CIRCLE IMPACT – Discover Oliver Spring’s Story One Circle Foundation is grateful to showcase the transformative work of our partnering organizations and Circle facilitators worldwide in empowering youth. Through their dedication and dynamic implementation of Circles, our partners create safe, inclusive spaces where young people are inspired to grow, connect, and thrive.
Featured Facilitator: Oliver Spring (he/him/his) Program and Organization: Delaware County Prevention Education Program (PEP) at Child and Family Focus, Inc. Role: Prevention Specialist
Q. What inspired you to start doing this meaningful work with youth, and what excites you most about being part of your organization? A. I have a B.A. in Women’s and Gender Studies, and I love having conversations with people about topics related to gender roles and expectations in our culture. I also wish I had been given the opportunity to talk about these topics at a younger age, so I could unlearn some of the gender norms that did not fit with me. I really love providing a space for youth to be able to explore the topics within the One Circle programs in ways that allow them to imagine how they want to show up authentically as themselves. Q. The CDC reports a mental health crisis among youth, with 4 in 10 high schoolers experiencing persistent sadness or hopelessness. How have you seen this play out in your programs, and how do your Circle programs support youth facing these challenges? A. I have absolutely seen mental health issues in participants in my One Circle groups across all ages of youth. Even if we haven’t directly talked specifically about mental health concerns, I have also seen risk factors that can lead to more serious mental illnesses. Some of these risk factors include youth not feeling able to be their full selves, feeling limited in how they can express their emotions, and not having a reliable support system. I also see just how hard it is to be a queer and/or trans youth growing up
today. There are so many factors and people that are actively trying to control how LGBTQ+ youth exist, and this can easily lead to feelings of shame. One Circle programs address all of the risk factors I have mentioned here in various ways, such as through interactive activities, engaging discussions, and contemplative reflections. The Circle groups I have run have given youth tools that they can use to build their supports within and outside themselves, as well as their resilience. Q. What’s one pro-tip you’d share with someone eager to start Circles in their programming? Any insider advice to help them make the most impact? A. Listen to the youth whenever possible. Like really listen. They are all so smart and have such unique ideas, and I always learn something from the youth I work with when I take the time to actually listen to what they want to share with me and their peers. Q. What else would you like to share with the One Circle Foundation community? Any insights, experiences, or messages that you think would resonate with them? A. I want to encourage everyone to keep showing up for these kids. Especially the queer and trans kids.
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ONE CIRCLE FOUNDATION 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
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