PONTIAC, Ill. – According to data from the United States Census Bureau, 11.1% of the population in Livingston County is living in poverty. Poverty is not just a concept—it’s a daily reality for many. True understanding requires more than empathy; it demands firsthand experience.
Join University of Illinois Extension, sponsored by Livingston County United Way, for the Poverty Simulation, an eye-opening experience designed to deepen your understanding of the challenges faced by low-income families and individuals. Whether you work with individuals from diverse backgrounds or want to expand your perspective, this simulation offers a meaningful opportunity to explore and understand the complexities of poverty.
You can join as a participant, stepping into the role of an adult or child in a low-income family, or as a volunteer, taking on roles of teachers, employers, social service case workers, and more. Participants will navigate what it’s like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. You’ll role-play real-life scenarios, make tough financial choices, and interact with community volunteers who represent various services and institutions.
This simulation will take place on March 19, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Oaks Rivers Edge (429 Elks Club Rd, Pontiac, IL 61764).
To register as a volunteer or participant, go to go.illinois.edu/LivCoPovSim.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you have questions or need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact Sara Attig at sattig@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your needs.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.