About This SimulationWhat is its purpose?This poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants understand what it might be like to be a part of a typical low income family trying to survive from month-to-month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities of life faced by low income people.

How does it work?The simulation requires the involvement of between 30 and 75 participants (40-60 are ideal). The participants assume the roles of up to 26 different “families” living in poverty. The task of the families is to provide for basic necessities and shelter for one “month,” consisting of four fifteen-minute “weeks.” The simulation is conducted in a room with the “families” seated in groups in the center. Around the perimeter are tables representing community resources and services for the families. These services include a bank, food pantry, employment office, pawn broker, grocery store, welfare office, currency exchange, and school. Also in the “community” there is a police officer, a utility collector, a landlord/rent collector. Volunteers are recruited to act as the vendors at these tables. The simulation lasts approximately three hours. It includes an introduction and briefing, the actual simulation exercise, and a debriefing period in which participants and volunteer vendors share their feelings and experiences.

Who should participate?This poverty simulation experience can be an eye-opener to anyone who wishes to understand more about the realities of poverty. The simulation might be given for members of a church or community women’s organization, or it might be opened to the entire church or community. Experiences might target persons who are in positions of influence related to poverty in general, or to low-income persons in particular: public aid workers; legislators; educators; social service workers; attorneys, etc.

Organization and presentationThe enclosed planning and assignment sheets are designed to help organizers of the simulation in developing plans and timelines. A successful simulation will require many hours of preparation.

How was the simulation developed?The Poverty Simulation was developed as a learning tool which was created originally by the Reform Organization of Welfare (ROWEL) Education Association, a Missouri organization of people with low incomes and their allies working together to inform the larger community about the inadequacies and injustices of the welfare system. It sought to move citizens beyond compassion to an active commitment to work toward social justice. After the demise of this organization, the simulation was later updated with support from and in cooperation with Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. And even later, this simulation was shared with St. Vincent Health. This hospital system has again updated the experience and is currently utilizing it as a tool throughout central Indiana.

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POVERTYEXPERIENCE

Beginning the planning process It is desirable to establish a committee of four to six people to assist in the planning and presentation of the simulation. One person on the committee should assume the responsibility for ensuring that all tasks are accomplished, and that committee members communicate regularly with each other about the status of their planning.

As a first step, the committee should review and become familiar with the contents of the entire simulation. A facilitator/director should be designated before the planning proceeds. This person is responsible for becoming thoroughly familiar with all aspects of the simulation; for conducting the vendors’ orientation; and for conducting the simulation experience.

Planning committee members should be prepared to assist the facilitator/director in various capacities throughout the simulation. For example, they should help set up the room, serve as greeters, fill in for volunteer vendors at the last minute, hand out “Luck of the Draw” cards and other materials, and other assignments the director feels necessary.

Recruiting volunteer vendorsAn essential ingredient in this simulation is the participation of volunteer vendors who understand or have experienced poverty situations. Recruitment should be done with sensitivity to the needs and feelings of potential vendors. They should be approached as persons who have valuable information to share and whose dignity and self-respect is affirmed.

It is important to be as specific as possible with potential vendors about the purpose of the simulation; to emphasize that the simulation is an opportunity for low income persons to educate simulation participants; and to assure them that the intent is not to put anyone on display. Persons who feel uncomfortable about participating generally will not do so. Many persons, however, will welcome the opportunity to “tell it like it really is” and will find the experience quite meaningful.

The best way to recruit the volunteer vendors is by working with representatives of local agencies or organizations which serve low income persons, such as self-help groups, food pantries, shelters, transitional housing programs, community health services, women’s centers, and job training programs. These representatives can often recommend persons who might welcome the opportunity to participate in the simulation.

When recruiting vendors, consider the following:

• Try to recruit persons as “Welfare Office” staffers who have personally experienced the welfare system.• Your committee might wish to consider recruiting one person (in the role of grocer or pawnbroker) who

is willing to speak a language other than English. This would give participants a sense of the added difficulties low-income persons who don’t speak English face in many communities.

