Presentation to the 9 TH Annual IRHA Public Policy Forum January 17, 2012 Afia Griffith, MPA, MA St.Vincent Health Community Development

46.2 million Americans living in poverty (2010 US Census) 16.3% of Hoosier’s living in poverty (2010 US Census) “1 in 3 Americans is either poor or perilously close to it” NY Times opinion article The Poor, the Near Poor and You 1 in 3 working families in the US despite working hard are struggling to meet basic needs. The Working Poor Families Project supported by Annie E. Casey, Ford, Joyce and Mott foundations

St.Vincent Health sponsored by Ascension Health 20 health ministries across Central and Southern Indiana Care of persons living in poverty and the vulnerable Over 9 years of simulations through our local St.Vincent Hospitals and Community Development department for community coalitions, nonprofit organization boards, university students, and other associations and conferences.

ROWEL Reformed Organization for Welfare Education Association, a Missouri organization of people with low incomes and their allies working together to inform the larger community about the inadequacies and injustices of the welfare system.

Requires participants 26 families with different profiles 17 volunteers Large room for vendor tables on the perimeter and families in the center Approximately 3 hours

Persons in position of influence who make decisions direct and indirect impact on persons living with low income Legislators, government workers, community leaders, attorneys, educators, social service workers, healthcare workers…

1. Imitate real life 2. Altered by the user On-line simulations and in-person simulations Transportation Pass symbolic for gas, walking, taking the bus Various responses to overwhelming circumstances similar conclusions

The 6 D’s Situational/Generational Poverty Hidden Rules of class Resources – mental, emotional, financial, spiritual, physical

St.Vincent Poverty Experience at an economic vision conference St.Vincent Randolph Hospital Community Health Needs Assessment Community Priority – Addressing Poverty RC EPIC - Randolph County Ending Poverty in the Community

Afia Griffith, St.Vincent Health Community Development