Season 2 Episode 1:
Centering Those Closest to the Challenge
Join Circles USA’s Executive Director Kamatara Johnson, Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander, and special guest Patty Herndon, Big View Chair and Circle Leader from Circles Davis County, as they explore the critical importance of centering those most impacted by the challenges of poverty. Together, they discuss how elevating lived experiences and amplifying the perspectives of strategically undervalued individuals can drive meaningful systems change, creating a more equitable and effective path of upward mobility for your community. At Circles, we understand that those closest to the challenge are closest to the solution—and everyone has a role to play in building an equitable and prosperous society.
About the Guest
Patty Herndon Hi, I am Patty Herndon. I am a multi-talented mother of 5 beautiful children from age 10-24. I lost my 24 year marriage over an affair and I fell into a major mental health struggle. In 2023, in some of my darkest days a friend found the "Circles" group in Clearfield Utah on the 211 list for my area. I walked into the meeting in March with little hope and expectation. I kept going. The Circles group created a safe place for me to be - with people, I wasn't isolating as much. There haven't been many skills that they have taught that I didn't already know and have used in the past - but in the open and safe environment, I was able to flourish.
I got involved with the Big View resource group in June of 2024. I am an optimist in an extrovert soul! So I started learning about what Big View was about :). It was a bit difficult, because the group had really not 'done much' with Big View. They had had success supporting a bill in the legislature - but that was years ago. I took on this beautiful opportunity to lead the resource team. I have been working bit by bit with our Circles Leaders to get them involved in voicing their story and seeing that they CAN be a movement for change. To ask for the things that they need and want. To not settle for just what is "there". I hope to continue to support this wonderful Circles group and hopefully pull others out of their own dark times.