Our history
One systemic challenge per decade.
Five decades in Austin, and a deliberate refusal to chase quick fixes. Each decade, Circle took on one thing and stayed with it.
- 1970s
A foundation for justice
Circle Urban Ministries is founded by Dr. Glen and Lonni Kehrein in response to Austin's rapid demographic shift and systemic disinvestment.
- 1980s
Faith and works in action
Faith and community unite to address housing and family challenges. Rock of Our Salvation plants its roots alongside Circle in 1983.
- 1990s
Education is the way
Circle launches what is now Catalyst Circle Rock, a K–8 charter school, to make sure students graduate and go on to higher education.
- 2000s
Addressing economic and housing inequities
Circle renovates and repurposes properties across the neighborhood into affordable housing and community spaces.
- 2010s
Health and arts for change
The Kehrein Center for the Arts is completed and the campus expands its healthcare and recovery services.
- 2020s
Building generational wealth and infrastructure
Circle expands its real estate footprint, launching Project 130 and Project 843 to create new housing and a path to ownership.
Where that leaves us
Fifty years later, that vision is backed by the governance, stewardship, and leadership to sustain it.
Chris Behrens, Chairman of the Board
See what the next decade is building.
Project 130 and Project 843 are creating new housing and a first path to ownership in Austin.