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LEWISVILLE — Crisis Control Ministry is offering program participants a chance to see the world through a new lens in a poverty simulation later this month. 

The ministry offers a variety of poverty awareness programs, including a poverty simulation.

Typically, poverty simulations are only available to larger groups for a fee, but on Jan. 25, Crisis Control Ministry is offering a session that is open to individuals and groups of all sizes, free of charge.

During the simulation, participants are led through a guided experience where they assume the role of a low-income family member trying to meet life obligations over four 15-minute sessions. Each session represents one week in the life of someone living in or on the verge of poverty. 

“Neighbors helping neighbors is at the heart of Crisis Control Ministry’s mission,” Executive Director Margaret Elliott said. “That means we must do more than help those in crisis. We have a responsibility to bring awareness to individuals in our community who may not have experiences outside of their socioeconomic peer group. The awareness programs we offer, including the poverty simulation, provide participants with an understanding of what it is like to face a financial crisis.”

The simulation will take place on Jan. 25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Mary Alice Warren Community Center, located at 7632 Warren Park Drive in Lewisville. Advance registration is required.

For more information about participating in or volunteering with Crisis Control Ministry’s Poverty Awareness programs, contact Abbey McCall, Director of community and volunteer relations, at 336.770.1621 or amccall@crisiscontrol.org.

Now in its 50th year, Crisis Control Ministry is and always has been a place where neighbors help neighbors. The ministry operates with the belief that food, shelter and medicine are basic human needs. Through its offices in Winston-Salem and Kernersville, Crisis Control Ministry provides short-term emergency services, including assistance with mortgage and rent payments, utility bills, food and prescription medication to residents of Forsyth and Stokes counties.

The organization also advocates for awareness and understanding of the struggles of poverty through multiple ministry-led education programs and volunteer opportunities. Neighbors helping neighbors is more than just a tagline for Crisis Control Ministry; it is the core mission. For additional information, go to crisiscontrol.org.