Needs From: Engage Henry County & Martinsville

Henry County Parks & Recreation is participating in UWHCM’s Day of Action and is requesting volunteer support for a litter clean‑up along the Dick & Willie Passage Trail. Volunteers will help maintain one of the community’s most popular outdoor recreation spaces by removing litter and debris along a 1.38‑mile stretch of trail from the Virginia Avenue Trailhead (1094 Virginia Ave., Martinsville) to the Liberty Street Access Point (699 Liberty St., Martinsville).

Volunteers may be asked to assist with one or more of the following tasks:

Walking the designated trail section and collecting litter

Bagging and staging trash for pickup

Light debris removal to improve trail appearance and safety

This project supports Henry County’s ongoing efforts to keep public recreation areas clean, safe, and welcoming for residents and visitors. Maintaining the Dick & Willie Trail enhances community health, outdoor activity, and environmental stewardship.

Materials Provided: Trash bags and any necessary cleanup supplies

Materials Volunteers Are Encouraged to Bring: Work gloves Comfortable walking shoes Outdoor‑appropriate clothing Trash‑grabber tool (also known as a litter picker or reach‑and‑grab tool)
Bottled water

Notes: This is an outdoor project; volunteers should dress for weather and trail conditions.

Pregnancy Care Center of Martinsville & Henry County, Inc., is participating in UWHCM’s Day of Action and has several areas where volunteer support would make a meaningful impact. Volunteers may be asked to assist with one or more of the following tasks:

Cleaning interior windows and wiping down blinds

Dusting and cleaning air vents throughout the center

Switching seasonal baby items in the Baby Boutique (transitioning clothing from summer to fall)

Removing floor‑to‑ceiling wallpaper in a hallway (if not completed prior to the event)

In addition to volunteer support, the center can also use donated diapers (size 3 and up) and baby wipes. These items are provided at no cost to moms who complete required education courses.

Materials Provided: Cleaning supplies, vacuum, rags, brooms, and spray bottles for wallpaper removal.

Materials Volunteers May Bring: All cleaning materials will be available on-site; however, volunteers may bring a squeegee if preferred for window cleaning.

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge (BGCBR) is seeking volunteers to host "Back-to-After-School" Drives to provide materials for afterschool programming.

BGCBR can assist with providing donation boxes and/or signage for the boxes for participating volunteers.

Requested items include the following:

We ask that drive participants arrange to have donated items delivered to Boys and Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge during the Day of Action on September 18.

Hairston Home for Adults is participating in UWHCM's Day of Action and is seeking volunteer support in refreshing interior paint throughout the assisted living facility. Volunteers are asked to assist with painting the following areas:

Hairston Home is a licensed assisted living facility that serves mostly Medicaid-funded residents. For the privacy of the residents, volunteers are asked that any photos that are taken during project participation do not include residents.

The facility is a historical landmark - originally serving the MHC area as the community hospital for minority persons until it's closure in the late 60's. Facilities like Hairston Home for Adults is essential to our community as many of its residents would be at risk of being homeless if not for facilities such as Hairston Home and other similar entities.

Spencer-Penn Centre is participating in UWHCM's Day of Action and could use some help. Volunteers will be expected to help with the following:

Join staff in preparing the grounds for the annual Spencer Fair! The to-do list includes setting up the "Barnival" games, working in the community garden, putting out signs, and other general grounds prep.

Volunteers are encouraged to dress for the weather, wear comfortable closed-toed shoes, bring their own set of gardening gloves, and water bottles.

Help preparing for this event is essential as the Spencer Fair brings together many members of the MHC community (sometimes over 1,000 persons) and provides FREE and Low-Cost activities that educate and support local families.

Assistance in the community garden also supports families to have an opportunity to gain healthy foods to supplement their dinner table.

