HOW WE HELPED
HOW WE HELPED
HOW WE HELPED
Case Study
Case Study
Case Study
Breaking the Cycle
Breaking the Cycle
Breaking
the Cycle
Understanding Poverty through Simulation and Community Collaboration Introduction
Understanding Poverty through Simulation and Community Collaboration Introduction
Understanding Poverty through Simulation
and Community Collaboration Introduction
Awareness
Awareness
Transformation
Transformation
Collaboration
Collaboration
Partnerships
Partnerships
Awareness
Awareness
Transformation
Transformation
Collaboration
Collaboration
Partnerships
Partnerships
Introduction
Introduction
The Poverty Simulation is an immersive experience designed to help community members and organizations
understand the daily struggles faced by individuals living in poverty. This event aims to raise awareness
about poverty in our area while fostering connections between participants and the nonprofit organizations
that are dedicated to supporting those in need.
By simulating real-life scenarios and creating opportunities for collaboration, the simulation
hopes to ignite action and empower volunteers, donors, and organizations
to join the effort of tackling poverty.
The Poverty Simulation is an immersive experience designed to help community members and organizations understand the daily struggles faced by individuals living in poverty. This event aims to raise awareness about poverty in our area while fostering connections between participants and the nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to supporting those in need.
By simulating real-life scenarios and creating opportunities for collaboration, the simulation
hopes to ignite action and empower volunteers, donors, and organizations
to join the effort of tackling poverty.
The Poverty Simulation is an
immersive experience designed
to help community members
and organizations understand
the daily struggles faced by
individuals living in poverty.
This event aims to raise awareness
about poverty in our area while
fostering connections between
participants and the nonprofit
organizations that are dedicated to
supporting those in need.
By simulating real-life scenarios and
creating opportunities for collaboration,
the simulation hopes to ignite action
and empower volunteers, donors,
and organizations to join
the effort of tackling poverty.
The Challenge
The Challenge
Poverty affects thousands of people in our community, and despite the significant work of local
nonprofits and organizations, there remains a gap in understanding
between those who experience poverty daily and those who wish to help. Many community members
are unaware of the challenges that individuals in poverty face and the
ways they can contribute to positive change.
“It’s difficult to imagine how hard it is to survive on the edge unless you’ve lived it.”
A quote from a local participant in the simulation.
The challenge is not only educating the broader community about the
harsh realities of poverty but also connecting them to the resources available through
local organizations. There’s also the need to build sustainable, ongoing support
for these organizations that are working on the ground.
Poverty affects thousands of people in our community, and despite the significant work
of local nonprofits and organizations, there remains a gap in understanding
between those who experience poverty daily and those who wish to help.
Many community members are unaware of the challenges
that individuals in poverty face and the ways they can contribute to positive change.
“It’s difficult to imagine how hard it is to survive on the edge unless you’ve lived it.”
A quote from a local participant in the simulation.
The challenge is not only educating the broader community about the
harsh realities of poverty but also connecting them to the resources available through
local organizations. There’s also the need to build sustainable, ongoing support
for these organizations that are working on the ground.
Poverty affects thousands of people in our community, and despite the significant work of local nonprofits and organizations, there remains a gap in understanding
between those who experience poverty daily and those who wish to help.
Many community members
are unaware of the challenges that individuals in poverty face and the
ways they can contribute to
positive change.
“It’s difficult to imagine how hard it is to survive on the edge unless you’ve lived it.”
A quote from a local participant in
the simulation.
The challenge is not only educating the broader community about the harsh realities of poverty but also connecting them to the resources available through
local organizations. There’s also the need to build sustainable, ongoing support for these organizations that are
working on the ground.
The Solution
The Solution
In response, the Poverty Simulation was designed to create a hands-on,
real-world experience where participants take on the roles of individuals living in poverty.
Through a series of timed scenarios and challenges, participants are asked to navigate life
with limited resources, representing the emotional and logistical
struggles people in poverty endure daily.
