Creating tomorrow’s leaders today!

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To register for the Cayuga County Community Poverty Simulation,

*CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE REGISTRATION FORM*

PLEASE RETURN COMPLELTED FORM VIA EMAIL TO:

brandonw@btwcc.org

OR MAIL TO:

Booker T. Washington Community Center
23 Chapman Ave.
Auburn, NY 13021

Over 9,000 Cayuga County residents, 3,000 of whom are children under the age of 18, live in poverty every day. If you are child under the age of 18 in the City of Auburn, you have a one in four chance of living in poverty. Many more of our neighbors have incomes above the poverty line, but still low enough to qualify for safety-net programs like Food Stamps and Medicaid. 1 in 6 households in Auburn receive Food Stamps; 25% of those include 2-income households!

It is difficult for those of us who have enough to truly understand the situations that families living in poverty experience every day – the decisions they have to make, and the fears and frustrations they feel. That is why we are inviting you to walk a mile in the shoes of those facing poverty by participating in the Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS).

The CAPS provides participants with the opportunity to assume the role of a low-income family member living on a limited budget. The experience is divided into four 15-minute sessions, each of which represents one week in which you must provide for your family and maintain your home. As one participant commented, “This poverty simulation dramatically demonstrates how much time and energy many families have to give just to survive from day to day. It quickly dispels the myth “that people would do fine if they would only go out and get a job!”  By the end of the Simulation, you will have a deeper understanding of the classic struggles of the poor, you will be able to better empathize with people living in poverty, and you will learn how you can help solve this pervasive social problem.

The simulation will be held from 9 am to 11 am on May 15, 2014 at West Middle School gymnasium. Please RSVP by April 30, 2014 by completing and returning the registration form.  We look forward to your participation.

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 Booker T. Washington Community Center provides assistance and resources that empower our children and community members to thrive through recreational, educational, health and cultural programs.  Booker T. Washington Community Center fosters an environment of inclusion and diversity with respect for the civil liberties of all within the community we serve.