LIVING IN POVERTY SIMULATION AT ODU JAN. 22

"Life in the State of Poverty," a real-life-simulation experience sponsored by Old Dominion University Office of Student Services, Office of Community Relations and University Chaplains' Association will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005 in the North Cafeteria of Webb Center.

Geri Jones, ODU campus minister for Catholic Campus Ministry participated in the workshop last fall with six ODU students and thought the university community would benefit from the program. Designed to offer insight into what life might be like for a limited resource family living in the Hampton Roads area, participants walk "in the shoes" of a person or family living on public assistance to gain a clearer understanding of the realities and choices faced by those with limited resources. Karen Munden, an agent with the Family and Community Sciences Office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension will administer ODU's workshop.

During the simulation, participants will be grouped in family units and each family will be given a packet containing biographical information regarding each family member. An example includes a father who is unemployed, a mother working part-time and a nine-year-old son with a learning disability. Participants will also receive information on the family assets, income, and financial obligations that must be met during the month. Each week will be played out in a 15-minute segment and family members will have to decide how to best use their resources. A debriefing will be held after the simulation.

Registration is limited to 80 participants. Visit the Web site http://www.odu.edu/webroot/orgs/AO/Poverty.nsf/registration?OpenForm or call 440-9065 to register.