In response, the Poverty Simulation was designed to create a hands-on,
real-world experience where participants take on the roles of individuals living in poverty.
Through a series of timed scenarios and challenges, participants are asked to navigate life
with limited resources, representing the emotional and logistical
struggles people in poverty endure daily.
In response, the Poverty Simulation was designed to create a hands-on, real-world experience where participants take on the roles of individuals living in poverty.
Through a series of timed scenarios and challenges, participants are asked to navigate life with limited resources, representing the emotional and logistical struggles people in poverty endure daily.
Key Elements of the Poverty Simulation
Key Elements of the Poverty Simulation
Real-Life Scenarios:
Real-Life Scenarios:
Real-Life Scenarios:
Participants are given specific roles based on real-life experiences of individuals living in poverty. This includes managing family needs, facing eviction, obtaining food and healthcare, and interacting with community organizations.
Participants are given specific roles based on real-life experiences of individuals living in poverty. This includes managing family needs, facing eviction, obtaining food and healthcare, and interacting with community organizations.
Collaboration with Local Nonprofits:
Collaboration with Local Nonprofits:
Collaboration with Local Nonprofits:
During the simulation, participants interact with local nonprofits and community organizations that provide essential services, such as food pantries, job placement programs, and housing assistance. These organizations become active players in the simulation, offering guidance and support in real-time.
During the simulation, participants interact with local nonprofits and community organizations that provide essential services, such as food pantries, job placement programs, and housing assistance. These organizations become active players in the simulation, offering guidance and support in real-time.
Sharing Personal Stories:
Sharing Personal Stories:
Sharing Personal Stories:
Individuals who have experienced poverty are invited to share their personal stories with participants. This not only humanizes the experience but also helps people understand the nuances of poverty in the community.
Individuals who have experienced poverty are invited to share their personal stories with participants. This not only humanizes the experience but also helps people understand the nuances of poverty in the community.
Opportunities for Action:
Opportunities for Action:
Opportunities for Action:
After completing the simulation, participants are given resources on how they can get involved, either by volunteering, donating, or supporting community initiatives. This section is designed to spark collaboration and long-term commitment to alleviating poverty.
After completing the simulation, participants are given resources on how they can get involved, either by volunteering, donating, or supporting community initiatives. This section is designed to spark collaboration and long-term commitment to alleviating poverty.
The Process
The Poverty Simulation event unfolds in several key phases:
The Poverty Simulation event unfolds in several key phases:
Preparation: Local nonprofits, community organizations, and volunteers are invited to participate.
These organizations provide the tools and resources that participants will "use" during the simulation.
Immersive Experience: Participants take on roles that reflect real-life scenarios of those
living in poverty. Each group is given specific challenges and must navigate
the experience in a set amount of time. Nonprofits are stationed as "service providers,"
interacting with participants in a way that mirrors real-life situations.
Debriefing and Reflection: After the simulation, participants have the chance to debrief with
facilitators and share their experiences.
This reflection period helps solidify the lessons learned during the simulation.
Call to Action: The final phase introduces opportunities for participants to engage with
local nonprofits in meaningful ways, including volunteering, donating, and joining initiatives
aimed at supporting individuals in poverty.
Preparation: Local nonprofits, community organizations, and volunteers are invited to participate. These organizations provide the tools and resources that participants will "use" during the simulation.
Immersive Experience: Participants take on roles that reflect real-life scenarios of those
living in poverty. Each group is given specific challenges and must navigate
the experience in a set amount of time. Nonprofits are stationed as "service providers,"
interacting with participants in a way that mirrors real-life situations.
Debriefing and Reflection: After the simulation, participants have the chance to debrief with facilitators and share their experiences. This reflection period helps solidify the lessons learned during the simulation.