• The Welfare Rights Organizer and the Legal Assistance Worker are two of the optional roles. When you are deciding whether to fill these roles, you might consider who the simulation participants will be. If you are sensitizing a general audience to the realities of poverty, it may be best not to staff these roles so that the sense of helplessness and “friendless-ness” is heightened. However, if you are doing the simulation for social work students or lawyers, for example, you may wish to include these roles to point out the potentials for advocacy in low-income communities. It is advantageous for both of these optional roles to be filled by persons with some sort of experience in these areas.

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• Volunteer vendors are asked to attend an orientation session prior to the presentation of the simulation. This can be done one or two days before so that they have time to review their instructions, or can be done in about thirty to sixty minutes prior to the experience.

The debriefing period following the actual simulation allows time for dialogue among all vendors and participants. If possible, refreshments, lunch, or a light snack before or after the simulation can be both an expression of gratitude to the vendors and an additional opportunity for one-on-one sharing. It has been found helpful to have a “poverty” lunch prior to the simulation, serving low-priced food. This also allows time for participants to gather. vendors should be fed in a different area, to allow for orientation and discussion.

Picking a LocationArrange for a large room which can hold at least ten tables skirting the room (with chairs) for the vendors. Also, you will need as many chairs as there are participants, placed in the middle in family circles. Allow enough room for participants to walk around during the simulation.

Before the simulation begins, you will need to know the exact number of participants so that all family units participating are complete units. You may need to revise the room floor plan at the last minute so that the family groupings correspond with the number of participants.

Finishing up after the eventMake sure that thank you notes are sent to all volunteer vendors and any other persons who were involved in organizing or presenting the simulation.

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About This KitThis kit includes all of the information you will need to organize your simulation. The materials, which may be photocopied and reused for future presentations of the simulation, are divided into three categories: Administration of the Simulation; Vendor Packets; and Family Packets. They are as follows:

ADMINISTRATIONAbout this Simulation About this Kit Planning and Assignment Guide Recruitment and Orientation of Vendors Promotional MaterialsDay of Event MaterialsOther Materials

VENDORSDirector’s Instructions and Suggested Script Bank/Loan Collector PacketEmployment Office PacketChurch, Food Pantry, Child Care Worker Packet (optional)Grocer PacketHealth Clinic Worker PacketIllegal Activities Person Packet (optional)Landlord/Rent Collector PacketLegal Assistance Worker Packet (optional)Pawnbroker PacketPolice Officer PacketQuik Cash Workers PacketSchool Teacher Packet (optional)Utility Collector PacketWelfare Case Worker #1 PacketWelfare Case Worker #2 PacketWelfare Office Receptionist Packet (optional)

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FAMILIES (Select at least one family from each category below to fully experience the simulation.)

Four Members - Newly Unemployed:Aber Family PacketBoling Family Packet (Farmer)Chen Family Packet

Three Members – Applying for TANF, Food Stamps:Duntley Family PacketEpperman Family PacketFuentes Family Packet

Three Members – Receiving TANF, Food Stamps:Gonzalez Family Packet (Does not speak English well)Hanlow Family PacketIsma Family PacketJolly Family PacketKaminski Family PacketLouis Family Packet

Four Members – Employed Part Time, Receiving TANF, Food Stamps:Morris Family PacketNattin Family PacketOlson Family PacketPerez Family PacketQuant Family PacketRogers Family Packet

One Member – Receiving Supplemental Security Income:Smith Family PacketTiskit Family PacketUssar Family PacketVimmer Family Packet

Couple – Receiving Supplemental Security Income:Wiscott Family PacketXanthos Family PacketYarrow Family PacketZuppot Family Packet

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Planning and Assignment GuideThe purpose of this guide is to help the planning committee organize tasks, assign responsibilities, and implement tasks in a timely fashion. This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of tasks, but it does highlight those that are most important. Your committee will want to add others. The list covers: 1) General logistics 2) Coordination of volunteer vendors 3) Packet assembly TASK PERSON RESPONSIBLE

