DETAILS

Step into someone else’s story through the Cost of Poverty Experience (COPE), an interactive simulation based on the real-life experiences of individuals and families facing poverty. You’ll take on the identity of a real person and navigate some of the challenges they encountered—gaining a deeper understanding of others, learning to truly see them with compassion, and discovering how you can respond in ways that bring hope and dignity. COPE was designed by a dynamic team of professionals, advocates, VISTA, volunteers and low-income persons to portray real stories of families living both in generational/situational poverty. COPE is a powerful, immersive tool designed to: Cultivate compassion by offering a deeper understanding of the realities of poverty in America. Foster connection by drawing participants closer to the real-life struggles faced by individuals and families living in poverty. Inspire influence by encouraging participants to rethink assumptions and become active agents of change in their communities. COPE goes beyond economics - it reveals the human cost of poverty and invites churches to respond in holistic, transformative ways. For churches, COPE is both a challenge and an invitation: A challenge to grow in Christian compassion An invitation to move from simply managing poverty to engaging with with people relationally and redemptively. COPE helps open eyes - and hearts - so that we don’t just give to people in poverty, but walk with them in love, dignity, and hope.