Florida College Nursing Program Hosts Poverty Simulation to Foster Empathy

October 24, 2024 | 2 min read

The Florida College Nursing program recently held a Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) on Tuesday, Oct. 15th, aimed at fostering empathy and understanding toward individuals facing poverty. This immersive experience was made possible through a generous donation of a Missouri Community Action Network Poverty Simulation Kit.

The simulation engaged 25 participants, including Florida College nursing and communication students, community members, and representatives from various human service agencies and local civic leaders. Each participant was assigned a role within a low-income family, such as TANF recipients, disabled individuals, or senior citizens relying on Social Security. They were tasked with providing basic necessities and surviving for four simulated “weeks,” with each week lasting 15 minutes.

Throughout the simulation, participants interacted with key community figures, such as human service providers, job interviewers, and bill collectors, mirroring real-life scenarios faced by those in poverty. This exercise aimed to illustrate the personal and emotional barriers individuals encounter while living with limited resources.

According to the State of the Region, Tampa Bay’s poverty rate currently stands at 12.45%, slightly below the national average of 12.58%. However, the youth poverty rate is notably higher at 16.83%, indicating that nearly 1 in 5 residents under the age of 18 live in poverty. For thousands in Tampa Bay, meeting basic needs remains a daily challenge.
John Elliott, Florida College Director of Nursing and Department Chair,  highlighted the broader spiritual significance of the simulation.

“This simulation enlightens God’s people to understand what life is like for those in different circumstances, who are all God’s children,” he said.

Through this engaging and impactful exercise, the Florida College Nursing program aims to deepen understanding and empathy for those affected by poverty in the community.

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