8 WEEKS PRIOR TO SIMULATION Establish organizing committee Name Facilitator/Director Set date for simulation Secure a site Reserve room for vendor orientation/lunch Identify possible vendors 6 WEEKS PRIOR TO SIMULATION Ensure committee is familiar with effort Determine target audience Publicize event (ask for reservations) Recruit volunteer vendors 4 WEEKS PRIOR TO SIMULATION Send information to vendors Order food, drinks for all Assign responsibilities to committee Assemble vendor and Participant packets Create nametags for all DAY OF SIMULATION Meet with vendors and give orientation Set up simulation room using floor plan Place vendor and family packets out Tape vendor and family signs appropriately Feed vendors and participants Copy family listing sheet for vendors AFTER EVENT Complete discussions and evaluations Write and mail thank-you notes Sort packets for future use and store

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VENDOR and FAMILY PACKETSThe vendor person’s title (pawnbroker, grocer, etc.) and the name for the office (Big Dave’s Pawn Shop, etc.) should be placed on the outside of the manila envelope (approximately 10” by 13”) you have provided for each vendor. The Family name should be placed on the outside of their manila envelopes.

Prior to the simulation put the appropriate contents in each envelope. After each simulation, someone will need to check each packet and return it to starting order.

Each vendor and Family Member should have a name tag which indicates the person’s name or title. It’s a good idea to include the Family Member’s age on the name tags. This may help the vendors decide how to treat that individual. You may wish to hold the smaller items together with a paper clip or place them together in a plastic ziplock bag. You may also wish to laminate the family profiles and simulation instructions to protect them for reuse.

Packet Contents:

Director Packet Contents:1 Director Instruction SheetSuggested Script1 Family Listing “Luck of the Draw” Cards1 pad of paper1 pen/pencil/grease pencil1 whistle or bell1 timer1 name tag

Banker/Loan Collector Packet Contents:1 Bank/Loan Collector Instruction Sheet1 Bank Transaction Form1 receipt book1 name tag1 pen/pencil/grease pencil$2000 in cash1 business and 1 closed sign

Church, Food Pantry, Child Care Worker Packet Contents:1 Church, Food Pantry Worker Instruction Sheet1 Church, Food Pantry/Child Care Record Form 18 Food Vouchers 1 name tag1 pen/pencil/grease pencil1 pad of paper$200 in cash1 business and 1 closed sign

Employment Officer Packet Contents:1 Employment Officer Instruction Sheet1 Employment Officer Record Form10 Applications for Employment10 Work Registration forms4 Employment Cards—Attach to each appropriate check or voucher2 employment checks and 2 employment vouchers1 page of newspaper want ads10 pens/pencils/grease pencils1 name tag

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Grocer Packet Contents:1 Grocer Instruction Sheet1 Grocer Purchase Record Form18 Health and Nutrition Alert Forms$400 in Food Stamps$600 in Cash1 name tag1 pen/pencil/grease pencil1 receipt book1 business and 1 closed sign

Health Clinic Worker Packet Contents:1 Health Clinic Worker Instruction Sheet1 Appointment Record Form6 Appointment Notices1 Book of Receipts1 pen/pencil/grease pencil$ 200 in Cash ($50s, $20s, $10s and $5s)1 business and 1 closed sign1 name tag

Illegal Activities Person Packet Contents:1 Illegal Activity Instruction Sheet$400 in cash1 envelope for cash1 pen/pencil/grease pencil1 pad of paper

Landlord/Rent Collector Packet Contents:1 Landlord/Rent Collector Instruction Sheet1 Mortgage and Rent Accounts Record Form6 Mortgage/Rent in Arrears Notices1 “I.M Merciless” Name Tag1 Book of Rent Receipts1 pen/pencil/grease pencil1 pad of paper $ 600 in Cash ($50s, $20s, $10s and $5s)1 business and 1 closed sign

Legal Assistance Worker Packet Contents:1 Legal Assistance Worker Instruction Sheet6 Emergency Relief Cards12 Subpoena Cards1 name tag1 pad of paper1 pen/pencil/grease pencil1 business and one closed sign

Pawnbroker Packet Contents:1 Pawnbroker Instruction Sheet1 Pawnshop Transaction Record1 “Guns for Sale” sign1 Handgun$1000 in cash1 name tag1 pen/pencil/grease pencil1 receipt book1 business and 1 closed sign