Call to Action: The final phase introduces opportunities for participants to engage with
local nonprofits in meaningful ways, including volunteering, donating, and joining initiatives
aimed at supporting individuals in poverty.
Results & Impact
Results & Impact
Since its inception, the Poverty Simulation has been a transformative experience for
participants and organizations alike. Here are some key outcomes:
Increased Awareness: Surveys show that over 80% of participants reported a greater understanding
of the challenges faced by individuals in poverty after completing the simulation.
Collaborative Partnerships: Many local nonprofits have seen an increase in volunteer sign-ups, donations,
and engagement from businesses and individuals who attended the simulation.
Personal Stories of Transformation: Several participants have shared their personal commitments to
volunteer or donate following the event.
For example, a local business owner who participated in the simulation has pledged
a monthly financial contribution to a food pantry in the area.
“I never realized how difficult it is to get back on your feet when you're living paycheck to paycheck.
This experience opened my eyes, and I want to do whatever I can to help make a difference.”
-A participant from the 2024 simulation.
Community Collaboration: The simulation has fostered ongoing collaboration between local organizations,
resulting in joint efforts to increase access to critical resources for those in need. Several programs
that were once isolated have now formed partnerships, allowing for more streamlined services.
Since its inception, the Poverty Simulation has been a transformative experience for
participants and organizations alike. Here are some key outcomes:
Increased Awareness: Surveys show that over 80% of participants reported a greater understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in poverty after completing the simulation.
Collaborative Partnerships: Many local nonprofits have seen an increase in volunteer sign-ups, donations, and engagement from businesses and individuals who attended the simulation.
Personal Stories of Transformation: Several participants have shared their personal commitments to volunteer or donate following the event.
For example, a local business owner who participated in the simulation has pledged
a monthly financial contribution to a food pantry in the area.
“I never realized how difficult it is to get back on your feet when you're living paycheck to paycheck. This experience opened my eyes, and I want to do whatever I can to help make a difference.”
-A participant from the 2024 simulation.
Community Collaboration: The simulation has fostered ongoing collaboration between local organizations, resulting in joint efforts to increase access to critical resources for those in need. Several programs that were once isolated have now formed partnerships, allowing for more streamlined services.
Since its inception, the Poverty
Simulation has
been a transformative experience for
participants and organizations alike.
Here are some key outcomes:
Increased Awareness: Surveys show that
over 80% of participants reported a
greater understanding
of the challenges faced by
individuals in poverty after
completing the simulation.
Collaborative Partnerships:
Many local nonprofits
have seen an increase in volunteer sign-ups,
donations,
and engagement from businesses
and individuals
who attended the simulation.
Personal Stories of Transformation:
Several participants
have shared their personal commitments to volunteer or donate following the event.
For example, a local business owner
who participated
in the simulation has pledged
a monthly financial contribution to a
food pantry in the area.
“I never realized how difficult it is to
get back on your
feet when you're living paycheck
to paycheck.
This experience opened my eyes,
and I want to do
whatever I can to help make a difference.”
A participant from the 2024 simulation.
Community Collaboration: The
simulation has fostered
ongoing collaboration between
local organizations,
resulting in joint efforts
to increase access to critical
resources for those in need.
Several programs
that were once isolated
have now formed partnerships,
allowing for more streamlined services.
Future Goals
Future Goals
Looking ahead, the Poverty Simulation is evolving to reach even more people and deepen the impact it has on the community.
Some of the goals include:
Looking ahead, the Poverty Simulation is evolving to reach even more people and deepen the impact it has on the community. Some of the goals include:
Looking ahead, the Poverty Simulation is evolving to reach even more people and deepen the impact it has on the community.
Some of the goals include:
Expanding Outreach
Engage more businesses, schools, and community members in future simulations to widen the base of understanding and support for those in poverty.
Expanding Outreach
Engage more businesses, schools, and community members in future simulations to widen the base of understanding and support for those in poverty.
