Poverty is linked to hunger, homelessness, unemployment and illiteracy. "Poverty is one of our city's greatest challenges," explains Susan Broman, President of the Steelcase Foundation.
It's also something Access of West Michigan has been battling for over thirty years. Their Poverty Simulation program will leave you feeling frustrated, maddened and much more empathetic to those who are trying to survive in a broken system.
"In this one-hour, role-playing environment, you leave your identity at the door," says Nicole DeVries, Poverty Education Director.
You become an elderly citizen, an unemployed high school graduate, or a single parent trying to feed your child on a meager income. And when it's all said and done, you hear from those who have walked in those shoes as they share their personal experiences. It's a paradigm shift in your thought process. It will change your perception of those in need and the system that was designed to assist them.
That's what several schools around West Michigan are striving for by sending staff through the program. With the changing demographics in students over the last 5 years, teachers are in need of addressing poverty issues in the classroom all while maintaining, and in some cases increasing, academic performance. For instance, have you tried to learn to read or write while you are hungry?
Access of West Michigan's innovative program is a magnifying glass into a harshness that most people want to ignore. It's an opportunity to catch a glimpse of our city that needs our attention, our care and our involvement.
To be a do-gooder:
• Sign up for a poverty simulation experience by calling Nicole DeVries at 616.774.2175
• Subscribe to the Access of West Michigan e-newsletter on their
website • Make an online financial contribution to Access of West Michigan
here Source: Nicole DeVries, Access of West Michigan; Susan Broman, Steelcase Foundation
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor
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