This interactive event is for all members of the community including students, clergy, congregations, community leaders, elected officials, teachers, business leaders, employers, health workers, social service providers, and concerned community members.
Norwescap Poverty Simulations, facilitated by Pathways2Prosperity, is an immersive experience designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. Poverty
Simulations are a powerful tool to educate participants about the realities of poverty and open to any organization for a minimal facilitation fee.
This experience is a simulation, not a game and allows participants to look at poverty from a variety of angles. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people and how it impacts the way they interact with other institutions, agencies, schools, health care facilities and the community at large. With a greater awareness of the impact of poverty, we can more effectively address poverty issues in our communities, organizations, and institutions.
In the simulation, participants assume the roles of different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are single parents, some are homeless, some are working and some are receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance to for Needy Families). Still, others are senior citizens receiving Disability or retirement or grandparents raising their grandchildren.
The task of the ”families” is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute “weeks”.
The simulation is conducted in a large room with the “families” seated in groups in the center of the room. Around the perimeter are tables representing community resources and services for the families.
The experience lasts approximately 2 ½ hours. It includes an introduction and briefing, the actual simulation exercise and a debriefing period.
For information on hosting a Norwescap Poverty Simulation for your organization and to learn more about pricing please call:
Pathways 2 Prosperity
Phone 973-862-6680
or Email
morrisond@norwescap.org