The Trajectory Forward

When Clarence Hickman was accepted into the Circles program as a Leader in 2017 at the age of 29, his goals were clear: start his own car detailing business and purchase his first home. Hickman’s Ally, Ontario “OJ” Johnson, saw a young man, persistent in his dreams, who just needed a circle of connections and support to reach them.

“Clarence hadn’t been exposed to a lot of things in life like me,” Johnson said. “It was an opportunity to ‘get in where I fit in,’ and help someone with my own experiences and knowledge.”

One of the first things the real estate professional did was connect Hickman to people from his circle to get his car detailing business off the ground, everything from finding a truck to sourcing parts online to referring him to new customers.

“I was another set of ears and eyes to be supportive of all the things he was trying to accomplish,” Johnson said.

“I was trying to better myself,” Hickman said. “OJ guided me to become self-sufficient, get my credit in order, get my business started, and purchase my first home.”

Johnson was also there for Hickman when he needed emotional support. “I was getting stressed out through the process of buying a home. OJ kept telling me to put one foot in front of the other, ‘I got you.’ He reassured me.”

“There was a lot of fear of new things,” said Johnson. “But helping him get over his fears and watching him grow and gain confidence—it was a thing of beauty to watch. I gained a real sense of satisfaction. I wanted to do more.”

Open Minds, Open Doors

Bush felt uplifted by watching Leaders like Hickman, too. She saw how their new connections benefitted their lives in multiple ways, including mental health. “When you feel isolated, there is no person who has your back and there is no way out, you become gripped by anxiety and fear,” Bush said. “Then you come into an environment where everyone is saying you don’t have to do it alone—the mindset begins to open differently.”

Another way Circles Leaders expand their mindsets is by helping others through civic engagement. “We all have something to offer,” Bush said. “It’s about finding purpose. It changes your mental health when you are no longer a recipient and you become a giver. I’ve witnessed individuals who came in broken, but they found their voice—a voice they didn’t even know they had—and now they speak at city council meetings. To me, that’s gold.”

Hickman became a giver through connections that put him on the path to a social work career. He still has his detailing business on the side, but now he makes a higher income and invests his own social capital in others. After gaining experience as an advocate helping youth aging out of the foster care system—a position he attained through Circles—Hickman became a victim’s advocate for the Palm Beach County Courthouse. He speaks of guiding women who are victims of domestic violence out of their situations by making connections for them, the same way people made connections for him. “Helping people find resources is second nature to me now,” he said.

Thanks to Hickman, Johnson has found something that comes second nature to him—working with men, slightly younger than his 48 years, who share a common language. He is increasing his impact through Circles by coaching other Circle Leaders and creating his own mentoring opportunities.

“Clarence was the ultimate example,” Johnson said. “I tell people all the time, it’s absolutely possible with community. We all want the same things. To feel safe and provide for our families. If we as people continue to engage, to see each other as people, to help, we can solve so many issues in this country, especially when it comes to poverty. True community can change a lot of circumstances.”

Hickman nods in agreement. “OJ helped change the trajectory of my life.”

Johnson knows Hickman has changed his life, too. “He’s my guy. I can truly call Clarence a friend.”