Police Officer Packet Contents:1 Police Officer Instruction Sheet12 Protective Custody Notices6 Gun Permit Forms1 badge$20 in cash (to use if you are moved to help anyone with a hard luck story)1 pen/pencil/grease pencil1 pad of paper crayons 1 name tag1 business sign

Quick Cash Currency Exchange Packet Contents:1 Quick Cash Worker Instruction Sheet$ 8,000 in food stamps200 transportation passes $ 6,000 in cash1 name tag1 pen/pencil/grease pencil1 pad of paper1 business and 1 closed sign1 monthly transportation pass

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Caseworker #1 Packet Contents:1 Caseworker #1 Instruction Sheet1 Application for Benefits Form1 Household Members Registration Form1 Change Report Form3 Interview Sheets – A to C3 Interview Sheets—D to F6 Interview Sheets – G to L6 Interview Sheets – M to R4 Interview Sheets – S to V4 Interview Sheets – W to Z15 Fraud Forms15 Authorization for Release of Information Forms3 Assignment of Support Rights Forms3 Statement of Loss Forms3 Absent Parent Information Forms12 Notice to Appear Cards12 Authorization to Participate Cards1 business sign and 1 name tag1 pen/pencil/grease pencil1 clipboard for clients

Caseworker #2 Packet Contents:1 Caseworker #1 Instruction Sheet1 Application for Benefits Form1 Household Members Registration Form3 Interview Sheets – A to C3 Interview Sheets—D to F4 Interview Sheets – S to V4 Interview Sheets – W to Z15 Fraud Forms15 Authorization for Release of Information Forms3 Assignment of Support Rights Forms3 Statement of Loss Forms3 Absent Parent Information Forms12 Authorization to Participate Cards1 business sign and 1 name tag1 pen/pencil/grease pencil1 clipboard for clients

Welfare Office Receptionist Packet Contents:1 Welfare Receptionist Instruction Sheet1 Appointment Log20 Application for Benefits Forms20 Household Members Registration Forms20 Food Stamps and Your Responsibilities Forms12 Change Report Forms5 Statement of Loss Forms

School Teacher Packet Contents:1 Teacher Instruction Sheet4 Attendance/Homework Records (1/week)6 School Supplies Requests6 Valentine’s Day Requests6 Paper Supplies Requests10 School Opportunity/Challenge Cards6 copies school work for youth (1/ week)6 copies school work for teenagers (1/week)20 pens/pencils/grease pencils20 sheets of blank paper1 name tag1 school name and 1 closed sign

Utility Collector Packet Contents:1 Utility Collector Instruction Sheet1 Utility Customer Account Summary18 final notices1 clipboard1 pen/pencil/grease pencil1 receipt book$400 in cash1 envelope for cash1 name tag1 business and 1 closed sign

6 Work Permits1 business sign and 1 closed sign1 name tag1 pad of paper1 box of pencils

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Aber – Chen Family Packets Contents:Family Instruction Sheet4 Family Profile SheetsSocial Security Cards for each Family Member “State of Poverty” Identification cards for each family member over 18Statement of Savings in the amount of $2502 Transportation Passes2 Kitchen Appliance cards4 Household Item CardsName tags (ages included) for each family memberFamily Address signScrap Paperpen/pencil

Duntley – Gonzalez Family Packets Contents:Family Instruction Sheet3 Family Profile SheetsSocial Security Cards for each Family Member “State of Poverty” Identification cards for each family member over 181 Transportation Pass2 Kitchen Appliance cards4 Household Item CardsName tags (ages included) for each family memberFamily Address signScrap Paper pen/pencil

Hanlow – Louis Family Packets Contents:Family Instruction Sheet3 Family Profile SheetsSocial Security Cards for each Family Member “State of Poverty” Identification cards for each family member over 18TANF check ($ 584)Food Stamp Authorization to Participate card ($630) 2 Kitchen Appliance cards4 Household Item Cards8 Transportation PassesName tags (ages included) for each family memberFamily Address signScrap Paperpen/pencil

