Poverty Simulation (Part Two)

Presenter Information

Twyla Smith

Abstract

As an academic community, Andrews University engages with the communities around us, to add value and meaning to the lives of the citizens, and to alleviate societal ills. One of those ills is poverty. Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families. However, unless we have experienced poverty, it is difficult get a full grasp of its implications. The Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) bridges that gap between misconception and understanding. CAPS is an interactive immersion experience that sensitizes community participants to the realities of poverty. It is not a game—it is based on the lived experiences of Community Action clients. CAPS exists to (1) Promote Poverty Awareness—during the simulation, participants will role-play what it is like to live a month in poverty, (2) Increase Understanding—after the simulation, we will unpack our learning and brainstorm ideas to change our community, and (3) Inspire Local Change—together we can be a voice to end poverty in our community.

Biography

Mrs. Smith has almost 25 years experience in the Health and Human Service sector. Prior to joining the faculty as the Director of Field Education for the Department of Social Work, Mrs. Smith was the Deputy Director of Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency (SMCAA) for 6 years and responsible for human resources, organizational and program development, resource development and outcomes evaluation. SMCAA is the largest non-governmental, not-for-profit Health and Human Service organization in Southwest Michigan serving approximately 13,000 individuals and 6,500 families in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.

Twyla is married to Pastor Jeff Smith, WAUS program Director. WAUS is Michiana's 24-hour Classical Connection and broadcasts from the campus of Andrews University. Mrs. Smith has lived and served with her husband in Michigan, Ontario (Canada), and New Jersey. They have been married since 1991. Pastor and Mrs. Smith are currently serving as a presenting couple for the Adventist Engaged Encounter (AEE), a marriage preparation ministry founded by Don and Sue Murray. AEE events are held in the Spring and Fall of each year on the campus of Andrews University. For more information about AEE, search for "Engaged Encounter" on Facebook or email aee@andrews.edu.

Location

BUL108

Start Date

8-18-2017 11:20 AM

End Date

8-18-2017 12:20 PM

Share

COinS
 
Aug 18th, 11:20 AM Aug 18th, 12:20 PM

Poverty Simulation (Part Two)

BUL108

As an academic community, Andrews University engages with the communities around us, to add value and meaning to the lives of the citizens, and to alleviate societal ills. One of those ills is poverty. Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families. However, unless we have experienced poverty, it is difficult get a full grasp of its implications. The Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) bridges that gap between misconception and understanding. CAPS is an interactive immersion experience that sensitizes community participants to the realities of poverty. It is not a game—it is based on the lived experiences of Community Action clients. CAPS exists to (1) Promote Poverty Awareness—during the simulation, participants will role-play what it is like to live a month in poverty, (2) Increase Understanding—after the simulation, we will unpack our learning and brainstorm ideas to change our community, and (3) Inspire Local Change—together we can be a voice to end poverty in our community.