Clark Success Story

Problem:
The number and percentage of children and families, while declining in Iowa over the past decade, is still too high. According to the 2004 Kids Count Data Book, 3% of our state's children live in extreme poverty and 6% of Iowa's children are without medical insurance.
Research has shown that living in poverty effects children for a lifetime, putting them at risk for lower educational attainments.

Response:
Extension staff member worked with a team of Extension personnel and community support persons to sponsor and conduct the ROWEL Poverty Simulation for all staff and faculty in the Iowa Falls Alden School District. Just over 200 individuals participated in the training sessions.

Impact:
In a self-assessment related to poverty before the Simulation, over 72% of participants rated themselves as having no or little understanding of issues faced by low income families, including how difficult it is to make choices the choices or improve the situation. Using the same measurement post-Simulation, over 80% of participants rated themselves as having quite a bit or complete understanding of the same issues. As a result of the Simulation, one-third of the participants stated they will have more compassion or empathy for students, and one-fourth will institute some method of providing school supplies and resources to low
income students. Over 85% of the participants said that the Simulation was great, helpful, effective, or eye-opening. Comments received included these: "I could barely get to school each week, let alone buy the school supplies and complete assignments." "Powerful," "Profound," "Real," "Made it come to life," "Very impressed and moved by the
experience."

As a result of media coverage during the Simulation, the community newspaper has run a series of articles on understanding poverty, including first-hand accounts by families in poverty, agencies designed to assist low-income families, and community attitudes toward poverty.

Contact:
Cheryl Clark, ISUE Family Life Specialist
Hardin County Extension
524 Lawler Street
Iowa Falls, IA 50126
Phone 641-648-4850; Fax 641-648-4862
Email cclark@iastate.edu