Smith – Vimmer Family Packets Contents:Family Instruction Sheet1 Family Profile Sheet1 Social Security Card1 “State of Poverty” Identification cardSSI check ($968)2 Kitchen Appliance cards4 Household Item Cards2 Transportation Passes1 Name tagFamily Address signScrap Paperpen/pencil

Wiscott – Zuppot Family Packets Contents:Family Instruction Sheet2 Family Profile Sheets2 Social Security Cards2 “State of Poverty” Identification cardsSSI check ($ 1,452.00)2 Kitchen Appliance cards4 Household Item Cards2 Transportation Passes2 Name tagsFamily Address signScrap Paperpen/pencil

Morris – Rogers Family Packets Contents:Family Instruction Sheet4 Family Profile SheetsSocial Security Cards for each Family Member “State of Poverty” Identification Cards for each Family Member over 18TANF check ($ 126)Food Stamp Authorization to Participate card ($800) Paycheck from General Hospital ($568)2 Kitchen Appliance cards4 Household Item Cards2 Transportation PassesName tags (ages included) for each Family MemberFamily Address signScrap PaperPen or Pencil

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Vendor RecruitmentThis section includes suggested processes for you to use for recruitment and orientation of the volunteer vendors. You may wish to adapt it to meet your needs.

Use the following listing to fill out the names of the volunteers for the simulation.

Vendor Volunteer

Director Bank/Loan Collector Church/Food Pantry, Day Care (optional) Employment Office Grocer Health Clinic Illegal Activities (optional) Landlord/Mortgage Collector Legal Assistance (optional) Pawnbroker Police Officer Quik Cash School Teacher (optional) Utility Collector Welfare Case Worker #1 Welfare Case Worker #2 Welfare Office Receptionist (optional)

Sample Letter to Recruited Vendor

Dear Poverty Experience Volunteer,

Thank you so much for agreeing to assist with the upcoming Poverty Experience to be held on _____date_________ at __________place_________ at ______ time________. ____________name________ will be the director for the day and ____name_______ can be contacted for any questions you might have. If something should happen and you are unable to participate please contact ___name___ as soon as possible.

To help you better prepare for the event I am enclosing the summary of your role. St. Vincent will provide you a full packet of accessories including money, receipt book, and other miscellaneous items required for your specific role on the day of the event. Please arrive by _____time____ in order to enjoy lunch with the other vendors and receive last minute instructions.

Thank you so much for volunteering to assist with this very important program. It will be a powerful experience. Thank you for giving your time and expertise.

Sincerely, Poverty Experience Director

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Vendor OrientationPlease allow one to two hours for the vendor orientation. The director/ facilitator should conduct the orientation in cooperation with other members of the planning committee.

Materials Needed• One sample Family Packet from each of the six family profiles• Vendor Packets for each vendor• One extra vendor instruction sheet for each vendor• One copy of each document in the Welfare Receptionist’s Packet • One copy of each document in the Welfare Caseworkers Packets

IntroductionsThank the volunteer vendors for agreeing to participate. Assure them that the roles they will assume are critical to the success of this simulation experience. Introduce yourself and members of planning committee. Ask volunteers to introduce themselves. They may say a little about themselves if they wish. You might also ask them to say why they decided to participate in this simulation. Give a brief overview of the agenda for this orientation.

Overview of SimulationGive a brief history of the development of the simulation. Explain that it was developed to educate people about what it is like for a low-income person to struggle against poverty. Briefly review each vendor role. Discuss what the vendors might describe as stereotypes of some of the roles. Point out that these may or may not be the way to enact the roles. Tell them that realistic portrayals are important, and that they can bring to their roles what they know to be real. For example, if they have experienced poverty, they know the dehumanization which can happen. They may have been cheated, lied to, or ignored. Remind them, however, that kindness, caring, and honesty are also a part of many people’s experience. Ask the vendors what other suggestions they might have for bringing realism to these roles. Emphasize that this isn’t a game. They need to be serious about their roles, so that the participants will also take the simulation seriously. Remind them that they won’t be able to convey every facet of what it means to live in poverty. What is important is that they do what they can to help participants understand some of the realities of living in poverty

Review of Vendor PacketsPass out the appropriate Vendor Packet to each volunteer. Allow time for people to read through the packets. Planning committee members should circulate to answer questions.

