OUR PURPOSE
The central purpose of our presence in the lives of others is to nurture, teach & sustain the experience of Connectedness, Companionship & Community.
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CONNECTEDNESS
a feeling of belonging to or having affinity with a particular person
or group
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COMMUNITY
a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals
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COMPANIONSHIP
a feeling of friendship
Connor, Kirby & Taylor with our friend Scully at the DIA celebrating Black History Month.
(Q Line) Connor & Corbins Dad Kevin.
OUR PRINCIPLES
3rd Circle is a non-profit organization that develops personalized support services for people of a variety of different abilities. Rooted in the philosophy of Gentle Teaching, 3rd Circle strives to strengthen the fabric of companionship and community for all those we serve. Our innovative approach to direct support is grounded in the recognition and celebration of the intrinsic value of each individual.
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At 3rd Circle, we embrace a language whereby intentional word choices represent a philosophy and practice of valuing those we support. 3rd Circle supports individuals living in their own homes instead of ‘placing clients into programs.' 3rd Circle assists individuals to discover their own talents and interests, to live according to their own values, and to strive to reach their personal goals.
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3rd Circle is committed to providing the appropriate support to the individuals we serve. At 3rd Circle, supportive living encompasses a wide range of in-home support based on individual needs, personal lifestyle preferences, community norms, and equality of citizenship. Support provided by 3rd Circle celebrates the individuality and value of each person and centers on the development of meaningful relationships within the community.
Be strong enough to be gentle and show your courage through understanding, compassion and kindness.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
3rd Circle follows the principles of Gentle Teaching, a philosophy of life that embodies such values as: wholeness of life, equality, justice, quality of service, and integrity.
In our relationships with those we support, we are first and foremost teachers of gentleness.
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WHAT WE DO
We provide 24 hour in-home care support & transportation for individuals with diverse needs. We advocate for those who are self determined.
MEET MIKE
DONATE
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Every penny counts.
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Your donations will directly support the all abilities community and help them live their best lives where all of their needs are met.
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Click on the button above to donate through our PayPal account or send a check or money order to:
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7183 N Main Street, Suite J,
Clarkston, MI 48346
ABOUT MIKE
Michael Cormier is the driving force behind 3rd Circle, Inc.
Mike has worked in the Mental Health field supporting an inclusive stigma-free all abilities community for over 25 years, starting out as a Direct support specialist and moving into management as well as leadership & administrative positions, all while continuing his formal education.
Mike specialized in supporting families and working with people who presented challenges to caregivers, leveraging his background in human resources, mentoring, supervision, conflict resolution, and, most significantly creating a Culture of Gentleness. One thing that sets Mike apart from other supervisors and administrators is that he always maintains an active presence in the lives of those receiving support, a practice he continues to this day.
In 2016, Mike decided to strike out on his own to start 3rd Circle, Inc.,
in order to focus on the things most important to him: helping people of difference make connections, develop friendships (companions), and become part of their communities.
Mike has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the ARC of Oakland County’s Dove Award for Service Professional of the year, Innovative Lifestyles Impacting the Lives of Others Award, & most recently the Chamber of Commerce Chamber Choice Award with special United States Congressional recognition.
In his free time, Mike trains in Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts & volunteers with various groups that help to enhance the lives of those with differing abilities, such as a Creative Arts program & Special Olympics. Mike is also a Certified Master Mentor as well as a First Responder & Instructor for the American Red-Cross.
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VALUES AND PRINCIPLES
Mike has a reputation for incredible dedication, tireless advocacy, and leadership in creating a Culture of Gentleness for each person he supports. His beliefs include:
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A holistic and individualized approach to caregiving;
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Authoritarianism has no place in providing support to others;
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Choice and self-determination;
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An understanding that all people have talents and gifts to share;
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Egalitarianism and justice;
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The belief that behavior is communication, and that all people are worthy of unconditional regard and should be included in the life of the community;
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The understanding that people need to feel safe & valued and have meaningful relationships before any learning or growth can occur;
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The use of words, eyes, presence and gentle touch can uplift, encourage, and honor those who are vulnerable;
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The belief that if people feel safe and valued, they can then become loving toward others and engaged in their own lives, the lives of others, and in their community; and that
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The community benefits from the inclusion of people with different abilities as much as people with different abilities benefit from being included.