Expanding Outreach
Engage more businesses, schools, and community members in future simulations to widen the base of understanding and support for those in poverty.
Growing Volunteer Networks
Continue to grow volunteer networks that contribute to the work of local nonprofits, increasing capacity and support for individuals in need.
Growing Volunteer Networks
Continue to grow volunteer networks that contribute to the work of local nonprofits, increasing capacity and support for individuals in need.
Growing Volunteer Networks
Continue to grow volunteer networks that contribute to the work of local nonprofits, increasing capacity and support for individuals in need.
Ongoing Education and Advocacy
Build long-term educational programs that follow up with simulation participants, providing them with ongoing opportunities to learn, volunteer, and donate.
Ongoing Education and Advocacy
Build long-term educational programs that follow up with simulation participants, providing them with ongoing opportunities to learn, volunteer, and donate.
Ongoing Education and Advocacy
Build long-term educational programs that follow up with simulation participants, providing them with ongoing opportunities to learn, volunteer, and donate.
Conclusion
The Poverty Simulation is not just an event—it’s a starting point for creating lasting change in our community.
By providing participants with a chance to experience life from the perspective of individuals in poverty,
we are fostering empathy, encouraging collaboration, and inspiring action.
As a result, we’re building a more informed, supportive,
and compassionate community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
The Poverty Simulation is not just an event—it’s a starting point
for creating lasting change in our community.
By providing participants with a chance to experience life
from the perspective of individuals in poverty, we are
fostering empathy, encouraging collaboration, and inspiring action.
As a result, we’re building a more informed, supportive,
and compassionate community where everyone
has the opportunity to thrive.
Interested in making
a difference?
Interested in making
a difference?
Interested in making
a difference?
Get involved with our Poverty Simulation, volunteer with one of our community partners, or donate to support those in need. Together, we can break the cycle of poverty.
Get involved with our Poverty Simulation, volunteer with one of our community partners, or donate to support those in need. Together, we can break the cycle of poverty.
Get involved with our Poverty Simulation, volunteer with one of our community partners, or donate to support those in need. Together, we can break the cycle of poverty.
The Process
The Poverty Simulation event unfolds in several key phases:
Preparation: Local nonprofits, community organizations, and volunteers are invited to participate. These organizations provide the tools and resources that participants will "use" during the simulation.
Immersive Experience: Participants take on roles that reflect real-life scenarios of those
living in poverty. Each group is given specific challenges and must navigate
the experience in a set amount of time. Nonprofits are stationed as "service providers,"
interacting with participants in a way that mirrors real-life situations.
Debriefing and Reflection: After the simulation, participants have the chance to debrief with
facilitators and share their experiences.
This reflection period helps solidify the lessons learned during the simulation.
Call to Action: The final phase introduces opportunities for participants to engage with
local nonprofits in meaningful ways, including volunteering, donating, and joining initiatives
aimed at supporting individuals in poverty.
Conclusion
The Poverty Simulation is not just an event—it’s a starting point for creating lasting change in our community.
By providing participants with a chance to experience life from the perspective of individuals in poverty,
we are fostering empathy, encouraging collaboration, and inspiring action.
As a result, we’re building a more informed, supportive,
and compassionate community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Discover your path to emotional well-being and mindful growth
Address - 5101 N Executive Dr, Peoria, IL 61614 Email Address - info@harvesthopecollaborative.com Phone Number - (309)388-3439
Discover your path to emotional well-being and mindful growth
Address - 5101 N Executive Dr, Peoria, IL 61614 Email Address - info@harvesthopecollaborative.com Phone Number - (309)388-3439
Discover your path to emotional well-being and mindful growth
Address - 5101 N Executive Dr, Peoria, IL 61614 Email Address - info@harvesthopecollaborative.com Phone Number - (309)388-3439
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Copyright © 2025 Harvest Hope Collaborative. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2025 Harvest Hope Collaborative. All Rights Reserved.
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