The Poverty Simulation
"Life in the State of Poverty," is a welfare simulation experience designed to help JMU's health and human service students begin to understand what it might be like to be a part of a typical low income family. The objective is to increase awareness of the realities of life faced by low income people and to review community resources that are available to them and all families. The simulation places JMU students "in the shoes" of a member of one of up to 26 various low income families. Some are unemployed, elderly or disabled; others have recently been deserted by the "bread-winner"; and others are recipients of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, or TANF (formerly AFDC), either with or without additional earned income.
The task of the “families” is to provide for basic necessities and shelter for one “month,” consisting of four 15-minute “weeks.” In the process, health and human service students gain an understanding of poverty by experiencing the state of confusion, defeat, frustration, exhaustion and despair that the poor experience. The simulation is staffed with volunteers who portray community resources: grocery, police, food pantry, employment office, Social Services office, pawnshop and others who create a local economy for participants. Afterwards, a facilitator leads a discussion based on the students’ experiences in the simulation. The community resource providers and participants share their insights as to how circumstances in the simulation compare to reality in their community.
For more information contact Emily Akerson at akersoek@jmu.edu.
