About the Circle for Children

Founded in 1927 as the Young Matrons Circle for Tallulah Falls School, The Circle for Children has spent nearly 100 years bringing women together in service to Georgia’s children.
​What began as a commitment to students in the North Georgia mountains has grown into a legacy of financial giving, hands-on service, scholarships, and support for children and families across Georgia.
WHO WE ARE
​The Circle for Children is reported to be the longest running women’s charity for children in the state of Georgia. Operating continuously since 1927, we have a rich tradition of financial giving and personal encouragement to disadvantaged youth throughout metro Atlanta and Georgia. 
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We are a 100% volunteer organization has contributed millions of dollars in aid and scholarships, as well as countless hours of hands-on service to youth who have suffered abuse, neglect and abandonment. The monetary donations we provide help fill the gap between government and civic funding.
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​Our members organize fundraising events, charitable projects, and social gatherings that support our mission while building lasting friendships across generations.

The Circle is a registered 501(c)3 organization.
OUR HISTORY
Since 1927, the women of the Circle for Children have dedicated themselves to giving financial and personal assistance to at-risk youth in Georgia. ​“The Young Matrons Circle for Tallulah Falls School” was established when the late Mrs. Preston Arkwright and Mrs. John Ottley left the heat of Atlanta to visit their summer cottages in the North Georgia mountains. There they became acquainted with the one room school house founded and owned by the Georgia Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1909.

Determined to make a difference for the rural mountain children attending the school, the Young Matrons Circle joined forces with the Georgia Federation of Women’s Clubs to raise funds and provide support for Tallulah Falls School.
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By 1934, the Circle had already demonstrated its extraordinary fundraising spirit. In honor of the school’s 25th anniversary, the senior class suggested that friends of Tallulah make gifts in units of $25. The Young Matrons took the challenge to heart and raised $25,000 — a remarkable gift for that time.
OUR MISSION TODAY
In 1995, the membership voted to change the organization’s name to The Circle for Children and expand its fundraising and support to other deserving children’s charities throughout Georgia.

Today, The Circle continues that mission through support for City of Refuge, the Linda Ward Gross Memorial Scholarship Fund and programs that provide opportunity, encouragement, and care for children and families.

explore our stories

The Circle’s history is filled with remarkable women, meaningful traditions, and unforgettable moments.