The Cost of Poverty Experience (COPE), an interactive simulation designed to immerse participants in the realities of poverty, debuted in Martinsville on August 28, with several organizations taking part in the 2.5-hour simulation that explored the lived experience of poverty firsthand through the eyes of real families.
According to Pamela Chitwood, who facilitated the events, the training was a response to the changes in how clients access resources and services since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chitwood, of the West Piedmont Health District (WPHD), noted that services including vaccinations have expanded to include such outreach as telemedicine, mobile clinics, and other touchless contact methods.
Participants were divided into family units based on real-life scenarios from surveyed families, each facing unique crises. Common challenges included only one breadwinner in the home – which could easily push a family into poverty.
“This was impactful because one wrong move could have resulted in an eviction or lights out. My family unit was extremely lucky; even with some hard decisions and situations, we ended the simulation with a bit of money still in the bank,” said Sharon Cobbler, a childcare business development specialist.
Cobbler’s family unit included native Spanish speakers, limiting job opportunities due to language barriers. She also faced transportation issues, a common struggle for many families in poverty.
“Families faced continuous roadblocks, making it tough to make ends meet,” Cobbler added. “I encountered language barriers and transportation issues that hindered our progress.”
Community Engagement Coordinator Brandi Lawless, who played a key role in bringing the experience to Martinsville, recalled that her supervisor “became interested in the experience about six months ago and attended it virtually.”
Lawless and other community representatives completed virtual training before attending an in-person event.
Nikolette Antoniuk, director of family services at FIVE18 Family Services in Lynchburg, marveled at the impact of the experience.
“People were surprised by how they reacted when challenged,” she said. “I would challenge anyone in human services to find a service like this. It’s not just a game; it reveals the real struggles people face in poverty.”
At the end of the simulation, participants discussed the most needed services in the area, highlighting transportation, nutrition, housing, maternal health, and mental health support.
The COPE events held in Henry and Franklin counties had overwhelming interest and attendance by several hundred people representing multiple organizations and agencies, according to the WPHD.
Agencies involved in coordinating the Martinsville event were the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), The Harvest Foundation, Virginia Department of Social Services, and the United Way of Henry Martinsville and Resource Center.
The Franklin County event was funded by VDH with resource leader assistance from Virginia Department of Social Services, Virginia Probation and Parole, and Franklin County Resource Coalition.
The Patrick County event was canceled due to the lack of registered participants. The hope is to try to bring this program back to the area in the future.
