what are some of your favorite things to do?
Brown: Our current favorite thing is The Thread! We walk
every day the weather lets us. My husband participates in
triathlons, and he trains on The Thread for running and bik-
ing as well. (He tries to get me to run with him, but I’m not
sure that’s going to happen.) We also volunteer at Sweetland
and enjoy all the events there.
LDN: Tell us about Circles? Why is this organization so
important and why have you chosen to make it your life’s
work?
Brown: Circles was a new adventure for me. I had been a
reporter/photographer for publications for about 20 years
when I started working with Circles. It was a big shift, but I
loved that Circles empowers people to take charge of their
lives, make goals they choose and provides relationships
that help them achieve those goals. At the same time, we ad-
vocate in the community to reduce barriers that keep people
from getting ahead. It’s a great day when someone pays off
a debt, builds an emergency savings account for the first
time, gets a new job or promotion, or finishes a certification
program. Every week, we celebrate every step toward those
goals. We also provide education and awareness programs
in the community to help people recognize barriers in the
community. One of my favorites is leading a poverty simu-
lation. The three-hour interactive event is eye-opening for
the participants, and it’s great to help them learn more about
their neighbors, co-workers and friends. (And I get to blow
a whistle.)
LDN: I also understand you’ve been involved in commu-
nity volunteer work. Has volunteer work and being involved
with helping people always been part of your life? Why is
that?
Brown: Yes, our family has always believed in contribut-
ing to our community. I wasn’t able to do much when all
three of my kids were home and I was working, but I’ve en-
3117 Roanoke Road
joyed using my skills to help out with several projects in the
LaGrange Ga 30240
706-668-6107
past several years. Last year, I helped recruit volunteers and
organize the “yarn bomb” artwork for Rockweave. That was
so much fun to use my knitting hobby and my relationships
in the community to produce something fun, unique and
beautiful. Working with children and senior citizens (and
everything in between) was great.
LDN: What does the future hold for Sherri Brown and
Circles of Troup County?
Brown: I hope to keep doing what I’m doing at Circles for
a good while longer. Circles is looking to expand its pro-
grams to help more families reach their goals to be self-suf-
ficient. Because our model requires lots of volunteers, ex-
panding is a challenging goal, but I believe our community
can do it.
SIMPLY BLESSED SALON
3117 Roanoke Road
706-668-6107 / Tues.-Sat.
Stylist:
Taylor Lawhorn • Kortney Spradlin
• Lauren Cooper
WALK-INS WELCOME!
FEB. 2020/ MARCH 2020 | LAGRANGE LIVING • 57