Description of Each Vendor Role

DIRECTORYou facilitate the simulation process and group discussion. You pass out “Luck of the Draw” cards, handle emergencies, and answer questions for participants and vendors. The participants will need to view you as an ally to feel safe enough experiencing life in the State of Poverty. Be welcoming and caring. Take this simulation seriously; you set the tone.

BANKER/LOAN COLLECTORYou can cash checks for those having accounts at the bank. You also keep track of savings account withdrawals and accept loan payments. You may circulate among families to collect loans.

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CHURCH, FOOD PANTRY, CHILD CARE WORKER (OPTIONAL)You have $400 in food stamp vouchers. You also distribute “warning” slips to families who are not adequately feeding their families. You may have several children (ages 3 – 4) to look after in a day care setting.

EMPLOYMENT OFFICERUnemployed family members come to you looking for work. You can counsel people about ways of getting a job and you can give out four jobs during the course of the month.

GROCERYou give grocery receipts in exchange for money or food stamp vouchers. You also distribute ‘warning” slips to families who are not adequately feeding their families.

HEALTH CARE WORKERYou accept payments from those who owe money for medical services and pharmaceuticals. You also send out “reminder” slips to those who have not come to the clinic for their pre-natal exams.

ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES PERSON (OPTIONAL)You engage in various illegal activities in the community such as robbery, illegally buying and selling drugs or food stamps, and enticing children into illegal activities.

LANDLORD/RENT COLLECTORYou collect mortgage payments, taxes, and maintenance fees from homeowners and collect rent from those who are renting. If families don’t pay anything, you may decide to evict them – illegally.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE WORKER (OPTIONAL)You represent persons who have been picked up for robbery or who have been illegally evicted. You also represent families whose children have been taken into protective custody because of child neglect. This is a technical position, best filled by someone with experience.

PAWNBROKERFamilies come to you to pawn their appliances and furniture. You offer them less than half the value of each item and charge them a fee if they wish to redeem the items. You also accept payment for clothing and miscellaneous expenses, just to be sure the “families” realize all the expenses they will have.

POLICE OFFICERYou respond to robberies, street crimes, illegal evictions, or child neglect. Other vendors may ask for help in protecting their property. You also issue gun permits.

QUIK CASH (CURRENCY EXCHANGE) WORKERYou operate the Quik Cash office where people buy transportation passes and redeem their food stamps. They can also cash checks there – for a fee, of course.

SCHOOL TEACHER (OPTIONAL)Like most school teachers you have many tasks, too many students, and not enough money. You attempt to run a quiet, orderly classroom, keep the children busy with homework, and stay in contact with their parents – usually to ask for money or supplies. Teaching experience helpful.

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UTILITY COLLECTORThe first two weeks you sit in your office collecting bills and sending out shut-off notices. Later, you circulate among the families to collect gas, electric and phone fees.

WELFARE OFFICE RECEPTIONIST (OPTIONAL)You give clients materials and ask them to fill out forms. You assign each client to the appropriate caseworker. You also grant work permits to persons under the age of 16.

WELFARE OFFICE CASEWORKER #1You work with clients who are either applying for, or are already receiving TANF and food stamps. You aggressively interview new families, especially those in which the father has deserted the family. Make sure they fill out and sign all the necessary forms. If they qualify, you give them authorization to participate in the food stamp program or receive public aid.

WELFARE OFFICE CASEWORKER #2You work only with new clients who are applying for TANF and food stamps. You aggressively interview new families, especially those in which the father has deserted the family. Make sure they fill out and sign all the necessary forms. If they qualify, you give them authorization to participate in the food stamp program or receive public aid.

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St. Vincent Health Poverty Simulation Experience

Date: ____________________________Location: __________________________________ Time: _______________

What is the purpose of the simulation?This poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants understand what it might be like to be a part of a typical low income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities of life faced by low income people.

