By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Anyone living paycheck to paycheck knows just how many curves life is capable of throwing out. For those who do not know, United Way of Central Kansas is hosting a Poverty Simulation on Thursday, Nov. 2. UWCK Director Charell Owings said participants will take a lot away from the experience.
"For anyone that's been through it, they can probably tell you what happened in their scenario," she said. "It's a really good opportunity for non-profit boards to do some training. Any volunteers across the community that are interested in learning more about this, this is a free opportunity for them to come out and experience what it's actually like to live in poverty."
Participants will be grouped for the scenarios and have 15 minutes to determine a course of action and pay or not pay bills. An example might be a mother trying to take care of her father and two kids. Decisions become very complicated very quickly.
"It's going to throw curveballs at you throughout," said Owings. "The child might be sick so somebody has to stay home with that child, but if you don't have any more PTO time, you're risking your job in order to stay at home with your kid. Maybe you choose to leave your kid at home and CPS comes in and removes the child from your house."
The program is scheduled for 6-8 p.m., and will include a brief overview of the program, the simulation, and a follow-up discussion with representatives from Core Community and ESSDACK (Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas). Up to 200 participants will be allowed to register for the simulation, and the location for the event will be based on attendance. CLICK HERE to register.