[St. Johns, MI] – On October 8, 2025, over 70 individuals participated in a Poverty Simulation at the First Baptist Church in St. Johns, Michigan. The event was hosted by the Building Stronger Communities Council, Clinton County, in partnership with EightCAP, Inc., United Way of Greater Central Michigan, and Gratiot County Hope House. Participants represented a wide range of community sectors, including the City of Dewitt police department, churches, the Department of Health and Human Services Board, Clinton County Juvenile Court, recovery organizations, Community Mental Health, educators, community members, the Office of Aging, Salvation Army, hospital administration, the Michigan House of Representatives, local schools, the County Prosecutor’s Office, health department, and township government. The simulation provided a powerful, immersive experience into the daily realities faced by individuals and families living in poverty.
“When we began the conversation in June about collaborating to bring a Poverty Simulation to Clinton County, I knew there was a real need for this experience,” said Missy Davis, Coordinator of the Building Stronger Communities Council (BSCC), Clinton County. “The Poverty Simulation reflects the challenges many residents face every day, and today we had the chance to walk through those struggles personally. I hope participants carry this awareness into their work and continue the meaningful partnerships that make events like this possible.”
Using a structured simulation kit, participants were assigned roles representing low-income families, including single parents, senior citizens on Social Security, and individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Over the course of four 15-minute “weeks,” they navigated essential but stressful tasks such as securing food, paying rent, attending job interviews, and accessing social services while interacting with community agencies, grocers, pawnbrokers, bill collectors, and law enforcement.
The simulation kit, funded by a generous grant from the Gratiot County Community Foundation, enabled participants to experience the structural barriers and emotional struggles that many low-income individuals face daily.
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 6.7% of Gratiot County residents live in poverty, while United Way for South Central Michigan reports that in Clinton County, 22% of households are categorized as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)—meaning they earn above the poverty level but still struggle to afford basic necessities.
“The statistics only tell part of the story,” said Lori Johnson, President of EightCAP, Inc. “Behind every number is a person doing their best to get ahead in a system that isn’t always built for them to succeed. When we come together—businesses, schools, faith groups, and service organizations—we can create real pathways out of poverty. It starts with understanding, but it continues with compassion, collaboration, and action.”
The simulation aims to broaden awareness of poverty among policymakers, community leaders, and service providers, encouraging collaborative efforts to reduce economic hardship.
Organizations interested in hosting or participating in a future Poverty Simulation are encouraged to contact Lori Johnson, President of EightCAP, Inc., at lorij@8cap.org.