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Over one-hundred ��Ӱֱ�� State faculty and staff members experienced the realities of poverty in a simulation presented by Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES. ASC faculty were eager to immerse themselves in the activity to better understand the stresses faced by low-income families. The Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) is designed to help people understand the realities of poverty. 

Held in the Pioneer Student Union on the Wellsville campus, participants role-played the lives of low-income families. Some were Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients, some were disabled, and others participated as senior citizens on social security. Faculty and staff had the stressful task of providing basic necessities and shelter on a limited budget during  four 15-minute “weeks.” They interacted with human service agencies, grocers, pawnbrokers, bill collectors, job interviewers, police officers, and others.  

Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) Professional Development Program Manager Jillian Putnam was excited to bring this simulation to a local college. This simulation has been used by multiple K-12 school districts across Allegany and Cattaraugus counties.  “This was a great opportunity to partner with ��Ӱֱ�� State to really look at poverty across our region. The faculty was very receptive to each of the family units. They played their roles very well and talked about their experiences throughout the simulation.” 

ASC’s Director of Extended Learning, Innovation, and Teaching Excellence (ELITE) Danyelle O’Brien was happy to offer this program. “As part of our Professional Development Week we try to avail our faculty opportunities to learn more about our students and where they are coming from. The simulation allowed our faculty to participate and understand better what some of our students’ lives may be like outside of college and it gives us opportunity to have conversations in the classroom.” 

O’Brien continued, “We are hopeful that our faculty are able to find strategies to connect with our students and know that the classroom environment is much more than our academic experience, it includes all the resources that our students may need to tap into during their time at ��Ӱֱ�� State.” 

Putnam went on to say, “I think our goal was to have the faculty gain a clear understanding of what families and the communities are going through. Not only that but gaining an understanding of what resources are available in the area to support those students and their struggling families.” 

The simulation was designed to sensitize those who frequently deal with low-income families as well as to create a broader awareness of poverty. 

14.3% of the population of New York lives below the poverty line while 16.9% in Cattaraugus County and 17.1% in Allegany County (according to censusreporter.org).