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available year-round, whenever you are free to travel Our signature event, the Poverty Simulation Week is not a typical "mission trip" and more than merely a retreat. We will engage your group by leading you through an experience of living in poverty. From the moment you arrive, you step into the world of the working poor -- those tens of millions of Americans who work hard and never really get anywhere. Poverty, you'll soon see, isn't just about money; it is about what you eat, where you stay, how you work, how much or little control you have over your circumstances, what surprises and anxieties you encounter day-to-day, and how it never ever ends. What would it be like to be a single mother of 3 living on minimum wage in America? We’ll help you find out. You’ll work, live and worship, earning low wages and trying to provide the things your family needs. Of course, no simulation is perfect, but this one will push you to your limits and leave you wondering how we let people live this way. Food, shelter, health care, child care, work, hygiene, transportation, leisure — all these and more become part of the challenge as your try to build a life from scratch.
This is a challenging program. You will work hard in conditions you
cannot control, eat less than what you're likely accustomed to, and
sleep on concrete at least once. For youth and adults, this is a
discovery of character, an exploration of faith, an introduction to
building relationships across class lines, and a new look at the
American dream. In addition to experiences, activities, studies,
and games we've developed, you'll also work with our partner
agencies, to shape your simulation experience with a real payday and
real-life stories from the neighborhood. When you're done, you'll
get a diploma and you'll know that you've earned it. Here's what one adult group leader said: "Tuesday I began to worry, to think that I had led the group in the wrong direction... I thought I would have to pull everyone out and take them some other place... Never have I been so wrong. Not only was this a great place to go, but this was the best mission experience I have ever had."
To Register for this Event
Program Costs Cost is $295 per person for the Poverty Immersion Week or the Poverty Leadership Level II Week (see below). That includes all program fees and leadership, lodging and meals. If you've been here as a leader and come back again with another group, we'll waive your fee! (Limit one per group.) And if you think costs may keep you away, please call us. We have some scholarships available for those in need. We're available year-round, and there are always open dates for you to choose from. Groups should plan to arrive on Sunday afternoon and depart on Saturday mid-morning.
OFF-SEASON RATES: Are you able to travel when others are not? Then, consider this: If you bring your group between September 1 and March 1, you pay just $210 per person!
Summer registration page to print and mail.
Spring break registration page to print and mail.
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"This week I have found myself disagreeing with you in some of our thoughts. However, I am pleased to have met you, and feel that this program is something that I needed to open my eyes to many things. Peace be with you.” -guest reflection
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UrbanSpirit PO Box 11434
Louisville, KY 40251 |
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