Circles Ashland in partnership with New Hanover Presbyterian Church will host a Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) on Saturday, October 14th. The Poverty Simulation breaks down stereotypes, increases awareness, and draws clarity out of complexity, as participants step into real-life situations. This learning tool has been created as a way to help people understand the realities of poverty.

You can register at  https://newhanoverpres.org/event/poverty-simulation-with-circles-ashland or scan the QR code below. 

During the simulation, participants role-play the lives of low-income families. Some are TANF recipients, some are disabled, some are senior citizens on Social Security, some are victims of someone else's circumstances, some experienced life situations that plummeted them into poverty. They all have the stressful task of obtaining 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 interviews, 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 encounter low-income families, as well as to create both a heightened and broader awareness of the realities of poverty among policymakers, community leaders, faith-based organizations, the business community, and countless others.

We invite you or someone from your staff to participate in or observe the Poverty Simulation. We believe you will find that it provides a meaningful opportunity to explore a very real challenge in our community.

Call (804) 503 1729 or email info@circlesashland.org if you would like additional information. Again, you can register at https://newhanoverpres.org/event/poverty-simulation-with-circles-ashland or scan the QR code below.  We look forward to seeing you at the simulation.