How does it work?The simulation requires the involvement of between 30 and 75 participants (40-60 are ideal). The participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families living in poverty. The task of the “families” is to provide for basic necessities and shelter for one “month,” consisting of four fifteen-minute “weeks.”

The simulation is conducted in a room with the “families” seated in groups in the center. Around the perimeter are tables representing community resources and services for the families. These services include a bank, church food pantry, employment office, pawn broker, grocery store, welfare office, currency exchange, possible school. Also in the “community” there is a police officer, a utility collector, a landlord/rent collector. Volunteers are recruited to staff these tables. The simulation can last two to three hours. It includes an introduction and briefing, the actual simulation exercise, and a debriefing period in which participants and volunteer staffers share their feelings and experiences.

Who should participate?This poverty simulation experience can be an “eye-opener” to anyone who wishes to understand more about the realities of poverty. A presentation of the simulation might be given for members of a church or community women’s organization, or it might be opened to the entire church or community. Presentations might target persons who are in positions of influence related to poverty in general or to low-income persons in particular: public aid workers; legislators; educators; social service workers; attorneys, etc.

CuT HERE AND MAIL OR FAx

St. Vincent Poverty Simulation Experience, DATE

Name ________________________________________________ Phone _____________________________________

Organization ____________________________________________________________Number attending __________

Address ______________________________________________ E-mail ____________________________________

City ___________________________________________________State __________ Zip ______________________

Mail to: OR Fax to: Experience limited to first 75 enrolled participants

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Day of Event MaterialsRoom Set

POVERTYEXPERIENCE

Welfare OfficeReceptionist

Case#1

Case#2

Church/Food Pantry

Bank

Grocer

Police/Juvenile

Hall

Landlord

EmploymentOffice

Pawn ShopUtilities

School

HealthClinic

Illegal Acts

Director

QuickCash

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Attendance Roster NAME ORGANIZATION PHONE E-MAIL

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

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________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

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Family ListingMake a copy of this for each vendor and cross out the families that are not a part of the simulation.Try to place at least one family from each category below to fully experience the simulation.

4 Members – Newly Unemployed ABER BOLING (Farmer) CHEN 3 Members – Applying for TANF, Food Stamps DUNTLEY EPPERMAN FUENTES GONZALEZ (No English) 3 Members – Receiving TANF, Food Stamps HANLOW ISMA JOLLY KAMINSKY LOUIS 4 Members – Employed Pt Time, TANF, Food Stamps MORRIS NATTIN OLSON PEREZ QUANT ROGERS 1 Member – Receiving Supplemental Security Income SMITH TISKIT USSAR VIMMER 2 Members – Receiving Supplemental Security Income WISCOTT XANTHOS YARROW ZUPPOT

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PARTICIPANT EVALuATION DATE: ____________________________

Excellent Average Poor N/A

The length of the program was appropriate. The instructor was knowledgeable about the content. The information was applicable to your work. The room setup was adequate. What were the strengths of the program?

What could be improved for the program

Additional comments:

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VOLuNTEER EVALuATION DATE: ____________________________

Excellent Average Poor N/A

The length of the program was appropriate. The instructor was knowledgeable about the content. The information was applicable to your work. The room setup was adequate. What were the Strengths of the Program?

What could be improved for the program?

As a volunteer service provider was your time well spent participating in this program?

Do you have suggestions on improving your role or the program from your perspective as a volunteer?

Are you willing to volunteer at another Poverty Experience?

Additional Comments:

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Other MaterialsCan be purchased or borrowed

Name tags (enough for all vendors and family members)

Small Pads of Paper

Pens or Pencils (enough for all, 30 for School Teacher, extra for Welfare Office)

Blank Paper

Business Size Envelopes for Cash

Six Receipt Books (Banker, Grocer, Clinic, Landlord, Pawnbroker, Utilities)

Play Money ($8,000 in $1, $5, $10, $20, and $50 bills)

Two Clipboards (Clients of Welfare Office, Caseworker #1 and #2)

Police Badge

Toy Gun

Box of Crayons

Small Whistle or Bell

Timer (at least 15 minutes) - kitchen type works well

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