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Meet the Member: Circle the City
Founded by Sister Adele O'Sullivan, CSJ, MD, in 2008, Circle the City's (CTC) mission is to create and deliver innovative healthcare solutions that compassionately address the needs of individuals facing homelessness. CTC has created a homeless population-specific continuum of care, consisting of primary healthcare, mobile medical outreach, medical respite care, and wraparound services that address patients' social needs, including obtaining identification, insurance, transportation, and income enrollment. A typical client served by CTC is facing homelessness, has multiple medical issues, and is either without income or has a very limited income. They serve more than 8,000 individuals per year and are nationally recognized for their service model.
While other healthcare nonprofits may serve low-income populations broadly, CTC's specialized focus allows for tailored services that address the unique needs and barriers faced by individuals facing homelessness. CTC collaborates closely with community partners, including other nonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providers, and local businesses. These partnerships help broaden impact and create a supportive network for patients.
Kim Despres, DHA, RN
Chief Executive Officer
Evolution of Circle the City
In 2012, Circle the City opened Arizona's first medical respite center to serve the needs of those requiring 24-hour medical intervention.
In 2015, with the opening of the Parsons Family Health Center, CTC expanded to include outpatient care. This care was delivered not only in a fixed site clinic, but through mobile units which could meet patients in areas throughout the valley.
In 2018, the organization opened its second medical respite center and fixed site clinic on the Human Services Campus (Keys to Change) in downtown Phoenix.
CTC now operates five mobile units as well as three street medicine teams. CTC employees are also embedded in hospital emergency rooms throughout the valley to facilitate the transition of patients who need ongoing care.
This past year alone, Circle the City provided vital services to more than 8,000 unique patients, completing over 63,000 medical appointments and nearly 12,000 behavioral health sessions.
In the coming year, Circle the City will begin construction on its third medical respite center. The East Valley Medical Respite Center will provide 84 beds, nearly doubling Circle the City’s current capacity, and will serve the entire east valley.
Company Values
In the tradition of their founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Circle the City continues a mission of compassion and mercy to all who need their care. They fully embrace these values:
- Meeting people where they are
- Treating all with dignity and respect
- Serving the needs of the whole person—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual Striving for excellence through continuous improvement
- Continually assessing the unmet needs of those they serve
- Acknowledging the power of collaboration
- Celebrating the fulfilling nature of their work