OREGON – The University of Illinois Extension hosted a poverty simulation event on Friday in Oregon, shining a spotlight on the challenges it takes to navigate the current levels of support offered to those suffering from financial challenges in rural America. Participants took on roles of different community members with different needs and income, and in 15-minute segments, tried to manage a month of balancing child care, food, and unexpected problems.
Mike Delaney, Educator, Community and Economic Development with the University of Illinois Extension said that it can be difficult to get a family or an individual out of a repeated cycle of poverty.
“And that’s the challenge,” he said. “It depends entirely upon the circumstances for that particular family, what their financial resources are, how much time they have, how many family members they might have to address individual issues, divide and conquer strategies.”
Around 60 people took part in the event, including a dozen or so community members and volunteers from agencies to act as support or business employees those in poverty might encounter. A group discussion was held after the simulation to not only share ideas, but bring up observations, including how difficult it is to meet basic needs without public transportation.
Karla Belzer, County Director of the University of Illinois Extension, noted that accessibility is a huge issue for those who are poor.
“We can’t necessarily make changes to how transportation is in our rural communities or changes to hours of certain services or even availability of certain services. But I think focusing on what we can control and doing our part can make a huge difference.”
The event at the Rock River Center included a lunch and was funded by an action grant for Ogle County to help bring awareness to and address poverty and food insecurity in the region.
Joyce Lewis, Grant Coordinator with the Ogle County Health Department, said that there isn’t just one solution to the problem.
“I think people are opening their eyes to where the shortcomings are in the social service area and what we need to do to provide more services or just empathy to people.”
There will be two more events this year.
Carroll County Davis Community Center April 25th, 2025 8:30 AM – to 1:30 PM and at the Whiteside County Sterling Township Building September 5th 8:30 AM – to 1:30 PM. Lunch will be served at both events.