Henry County Food Pantry is participating in UWHCM’s Day of Action and has several areas where volunteer support would make a meaningful impact. Volunteers may be asked to assist with one or more of the following tasks:

Cleaning donated items such as car seats, toys, furniture, and other household goods

Sorting donated items for distribution

Clearing storage space, including moving furniture and equipment (a freight elevator is available)

Organizing the Referral Closet

Materials Provided: Cleaning supplies and equipment needed for sorting and organizing donated items.

Materials Volunteers May Bring: All necessary materials will be available on-site

Piedmont Community Services is participating in UWHCM’s Day of Action and has several areas where volunteer support would make a meaningful impact. Volunteers may be asked to assist with one or more of the following tasks:

Trimming hedges and removing vines at the Recovery Residences on Starling Avenue

Cleaning out gutters on both residences

General outdoor maintenance to support the upkeep of Serenity Cottage (women’s home) and Passages (men’s home)

These residences support individuals with Substance Use Disorders who are actively working toward recovery and rebuilding their lives through PCS services and outside providers.

Materials Provided: Basic yard‑care supplies may be available on-site.

Materials Volunteers May Bring: Hedge clippers or trimmers Work gloves Ladders

Please Note: The height of the gutters may present a challenge.

United Way of Henry County & Martinsville is seeking volunteers to host an item drive on behalf of the P&HCC Patriot Pantry. The pantry supports students throughout the school year, and donated items help ensure access to essential food, hygiene, and paper products. Sponsors may collect one or more of the following categories of items:

Pantry Items / Non‑Perishable Convenience Foods:

Pop‑top canned meals (Chef Boyardee, soups such as Campbell’s or Progresso, Bush’s Beans, chili, stews, vegetables)

Microwaveable shelf‑stable foods (Easy Mac, Ready Rice, pasta sides, ramen/noodles)

Hygiene Products:

Deodorant / antiperspirant

Shampoo, conditioner, body wash

Soap / wash cloths

Baby wipes

Sanitary napkins / tampons

Paper Products:

Toilet paper

Facial tissue (Kleenex)

Paper towels

Napkins

Paper plates / cups

Paper bags

Piedmont Arts is participating in UWHCM’s Day of Action and has several areas where volunteer support would make a meaningful impact. Volunteers may be asked to assist with one or more of the following tasks:

Light landscaping and yard work on the grounds of Piedmont Arts and the Art Garden

Pruning plants and shrubs along the Pollinator Path

General outdoor beautification to support the Art Garden’s community space

Piedmont Arts provides free art and cultural experiences for residents and visitors of Martinsville–Henry County. This project helps maintain the Art Garden and Pollinator Path, ensuring these public spaces remain welcoming, inspiring, and accessible for the community.

Materials Provided: All necessary supplies will be provided on-site by CD Prillaman, who will help lead the project.

Materials Volunteers May Bring: Gloves Leaf blower Cutting shears (These items are optional.)

Martinsville–Henry County Historical Society is participating in UWHCM’s Day of Action and has several areas where volunteer support would make a meaningful impact. Volunteers may be asked to assist with one or more of the following tasks:

Exterior Landscaping:

Weeding areas of groundcover

Digging up liriope and removing torpedo grass and crabgrass roots and shoots

Teasing out weed roots from among liriope using hand tools or a potato digger

Interior Refresh:

Cleaning glass display cases using Windex and paper towels (or preferred method)

Dusting shelving, window blinds, and floor trim

Historical Sorting & Organization:

Sorting through boxes of local history items

Separating Martinsville–Henry County historical materials from unrelated items

Organizing items by topic on shelves

This project supports the Historical Society’s mission to preserve and share Martinsville–Henry County’s rich local history. Volunteer efforts help maintain both the museum’s physical environment and the integrity of its archival collections.

Materials Provided: Cleaning supplies and basic tools for interior and exterior tasks.

Materials Volunteers May Bring: Work gloves Hand weeding tools Potato digger (optional)

Notes: Tasks can be completed at any comfort level — from light weeding to more involved digging and root removal.

