06/12/2026
CIRCLES OF SUPPORT TO MOVE JULY 1
Starting July 1, Circles of Support will meet at the former Murphy Elementary building. The program will join all of KOOTASCA Community Action’s Community Engagement offices at the KOOTASCA Grand Rapids office (former Murphy Elementary building) at 822 NE Fifth Ave., Grand Rapids, Minn. According to program leadership, the move will allow for program expansion and streamlining of operations to better serve the community from one location.
For people feeling stuck while trying to get ahead in life, the Circles of Support program provides resources and social connections for low-income people. Coffee and conversation are available on a walk-in basis, as well as a food pantry and phone charging availability. A hot lunch is provided each Wednesday at no cost (donations accepted) to encourage and support the development of building relationships across income lines.
Starting July 1, the Circles of Support food pantry will officially move to the new location and will be open during early morning and later afternoon hours, “for working folks,” explained Circles of Support Executive Director Alice Moren.
For about 15 years, the Circles of Support program has operated out of its office on Fourth Street NE in Grand Rapids. The new location at the former school will provide more space for Big View presentations in the gymnasium and Wednesday lunches with picnic tables outside. Starting July 1, all of KOOTASCA’s food pantry storage will be located at the Murphy School location.
For more information about Circles of Support, visit kootasca.org or call Moren at 218-910-5486.
