Poverty Simulation
In conjunction with National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week

United Way of Frederick County, in collaboration with Frederick Community College , will host a Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) on Friday, November 19 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Frederick Community College Fieldhouse.  This learning tool has been created as a way to help people understand the realities of poverty.  During a simulation, participants role-play the lives of low-income families.  Some are TANF recipients, some are disabled and some are senior citizens on Social Security.  They have the stressful task of providing for basic necessities and shelter on a limited budget during the course of four 15-minute “weeks.”  They interact with human service agencies, grocers, pawnbrokers, bill collectors, job interviewers, police officers and others.

Although play money is used, CAPS is not a game.  It is a simulation that enables participants to look at poverty from a variety of angles and then to recognize and discuss the potential for change within their local communities.  The simulation was designed to sensitize those who frequently deal with low-income families, as well as to create a broader awareness of the realities of poverty among policymakers, community leaders and others.  It has been made available by the Missouri Association for Community Action.

For additional information contact Susie Miller at 301.663.4231 or e-mail her.