POVERY SIMULATION MAY OPEN SOME EYES

Learning what it's like to survive on a limited income can be a revelation to those who make a comfortable living.

That's why University Outreach and Extension is bringing to Cape Girardeau "Life in the State of Poverty," a welfare simulation developed by Reform Organization for Welfare, said Mary Gosche, a human development specialist with University Outreach and Extension.

"There are so many things most of us take for granted, like transportation and having enough money for groceries, that low-income people have to struggle with," Gosche said. The simulation, which will be held June 13 at the former Notre Dame High School on Ritter Drive, is a role-playing tool for educating people about what it is like to be a citizen with low income in Missouri.

"It's a way to educate and sensitize people about what those on welfare go through to meet the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter and medical," Gosche said.

During the simulation, each participant is assigned a role of a Missourian with a low income, Gosche said. Some of the roles include single parents who receive AFDC, minimum wage earners trying to raise a family, the unemployed, elderly and disabled. They sit in the middle of room, surrounded by a "community" of simulation volunteers portraying welfare office workers, grocers, police, pawnbrokers, food pantry personnel, employment interviewers and others.

Then, during each of four 15-minute "weeks," participants try to meet the needs of their families, including dealing with transportation issues, getting checks cashed, visiting agency offices, paying bills and getting food, by visiting those community workers.

Gosche, who has gone through the simulation, said it is an intense hour that can be frustrating, emotional and enlightening.

"A teacher who went through the simulation told me it made her more sensitive about asking students to bring money. She said she didn't realize how difficult it can be for some families to come up with $5," Gosche said.

Another person who portrayed an elderly person said she didn't realize how isolated low-income older people could become. "That participant said she appreciated the different perspective she saw," Gosche said.

Gosche said the simulation is open to anyone, but there are some people she said might particularly benefit from it.

"We would like to have business people who are interested in hiring welfare-to-work clients," Gosche said. "It could give them a better understanding of some of the barriers these clients have, some things business people may take for granted like transportation or back-up for day care."

She said the simulation could also sensitize and give a reality check to those who work at social service agencies and church volunteers.

"In dealing with low-income residents, it really helps to know where they are coming from," Gosche said.

LIFE IN THE STATE OF POVERTY

What: A welfare simulation

When: 8:30 a.m. to noon June 13

Where: Former Notre Dame High School on Ritter

Registration: Enrollment fee of $9 and registration form are due June 7. Forms are available at Uiversity Outreach and Extension, 815 s. Hope in Jackson, or call (573) 243-3581.