Community leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, nonprofit representatives, and business leaders recently gathered at the Joplin Public Library for One Joplin’s annual Poverty Simulation, as Newstalk KZRG reported. The interactive experience placed participants in the roles of individuals and families navigating the everyday challenges of living near or below federal poverty income levels, which for a family of four is projected at $33,000 per year in 2026.
Participants were assigned new identities and tasked with navigating a simulated month, facing difficult decisions and systemic barriers related to employment, housing, transportation, childcare, and healthcare. Throughout the experience, they encountered unexpected setbacks and tough choices that can make escaping poverty profoundly challenging. This format is designed to mirror the actual struggles faced by families across the Joplin region, aiming not only to increase awareness but also to prompt participants to consider how their own organizations, policies, and interactions might help remove these barriers.
Nicole Brown, executive director of One Joplin, explained that the primary goal of the Poverty Simulation is to serve as an empathy builder. She clarified that it helps participants better understand the obstacles families encounter and inspires practical changes within their respective organizations. Brown highlighted that while the experience is simulated, the challenges presented are directly reflective of the realities in the community.
Melody Colbert-Kean, a former Joplin mayor who participated in the simulation, noted that the session provided community members with an opportunity to truly see and experience the realities of life. She urged others to recognize that people's circumstances often dictate their situations and to act with understanding and appropriate responses.
Layne Bourgeous, ESC Director of Homelessness Response, also took part in the simulation as a member of a team representing law enforcement. Bourgeous observed the influx of participants seeking help, noting reports of robbery and other issues. He acknowledged the demanding nature of law enforcement work, emphasizing the challenge of balancing humanity with enforcing the law in such scenarios.
One Joplin points to previous simulations for evidence of tangible outcomes. Brown recalled that a local business, following a 2025 Poverty Simulation, sent its entire leadership team to participate. After the sessions, this business reviewed its policies and procedures to identify areas where they might inadvertently be making life harder for lower-wage workers. These efforts led to several changes that have since positively impacted employee morale and retention within the company.
For many participants, the Poverty Simulation serves as a powerful and sometimes life-changing experience. It challenges existing assumptions, fosters important conversations, and is intended to inspire a renewed commitment to serving others within the community. Brown articulated One Joplin’s ultimate hope for attendees: to leave not just with a better understanding of poverty, but also thinking about what they can do differently to make life easier for families in the community.
