CONTRIBUTED BY PRF INSTITUTE
OPELIKA — On Sept. 15, 2023, Circles Opelika officially became a program of the PRF Institute, marking a pivotal moment in the organization’s journey. In June 2024, Kevin Lunsford joined the PRF team with the aspiration to one day lead Circles Opelika. By August 2024, PRF launched its 2024 cohort with 10 participants, who completed their training in November 2024. At that time, Dr. Nathaniel Dunlap Jr., executive director of PRF and then-interim director of Circles Opelika, appointed Lunsford as Circles Director.
Lunsford has now formally established Circles East Alabama, doing business as Circles Opelika, and will independently manage Circles Opelika, effective immediately. This new organization will continue the mission of addressing the cycle of poverty and fostering economic self-sufficiency. The PRF Board of Directors and the senior leadership of Circles USA fully support this transition. PRF will remain a committed community partner, continuing to offer its services and support to Circles East Alabama.
“I truly look forward to Circles East Alabama under Kevin’s leadership and his new board of directors,” said Dunlap. “I believe there is great potential for the community to truly get behind our collective poverty reduction efforts, especially in such a time as this, when poverty, housing instability and economic uncertainty are daunting realities for many.”
Contact & Support Information
During this transition period, Circles East Alabama will continue to operate out of its office at 2133 Executive Park Drive in Opelika. The email address is admin@circlesopelika.org. A new phone number will be released soon.
Donate to the work of Circles Opelika online at www.prfinstitute.org/donate or via CashApp at $PRFInstitute or via postal mail at P.O. Box 687, Opelika, AL 36803.
ABOUT THE PRF INSTITUTE
The PRF Teaching Ministry (PRF Institute) is a 501(c)(3) that operates as a Community Financial Empowerment Center (CFEC), which is a local, regional and national resource dedicated to providing individuals and families with the knowledge, tools and support needed to achieve financial stability and independence. Since 2008, PRF has been committed to addressing the socio-economic challenges of communities with a direct team and collaborative approach. For more information about the PRF Institute, visit the website at www.prfinstitute.org, email admin@prfministry.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or X.
