Boyne Citizen - Announcements - November 15, 2011

Reality Hits Home at Poverty Simulation Workshop

January is Poverty in America Awareness Month. The Char-Em Poverty Reduction Initiative is inviting community members to this year’s Poverty Simulation on Friday, January, 27th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Emmet County Fairgrounds in Petoskey. Poverty Simulation 2012 will create a realistic model of what it is like to experience poverty on a day-to-day basis.

The Char-Em Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI) is organizing this event as part of its public service campaign to raise awareness of poverty in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties. “We will be showing the public what it is like for people in poverty to deal with landlords, pawnbrokers, police officers, and utility companies while having limited funds, minimal public support, and dealing with the stigma coming from public misconception.” declared Casey Adams, Char-Em United Way VISTA.

Volunteers are needed for the Poverty Simulation 2012. Individual volunteer opportunities are posted on United Way’s Volunteer Connections website, www.tinyurl.org/volunteerconnections. Visitors to the site can search on the keywords “Poverty Simulation” to see what/who is needed and respond directly through the website. Those without internet access can call United Way at 231-487-1006.

Poverty Simulations across the country involve many different persons from all walks of life. They are enriching experiences that have opened many peoples’ eyes to the daily challenges of 45 million Americans currently living in poverty.

“Poverty is the worst form of violence.” – Mohandas Gandhi.

For more information about Poverty Simulation 2012, to volunteer goods, services, or funds, contact United Way at 231-487-1006 or email us at info@charemunitedway.org. A video discussing the Poverty Reduction Initiative is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsKW2v7BllM

Serving the Boyne community for over a century and a quarter.

Reality Hits Home at Poverty Simulation Workshop