September 2011

It was very humbling, a taste of the desperation and anxiety faced by the poor. During the simulation, I experienced frustration despite my best efforts.
— Participant in an earlier session

Upcoming poverty simulation will help raise awareness about the daily life of those in need.

An October event will give participants a greater understanding of the kinds of challenges faced by Fayette’s 1,400 families with children living in poverty.

The three-hour session is designed especially for civic and church groups, local officials and legislators, educators, social service providers, and related groups. Guided simulation exercises put participants amidst the realities of poverty. Roles cover families in a variety of circumstances, such as having the breadwinners underemployed or disabled, or facing unexpected events like raising grandchildren.

The program runs from 8:30 am to noon on Thursday, October 20 at Grace Evangelical Church in Fayetteville. Presented by FACTOR/Fayette Family Connection Collaborative in partnership with the United Way Fayette Advisory Board, it is facilitated by the University of Georgia’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences Extension.

The carefully researched program addresses common questions like “Why is it so hard for some people to escape poverty?” and helps advocates expand their knowledge base.  In the simulations, each “family” tries to provide basic necessities for its members, while facing real-life challenges and navigating the sometimes complex world of essential services from government and other providers.

“By attending and sharing what you learn with others, you will help sensitize people in our community to obstacles low-income families face just trying to survive,” says Becky Smith, Executive Director of FACTOR. “Our hope is to use the valuable experience from this event to help assess improvements in community programs to better aid families in their journey to self-sufficiency.”

The registration fee (continental breakfast included) is $25 for the general public and $20 for FACTOR Partners. The deadline is October 9.

For more information, call 404-291-1602 or visit www.fayettefactor.org.