Will you start out the month with only a $10 bill to meet your family’s basic needs? Or, will you be one of the unlucky ones? You’ll find out when you join us for a unique opportunity to experience the virtual realities of poverty. This learning tool helps people understand the realities of poverty. During the simulation, participants role-play the lives of low-income families. Some are Temporary Assistance to Needy Families recipients, some are disabled, and some are senior citizens on Social Security. Participants have the stressful task of providing  for basic necessities and shelter on a limited budget during the course of four 15-minute “weeks.” The participants interact with human service agencies, grocers, pawnbrokers, teachers, bill collectors, job interviewers, police officers and others. This simulation enables participants to analyze poverty from a variety of angles, 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.  At the conclusion of the simulation, participants will have the opportunity to dialogue about the implic ations of poverty. This 2.5 hour experiential event accomodates up to 83 participants and 20 volunteers.  For more information about hosting a poverty simulation please contact Ellen Waild at (937) 727-9011 or ellen@thinktank-inc.org