Voices That Know College Circle

When a parent sends their kids off to college, there are a host of concerns and fears. If parents and students have a trusted person or organization in that area, it can make a world of a difference. Amy Helling is a community leader who strives to give her very best to this community.

College Circle adds an important layer of support for CU students and their families. Its focus on connection, advocacy, and helping students access the right resources when they need them is a valuable addition to the Boulder community.

Amy and Michael are two of the kindest humans! They are committed to serving those in need at all levels. I wish my adult children had this type of service when they were in college. In today’s world, our youth and young adults need people in their corner.

I’ve known Amy for more than a decade and have seen firsthand the care, leadership, and commitment she brings to our community. As a parent, I can imagine the peace of mind College Circle will give families whose college students are far from home, knowing there is a trusted local resource they can turn to when their student needs support.

We’ve known Michael and Amy for years, and what gives us confidence in College Circle is knowing the people behind it. They are the kind of people you want nearby when your child needs help — caring, capable, connected, and willing to show up. As parents, knowing someone we trust is there when we can’t be is incredibly reassuring.

Through Amy’s work as a mediator with the city of Boulder, I have seen the care, good judgment, and calm presence she brings to situations that can be difficult or sensitive. She can relate and connect easily with young people and has a genuine desire to help. She is a wonderful listener and brings a calm, compassionate presence. I see those same qualities being incredibly valuable to the families College Circle.

Through my involvement in Boulder working alongside families to advance college access, belonging, and equity, I know how vital strong support networks are for student success. College Circle reflects that exact mission. By empowering students and deepening connections between families and community resources, College Circle benefits Boulder as a whole as a thoughtful and much-needed initiative.

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I’ve known Michael and Amy Helling for many years, and I know the kind of people they are and the commitment they have to this community. College Circle is a natural extension of that — neighbors stepping up to help families and students when they need someone they can trust nearby.

I’m glad to see an idea like College Circle taking root here. It reflects something I value about Boulder: people looking out for one another and finding practical ways to strengthen our community. I have tremendous confidence in Michael and Amy and in their heart behind College Circle.

The transition to college can be one of the most formative—and challenging—times in a young person’s life. Having a trusted, capable adult nearby to turn to can make an enormous difference.

I’ve known Amy and Mike for more than 20 years, and caring for others has always been central to who they are. I’ve watched them spend decades supporting young people and families with compassion, experience, and good judgment.