Our History
Beginning of COT
2010
The Alabama West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church (AWFUMC ) launched a task force to respond to the need to serve families in a new way. Fred and Laurel Blackwell were chosen to lead this initiative and were charged with equipping the team in a holistic approach.
First Site Launched
2013
Circles of Transformation (COT) launched its first site in Dothan, AL and a new ministry was born.
Developed New Partnerships
2014
COT cultivated a partnership with Think Tank Inc. and received a federal grant from the AmeriCorps VISTA program.
Five New Sites Launched
2015
After two years of laying the groundwork, five new COT sites were launched; COT Brewton, COT Eufaula, COT Mobile, COT Phenix City & COT Selma.
Rebranded
2016
Circles of Transformation was officially renamed Communities of Transformation and we launched our new logo!
Three New Sites Launched
2017 - 2018
COT Evergreen, COT Montgomery & COT Pine Hill held their Taste & See and began their first Awaken Class.
New Executive Director
2018
Katy Wrona was named the new Executive Director of COT.
COT Expands to New State
2019
COT South Walton hosted a Cost of Poverty Experience as a launching event for their COT site in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
COT Goes Virtual
2020
As a response to the pandemic, COT began hosting their meetings via zoom. A virtual Awaken Classes and virtual fundraisers were also offered throughout the year.
