PHILADELPHIA, PA –Chestnut Hill College will host the poverty simulation, “Living on the Edge” on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 from 2-4 p.m. in Redmond Room, St. Joseph Hall. Sponsored by Kappa Delta Epsilon Honor Society and the Education Department, the event aims to increase awareness and promote social justice for the poor. The event is also co-sponsored by Student Activities, the Student Government Association, the Service Learning program, and the Criminal Justice, Religious Studies, and Psy.D. programs at the College.  

Participants in the exercise will get to take a walk in the shoes of a family as they attempt to meet their obligations with limited resources. Participants are assigned a role in a family and must fulfill the responsibilities of that family member over four simulated weeks. Staffed community resources are provided and families must navigate the community supports while going to work, dropping children off at school or child care, and paying bills. This is the second year the College has run this event. 

“Last year’s event increased participant’s awareness and empathy for those living in poverty,” says Debra Lawrence, Ph.D., assistant professor of education at Chestnut Hill College. “Though the simulation cannot possibly replicate what living in poverty really feels like, it provides participants with a glimpse into the lives of those in poverty as they strive to navigate a complex system that is seldom user friendly." 

The event is free and open to the public. Interested participants must RSVP in advance. For more information and to reserve a spot, please contact Debra Lawrence, assistant professor of education at 215.753.3614 or lawrenced1@chc.edu