North Platte - Families 1st Partnership and UNL Extension are partnering to bring the Poverty Simulation exercise to Lincoln County. The event will take place on April 14, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the West Central Research, Extension, and Education Center. This free event is open to anyone interested in gaining insight into the challenges faced by individuals and families living in poverty.
During the interactive exercise, participants will be assigned to family units, each facing a unique life scenario that reflects real-world challenges encountered by low-income families. These scenarios highlight the difficult choices families must make in managing limited financial resources.
The simulation’s interactive component involves visiting various “agency” tables, where participants can access assistance, gather information, or attempt to resolve issues related to their assigned scenario. Local volunteers, many of whom already work with these agencies, will staff the tables, helping participants experience the barriers families often face when trying to improve their circumstances.
Past participants have found the simulation to be an invaluable and eye-opening experience. It is widely regarded as a highly sought-after training opportunity.
To register for this event, visit: Poverty Simulation Registration.
Families 1st Partnership receives grant funding from Nebraska Children and Families Foundation., the NE Child Abuse Prevention Fund Board, DHHS, and private donors. Since it became a 501c3 organization in November 2018, financial assistance to residents has resulted in $774,456 paid to local landlords, utility companies, childcares, mechanics, and other businesses. $52,358 has been used to support Trainings
and Collaborative Outreach in promoting services of local organizations. There has been $363,567 for contracts that provide direct and indirect services to local families and at-risk youth.