A day of living in poverty
Teachers and staff at Ashley Elementary discuss their experiences of the poverty simulation.
By Judie Holcomb-Pack
On Monday, Aug. 9, the teachers and staff of Ashley Elementary School experienced what it was like to live in poverty by participating in Crisis Control Ministry’s poverty simulation. About 40 participants were assigned into family units and identities, from children to the elderly, with the goal to survive a “month” of living with limited means. At the end of the simulation, participants described their experiences: “humbling,” “frustrating,” eye-opening,” “challenging,” “stressful,” “overwhelming,” and “thought-provoking.”
Executive Director Margaret Elliott said that this simulation had been planned for some time and they wanted to honor their commitment to Ashley. “We’re paying close attention to the impact the virus is having on large gatherings as our simulations need at least 40 participants. As soon as we feel it is safe, we will begin scheduling future simulations.” For more information on the poverty simulation, email Margaret Elliott at melliott@crisiscontrol.org.