Fostering Champions is participating in UWHCM’s Day of Action and has several areas where volunteer support would make a meaningful impact. Volunteers may be asked to assist with one or more of the following tasks:

Organizing and refreshing the personal hygiene closet

Assisting with general preparation of the future three‑story foster home to help move it toward being move‑in ready

Supporting basic home improvement tasks as needed (painting, installing doorknobs or electrical plate covers, sweeping, dusting, vacuuming)

Helping move in furniture or appliances

Providing light exterior maintenance such as weeding, lawn care, or window cleaning

This project supports Fostering Champions’ mission to create a safe, stable, and welcoming environment for young men transitioning out of foster care. The program allows young people who age out of foster care to live in a home for three years, with resources that include a car to get to work and access to GED classes. One home is already established and thriving in Rocky Mount. Volunteer efforts will help prepare essential spaces and ensure the new Martinsville home is ready for future residents.

Materials Provided: Basic cleaning supplies and tools needed for interior and exterior tasks.

Materials Volunteers May Bring: Work gloves Basic hand tools Painting supplies (These items are optional and may be adjusted as the project nears.)

Please Note: Project tasks may be modified prior to the event depending on construction progress at the foster home.

Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch is participating in UWHCM’s Day of Action and has several areas where volunteer support would make a meaningful impact. Volunteers may be asked to assist with one or more of the following tasks:

Staining the pond dock and camping deck

Removing lily pads and cattails from the edges of the pond to support pond health

General pond‑area beautification to enhance wildlife habitat, event space, and visitor enjoyment

This project supports Infinity Acres Ranch’s mission to provide inclusive community experiences — including day support for adults with disabilities, youth summer camps, veterans events, and public concerts. Improving the pond area increases accessibility, safety, and enjoyment for all who use this shared community resource.

Materials Provided: Stain, brushes, and plastic gloves for dock and deck work Rakes and wheelbarrows for pond vegetation removal Bottled water and snacks for volunteers

Materials Volunteers May Bring: Sunscreen Bug spray Hat Water shoes or rubber waders (recommended for lily pad removal)

Limitations / Notes: An outhouse is available near the pond Wheelchair accessibility is limited in this project area

Pocahontas Bassett Baptist Church / Little Angels Early Learning Center is participating in UWHCM’s Day of Action and has several areas where volunteer support would make a meaningful impact. Volunteers may be asked to assist with one or more of the following tasks:

Building a new A‑frame swing set to expand outdoor play space for children

Assembling and installing swings using provided lumber and materials

Supporting basic outdoor improvements around the play area as needed

The Learning Center serves pre‑K, toddler, and after‑school children, including students from Campbell Court. Additional swing capacity will allow more children to enjoy outdoor time, which supports balance, stress reduction, and overall mental well‑being. During summer programs, up to 20 children share limited swing space, often requiring timed rotations — making this project a meaningful upgrade for youth opportunity and healthy development.

Materials Provided: Swings and lumber (as available) Any additional materials the church can supply on-site

Materials Volunteers May Bring: Tools, equipment, or expertise helpful for constructing an A‑frame swing set

Piedmont Community Services is participating in UWHCM’s Day of Action and is hosting a Community Food Drive to support local youth. This drive will help address food insecurity among students attending local alternative schools who do not receive assistance through the backpack program. Donations will provide snacks and easy‑to‑prepare meals that students can rely on throughout the week.

Most Needed Items:

Individual snack crackers

Granola bars and protein bars

Peanut butter (small jars or individual cups)

Shelf‑stable fruit cups or applesauce

Individual cereal cups or oatmeal packets

Macaroni & cheese cups

Ramen noodles

Microwaveable pasta or rice cups

Pop‑top canned pasta (Ravioli, SpaghettiOs, etc.)

