Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Millions of Americans are faced with the challenges of living on very low incomes every day. Many of the challenges are due to misunderstanding the many hardships these families face on a daily basis.

Response:
Administration staff within the Boyden Hull School District contacted ISU Extension staff in Sioux County to do a poverty simulation for their faculty in-service this past winter. Faculty members were exposed to some of the daily challenges faced by families living in poverty by participating in the “State of Poverty Welfare Simulation ” presented by Iowa State University Family Life field specialist Rhonda Rosenboom, and Sioux County Extension Education Director Cheryl Heronemus.

Impact:
When asked what changes will you make in your work to better each individuals and families in poverty the following comments were expressed over and over again by the 75 participants:

• More aware of the stress children might pick up from their parents
• Look closer at the situations around them to identify families in need
• More aware of the signs of stress within the families
• Be aware of the possibility that poverty could be a significant cause in underachievement
• Be more aware of the expectations set which can't be met by some of our students
• What new programs and/or policies you will institute in your agency, organization or
• Community? Examples listed included:
• Start a supply bank for kids who don't have school supplies
• Have a recycle boxes at high school level at the end of the year when students are throwing away items
• Discuss issues at teachers' meeting
• Start a clothes closet
• Health care to include dental care for all children
• Learning more about what is available for families in the area
• Person at the school who could help identify families in need and work with them
• What are we legally able to help families with

Contact:
Rhonda Rosenboom
340 2nd St SE
Primghar, IA 51245