A simulation hosted by the Wellington County Learning Centre in Arthur on Nov. 23 offered participants a new perspective on poverty.
About 30 people in various roles of a low-income family had to navigate different barriers during four fifteen-minute “weeks.”
The “family” had to complete regular tasks such as going to work, putting children in child care and school, getting groceries and going to the bank. Agencies such as the police, children’s services and social services were also represented.
“It was mainly to give people an opportunity to experience what it’s like to live in poverty,” said Elizabeth Debergh, executive director of the Wellington County Learning Centre.
The Circles program, which started in the County of Lampton, aims to end poverty by helping those in low-income situations work through barriers with the help of allies.
The poverty simulation is a Circles initiative.
Those in the Circles program act as the agencies and run the program, while real-life agencies participate as low-income families.
“It’s a role reversal,” said Kelly Chappell Finch. “Our people who are moving from poverty run this.”
Chappell Finch said she hopes the simulation will help people change the way they perceive poverty.
“When you have to feel it, it becomes very different,” she said. “It is not a game; this is real life and the scenarios that we use are real-life stuff.”
Mayor Andy Lennox, who participated in the simulation, said it was an interesting experience.
“Certainly it underlines how difficult it is for people that are living on such a tight budget,” he said. “I think there are plenty of barriers demonstrated around the room of what they run into.”
Two Circles program participants from Sarnia shared their stories with the group after the simulation.
Barbara Golder said she learned to live in poverty from her parents and grandparents who also lived in poverty.
“I knew I needed help, I didn’t want to be in the same thing over and over again,” she said.
Golder moved to Sarnia from Toronto and joined the Circles program. She went to college and got a full-time job.
“When I met Circles, they weren’t giving me all the answers, but they were holding my hand and navigated me through systems that I thought were impossible,” she said.
Rene Champagne-Flynn said she too came from generational poverty and she spoke about her abusive upbringing and relationships.
“Every time I tried to move forward, I hit a barrier,” she said.
Champagne-Flynn joined Circles seven years ago, went back to school and joined a labour union.
“Everybody just needs support. If you had the right support system, then it would move mountains,” she said.
Champagne-Flynn’s daughter Carrie said her mom has encouraged her to volunteer and has over 800 hours of volunteer experience.
“She influences me to do better and volunteer more in the community. I didn’t feel like I was in poverty,” she said.
For more information about Circles programs in Wellington North visit wellingtoncountylearningcentre.ca.
