What are the barriers low-income families faces in maneuvering through daily challenges? Participants in the Thursday, October 26 poverty simulation at Calvary United Methodist Church will get to experience some of these barriers first-hand. This simulation is a joint venture between the Multicultural Leadership Program (MCLP) and the University of Illinois Extension Office. It is open to the community with advance registration. Anyone interested in learning more about the experiences of those living in poverty is welcome to attend with advance registration.
In this workshop, participants assume roles of individuals dealing with challenges such as unemployment, child care needs, and transportation issues, and must keep up with the ongoing pressures of maintaining housing and feeding their families.
“We take for granted the ‘things’ we have that others see as luxury items,” says Terri Helregel, class of 2018 facilitator and former participant, “We take for granted a grocery store is just right around the corner, and in many neighborhoods in our community, that is not the case. There are many helpful resources in our community to help those living in poverty, although it seems not everyone in need is aware of those resources.”
Justin Vickers, class of 2018 facilitator adds, “It is incredible to consider the intense pressures that vast portions of our neighbors live under. I was fortunate to be raised in a household in which I was sheltered from many of the financial hardships that my working parents endured on a daily basis… The Poverty Simulation places those of us who have never had to navigate such systems directly in the center of them – opening our minds and hearts to this pervasive element of daily life in America.”
MCLP invites the community to join them on Thursday, October 26, 4:30 – 8 p.m., at Calvary United Methodist Church, 1700 N. Towanda Ave, Normal. Click here to register. The event is free, and participants are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to benefit the less fortunate. If you have questions, please call the MCLP office at 309-556-3589.
MCLP is an intense professional development program dedicated to developing leaders who engage the power of diverse perspectives to improve our world.