Lambton County Council recognized retiring Circles coordinator Gayle Montgomery at its meeting in Wyoming Wednesday morning.
She was recently awarded the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association [OMSSA] Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding contributions during her career with the County of Lambton.
Montgomery brought the Circles program to Canada in 2009. It helps people get out of poverty by matching them with middle-class mentors for support.
She said Sarnia-Lambton was the first of ten communities nation-wide to offer the program.
"The support of county council was absolutely crucial," said Montgomery. "They took the chance and believed in me and my team, and more importantly, that if given the proper supports and resources that folks in poverty could do the hard work that it takes to move themselves and their families to a different future."
Montgomery was presented with Indigenous crafts, a dream catcher and beadwork with the Circles logo, made by Mehgan Humphreys -- a Circles leader.
The county became a national training site for the Circles program in 2017.
Circles Assistant Supervisor Kim Godin has been promoted to coordinator and Montgomery is confident the team will continue on its successful path.
