July 1, 2010
More than 70 employees of the York County Human Services Division are experiencing the virtual realities of poverty through two simulations (June 30 and July 15) organized by York College faculty.
The Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) is designed to sensitize those who frequently deal with low-income families as well as to create a broader awareness of poverty among policymakers, community leaders and others.
“The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants gain firsthand insights into what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month,” said Mary Ligon, an organizer and assistant professor of gerontology. “The goal is to sensitize participants to the realities that face people living in poverty, so that those who take part in the simulation can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and frustration of living in poverty. Hopefully, this greater awareness will lead to addressing issues of poverty within our community more effectively.
The simulations are an interdisciplinary project taken on by several members of the Behavioral Science Department: Perri Druen, associate professor of psychology; Jen Engler, assistant professor of psychology; Steve Jacob, associate professor of sociology; Laura Steck, assistant professor of sociology; and Ligon. The Department purchased the Missouri Community Action Poverty Simulation kit several years ago and has conducted the simulation with more than 125 York College students enrolled in courses relating to helping professions. “From the beginning, we also wanted to bring this simulation to the community,” Ligon said. “When the opportunity with York County Human Services Division arose, we were pleased to be able to offer it to them.”
For more information, see the York Daily Record's story on the simulation.
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