Poverty Simulation

The Imagine Initiative offers a powerful, two-hour, hands-on Poverty Simulation that helps participants gain a deeper understanding of what life is like for families living with limited resources in Lee County. During this immersive experience, attendees step into the roles of “households” navigating a simulated month filled with the everyday pressures and obstacles that vulnerable families regularly face—housing instability, transportation issues, unexpected bills, and constant trade-offs that impact health, work, and education.

Over the course of four fast-paced “weeks,” participants must make decisions, seek assistance, and attempt to keep their families afloat in an environment designed to mirror the real challenges faced by many in our community. Immediately following the simulation, we facilitate a guided debrief where participants reflect on what they felt, what surprised them, and how the experience might shape their approach to serving others moving forward.

The Imagine Initiative is honored to bring this nationally recognized, research-based simulation model (created by the Missouri Community Action Network) to Southwest Florida. Since beginning to host these events, we have seen participants walk away profoundly moved by the stress, urgency, and emotional weight they experienced in the exercise. Many share that they will never view struggling families in the same way again.

Most importantly, this experience often leads to real change. Church leaders begin rethinking outreach strategies, teachers commit to new levels of empathy for their students, and community members leave with a renewed determination to respond with wisdom, compassion, and practical support.

Our goal is simple: greater awareness that leads to action—transforming the way Lee County churches and community partners walk alongside families in need. a member, you will be the first to hear about upcoming virtual seminars as well as in-person events coming to a city near you.