Poverty simulation, not a game

Last month, Butler's Service Learning program sponsored a Poverty Simulation to give students a glimpse at how difficult life can be for the financially struggling. Every 15 minutes represented a month as teams hopped to various stations that represented schools, workforce centers, pawnshops and hospitals.

Butler President Dr. Jackie Vietti played the constable for the day, investigating crimes and placing juveniles in the detention center.

Students filled out job applications at the General Employment table to make money to pay rent and other bills.

Some students became parents throughout the course of the simulation and visited with counseling services to help cope with the economic struggles.

Students were teamed together in households and neighborhoods, trying to bring enough income to the family to stay afloat.

When students failed to pay their bills, eviction noticed were placed on the "houses,"effectively leaving families homeless. They then petitioned to reside at the shelters available to the community.