Soup cups or canned soup with pop‑top lids

Tuna or chicken packets

Beef jerky or meat sticks

Trail mix

Pudding cups

Juice boxes, Kool‑Aid, or Gatorade

Snacks such as pretzels, chips, popcorn, and cheese crackers

This drive supports PCS’s prevention and youth programs by ensuring students have access to reliable, ready‑to‑eat food options. Even small donations make a meaningful impact on the health, stability, and daily well‑being of local youth.

Donation Guidelines:

New, unopened items only

Non‑perishable foods

Individual or family‑size packages welcome

Easy‑to‑open and easy‑to‑prepare items are especially appreciated

Edwards Adult Day Center (EADC) is participating in UWHCM’s Day of Action and is seeking in‑kind donations to support their Activities Programs for adult and elderly participants. Many individuals served by EADC are living with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Autism, and other cognitive or developmental challenges. Activity supplies help promote engagement, creativity, sensory stimulation, and emotional well‑being — all essential components of their daily care.

Requested Donation Items:

Construction paper

Colored card stock

Glue sticks

Colored markers

Crayons

Colored pencils

Dry erase markers

Solo cups (all colors)

Pool noodles

Ping pong balls

Clear shower caps

Small round laundry baskets

Board games

Decks of cards (large‑print preferred)

Small Nerf guns and Nerf bullets

Sun catcher kits (with paint)

Small canvases for painting

Small diamond art kits

Rock painting kits

Marbles

Wiffle ball set

Neon colored straws

Bird seed

Individual snack items for prizes (nabs, chips, cookies, gum, etc.)

These items help EADC create meaningful, therapeutic activities that support memory care, motor skills, social interaction, and joy for participants who rely on structured, supportive programming.

Donation Guidelines:

New, unopened items only

Activity supplies and sensory‑friendly materials are especially appreciated

Individual or multi‑pack items welcome

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people.

In the simulation, up to 88 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner", some are unhoused, and others are recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Disability or Retirement, or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the "families" is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute "weeks".

As an Event Greeter, you will sit at the entrance of the event. Please confirm that all volunteers and participants have pre-registered to attend and ensure that they know where to go once they enter the gymnasium. 

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people.

In the simulation, up to 88 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner", some are unhoused, and others are recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Disability or Retirement, or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the "families" is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute "weeks".

As a Social Service Office Caseworker, you work with clients who have a variety of needs, from medical, housing, and nutrition to unemployment. You have the ability to help people in certain situations but not in others, or there is a delay in accessing benefits.

Additional Details:

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people.

In the simulation, up to 88 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner", some are unhoused, and others are recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Disability or Retirement, or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the "families" is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute "weeks".

As a Social Service Office Caseworker, you work with clients who have a variety of needs, from medical, housing, and nutrition to unemployment. You have the ability to help people in certain situations but not in others, or there is a delay in accessing benefits.

Additional Details:

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people.

In the simulation, up to 88 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner", some are unhoused, and others are recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Disability or Retirement, or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the "families" is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute "weeks".

As an Inter-Faith Services Worker, you operate a homeless shelter and help families get the services they need.

Additional Details:

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people.

In the simulation, up to 88 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner", some are unhoused, and others are recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Disability or Retirement, or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the "families" is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute "weeks".

As a Community Healthcare Doctor, families will come to you for all of their healthcare needs. You will need to check them in and provide their care. You will determine if they need prescriptions, referrals, or another appointment.

Additional Details:

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people.

In the simulation, up to 88 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner", some are unhoused, and others are recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Disability or Retirement, or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the "families" is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute "weeks".

As an Employer, your role is to time employee work weeks and distribute paychecks accordingly. You approve or reject leave requests. You may also hire and fire employees. Individuals may come to you on their own looking for work or may be referred from other resource people.

Additional Details:

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people.

In the simulation, up to 88 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner", some are unhoused, and others are recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Disability or Retirement, or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the "families" is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute "weeks".

