Poverty Simulation

Could you survive a month in poverty?

Over 34 million Americans, 12 million of whom are children under the age of 18, live in poverty every day. Many more have incomes above the poverty line, but their incomes are still low enough to qualify for programs like Food Stamps and Medicaid. The recent economic downturn has seen unemployment rates rise and the use of emergency food pantries increase. It is difficult for those of us who have enough to truly understand the situations that families living in poverty experience every day – the decisions they have to make, and the fears and frustrations they feel.

Spirit of Joy's Mission Committee is inviting you to walk a mile in the shoes of those facing poverty by participating in Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Poverty Simulation. During the simulation participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. The task of each of family is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15 minute weeks with the help of community services. Services include a Bank, Food Pantry, General Employer, Pawnbroker, Grocery, Welfare Office, Police Station and Utilities and Rent Payment Centers. Scenarios are created based on real time poverty statistics, cost of living, average rent, etc. The activity includes an introduction and briefing, poverty simulation exercise, and a debriefing period in which participants and volunteer staffers share their feelings and experiences. As one participant commented,

"This simulation dramatically demonstrates how much time and energy many families have to give just to survive from day to day. It quickly dispels the myth that people would do fine if they would only go out and get a job!"

Please join us for this incredible experience.

· When: 5 PM to 7 PM on Sunday, October 3, 2010

· Where: Spirit of Joy Fellowship Hall

Please RSVP by signing up at a table in the Narthex at church by September 27.

We look forward to your participation!

If you have any questions, please contact

Mary or John Hejka (704) 846-4426

or

Bill Roberts 704-821-1894.