Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families. But unless you’ve experienced poverty, it’s difficult to truly understand. The Haverstraw Collaborative, in conjunction with the Rockland Teachers’ Center, will be facilitating a 4-hour Poverty Simulation Experience at the December Haverstraw Collaborative meeting– Wednesday, December 6th from 10-2pm- that will be a unique, enlightening experience to help individuals begin to understand what life is like with a shortage of money and an abundance of stress. It will move you to think about the harsh realities of poverty and to talk about how both school and local communities can address the problem collectively.
Families and individuals living in poverty face multiple challenges every day including: how to pay for food to feed their children, how to pay their rent, their childcare, transportation and medicine. This simulation will bridge the gap from misconception to understanding. It will allow participants to assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing a variety of obstacles including homelessness, unemployment and suddenly facing the responsibility of raising grandchildren.
This experience will mean different things to different participants. Poverty and hunger can lead to increased emotional and financial stress, increased risk of illness, and poor school performance. For educators, it can help them understand some of the complex issues their students and parents deal with on a daily basis. For local leaders, it can help them create programs and initiatives that will effectively address the issues facing those in their community. Poverty is not a stand-alone issue – understanding it will inspire a commitment to making a positive difference.
Pre-registration is required! It will be important in our planning to know the number of participants in advance. Click the link below to register:
Please join us!
Date: Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Place: Haverstraw Center
Address: 50 West Broad Street, Haverstraw NY (enter through Knights of Columbus parking lot)
Time: 10:00AM – 2:00PM (lunch will be served)
Cost: Free of charge!
Registration: Haverstraw Collaborative Poverty Simulation
