STILLWATER CARES AND OSU EXTENSION PARTNER TO HOST POVERTY SIMULATION
[AUGUST 3, 2026—STILLWATER, Okla.] — Community members and local leaders gained a firsthand look at the daily challenges faced by families living in poverty during a Poverty Simulation hosted by Stillwater CARES on Wednesday, July 29, at the Stillwater First United Methodist Church Family Life Center.
The interactive simulation was conducted through a collaboration of Oklahoma State University county and state Extension staff and provided participants with an opportunity to experience the difficult decisions and barriers that many individuals and families encounter while navigating life with limited financial resources.
Throughout the simulation, participants assumed the roles of families experiencing poverty and worked through a series of real-world scenarios involving employment, housing, transportation, childcare, healthcare and financial obligations. The exercise was designed to increase
awareness, build empathy and encourage community conversations about addressing the root causes of poverty.
"This simulation gives people a chance to step into someone else's reality, even if only for a short time," said Dea Rash, Payne County OSU Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Educator. "When participants experience the constant decisions, unexpected setbacks, and impossible choices that many families face every day, they leave with a deeper understanding
that poverty is about far more than finances. Our hope is that this experience inspires greater compassion, stronger partnerships and a commitment to creating solutions that help families thrive."
Stillwater CARES partnered with OSU Extension Educators to bring the nationally recognized simulation to the community as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen community awareness
and foster collaboration among organizations serving Payne County residents.
By bringing together educators, nonprofit leaders, service providers, volunteers, and community members, the event encouraged meaningful dialogue about the challenges facing families experiencing poverty and the role every sector of the community can play in supporting lasting change.
“In Payne County, United Way’s most recent ALICE economic data shows that more than half of our residents struggle to cover basic living expenses,” said Michelle Charles, United Way of Payne County Campaign Assistant. “I am so grateful OSU Extension and Stillwater CARES were able to provide this chance for our community to understand the many reasons it can happen, even to hard-working people.”
“I think everyone in social services, healthcare, education, government or any field where you make decisions that impact other people should, at least for a few hours, look at the world through the eyes of those we serve,” said Charles. “I know it was a valuable experience for me. I
truly believe anyone who goes through it will gain a deeper understanding the issues, policies and systems we see discussed in the news and how they affect the daily lives of real people in our community.”
For more information about Stillwater CARES and future community engagement opportunities, contact Stillwater CARES or your local Oklahoma State University Extension office.
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