The Poverty Spiral

Consistent, long-term mentoring relationships have been proven to contribute to positive outcomes for youth living in low-resource communities. Yet many mentors are ill-prepared to understand the situations of youth struggling with poverty. To address this gap, The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern PA has developed The Poverty Spiral, a simulation in the form of a traditional board game that promotes understanding of the everyday challenges faced by individuals living in poverty. Workshop participants will take part in The Poverty Spiral simulation and learn how this training tool can help mentors and program staff bridge the poverty gap and support long-term, high impact mentoring relationships.