As a School Teacher/College Professor, you have many tasks, too many students, and not enough money! For the first 2 "weeks", you attempt to run a quiet, orderly classroom, keep the children busy with homework, and stay in contact with their parents - usually to ask for more money for supplies. During the third week, you will help out at Interfaith Services.

Additional Details:

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people.

In the simulation, up to 88 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner", some are unhoused, and others are recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Disability or Retirement, or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the "families" is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute "weeks".

As an "Illegal Activities" Person, you engage in various illegal activities in the community, such as robbery, illegally buying and selling drugs or food stamps, and enticing children into illegal activities. 

Additional Details:

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people.

In the simulation, up to 88 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner", some are unhoused, and others are recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Disability or Retirement, or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the "families" is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute "weeks".

As a Utility Worker, you sit in your office collecting bills and sending out shut-off notices the first two "weeks". People may use EBT - TANF Cash Benefits to pay their utility bills. Later, you circulate among the families to collect gas, electric, and phone fees.

Additional Details:

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people.

In the simulation, up to 88 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner", some are unhoused, and others are recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Disability or Retirement, or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the "families" is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute "weeks".

As a Childcare Worker, you assist families in completing enrollment forms, instruct families about signing in and out, collect tuition, inform parents about alternative child care options, distribute child care challenge cards to working parents, and terminate child care services when appropriate.

Additional Details:

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people.

In the simulation, up to 88 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner", some are unhoused, and others are recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Disability or Retirement, or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the "families" is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute "weeks".

As a Police Officer, you respond to robberies, street crimes, illegal evictions, or child neglect. Other staffers may ask for help in protecting their property. You also issue gun permits.

Additional Details:

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people.

In the simulation, up to 88 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner", some are unhoused, and others are recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Disability or Retirement, or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the "families" is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute "weeks".

As a Pawnbroker, you will have families come to you to pawn their appliances and furniture and to take out or pay payday loans. You offer them less than half the value of each item and charge them a fee if they wish to redeem the items.

Additional Details:

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people.

In the simulation, up to 88 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner", some are unhoused, and others are recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Disability or Retirement, or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the "families" is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute "weeks".

As a Mortgage/Rent Collector, you collect mortgage payments, taxes, and maintenance fees from homeowners, and collect rent from those who are renting. If families don't pay you anything, you may decide to evict them - illegally. 

Additional Details:

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people.

In the simulation, up to 88 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner", some are unhoused, and others are recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Disability or Retirement, or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the "families" is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute "weeks".

As a Supermarket Clerk, you accept EBT cards for TANF cash benefits and redeem the food stamp section of EBT. You sell groceries, clothing, and prescriptions and collect miscellaneous payments. You also distribute "warning" slips to families who are not adequately feeding their families.

Additional Details:

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people.

In the simulation, up to 88 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner", some are unhoused, and others are recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Disability or Retirement, or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the "families" is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute "weeks".

As a Community Action Staff Member, you make the appropriate referrals for services. You also distribute food from the Food Pantry.

Additional Details:

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people.

In the simulation, up to 88 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner", some are unhoused, and others are recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Disability or Retirement, or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the "families" is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute "weeks".

As a Quick Cash (Currency Exchange) Worker, you operate the Quick Cash office where people buy transportation passes. They can also cash checks there - for a fee, of course. You are also the place where people come for title loans.

Additional Details:

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people.

In the simulation, up to 88 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner", some are unhoused, and others are recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Disability or Retirement, or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the "families" is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute "weeks".

As a Banker/Loan Collector, you can cash checks for customers with bank accounts. You can also keep track of savings account withdrawals. You may circulate among families to collect loans. You also accept EBT cards. 

Additional Details:

We are always in need of volunteer facilitators for our Getting Ahead workshop series. Free training to become a certified Getting Ahead facilitator is provided!

"Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin' By World" is a 17 week informational workshop series providing people motivated for change the tools necessary to "get ahead" in today's world.