumstances. In support of this, Circle offers a dual-focus scholarship program.
Career Mentorship
Our mentorship program provides professional development with the goal of empowering individuals to achieve their career and life goals. Volunteers work with clients to support connections that are valuable to early professionals and experienced professionals alike.
Children’s Programs
Children are the unintended victims of poverty. At Circle, we offer several programs that directly benefit the children of our clients.
Holiday Programs
The holidays at Circle are all about families, and – with the help of our entire community – we eagerly help our clients celebrate!
