Newsletter: December 2025

A group of children playing tug of war with a youth

A Student Open Circles mentor plays tug of war with children at the Learning And Fun afterschool club

Students and thousands in the inner-city experience belonging, kindness, and growth through the connections Student Open Circles weaves every day. For Amber, tutoring underserved youth deepens her sense of community and helps her stay connected to her values and what matters most. For Denya, Open Circle transformed her university experience and turned moments of uncertainty into genuine friendship, reflection, and growth.

May you be inspired by these stories of empathy and growth. Through your support of SOC, young people are creating meaningful connections with their peers and with those in need in our community!

with gratitude,
Jeff and Marybeth
 

Continue Reading

A group of young people eating ice cream
Dec 10, 2025

Remembering What Matters Most

By Amber Minutillo, Open Circle student Community is at the heart of everything I do. Taking the time to get to know and be actively involved in my community is ...
A group of young people sitting on a bench and smiling
Dec 10, 2025

Finding the Connection I was Missing

By Denya, Open Circle student When I started university, I was unsure of my place at McMaster. After a rocky high school experience due to the pandemic and personal struggles ...