NORWICH – Chenango County Department of Social Services and The Place will host a Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) on January 13, 2023 from 9:30-12:30 at SUNY Morrisville-Norwich Campus.

This learning tool has been created as a way to help people understand the realities of poverty. During a simulation, participants role-play the lives of low-income families. Some are TANF recipients, some are disabled, and some are senior citizens on Social Security.

They have the stressful task of providing for 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 interviewers, 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 deal with low-income families, as well as to create a broader awareness of the realities of poverty among policymakers, community leaders and others. It has been made available by the Missouri Association for Community Action, with staff members from Catskill Regional Teacher Center facilitating the event.

Participants will find it provides an intriguing opportunity to describe a very real challenge to our community.

Registration is required. Please contact The Place, 607-336-9696, if you would like additional information or would like to register for the simulation.

– Information from Chenango County Department of Social Services