Insights > Entergy conducts poverty simulations to help employees better understand customers’ challenges
08.08.2024
Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families. But unless you’ve experienced poverty firsthand, it’s hard to truly understand it. With that in mind, Entergy’s Low-Income Initiatives team recently organized poverty simulations to give our employees a first-hand look at the struggles facing our customers in our service territory of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
With support from the System Planning Organization, over 140 employees participated in these immersive simulations in Louisiana and Texas. In role-playing games set in the fictional city of “Realville, USA,” participants were able to take on the role of people affected by poverty and experience the daily hurdles they must overcome.
During the simulations, participants were assigned unique identities and faced real-world scenarios, such as needing reliable transportation, accessing food, or managing a chronic illness. They experienced four weeks of various scenarios, simulated in 15-minute segments, that reflected the lives of individuals who were recently homeless or unemployed, navigating the welfare system, living on welfare, and facing other challenges.
“The goal of the simulation was to give our staff insight into the struggles and difficult decisions that people in need must make,” said Liz Brister, director of low-income initiatives. “Whether it’s child care issues, job losses or unexpected expenses, the simulation helps us understand these challenges so we can better serve our clients, promote policies that provide better safety nets and help them succeed.”
The simulation took place in a large room with participants sitting in the center with their assigned “families.” Surrounding them were tables representing community resources and services, such as a community action agency, a school, an employer, a utility company, and a short-term and title loan facility.
In addition to managing low-income budgets, accessing assistance resources, and dealing with unexpected problems, the simulation also included random “wildcards” such as illegal evictions, school expulsions, job losses, and more.
The simulations were designed to not only increase our employees’ understanding, but also foster empathy for people going through these experiences and encourage a shift in perspective. By fostering advocates within our workforce, we continue to seek to improve resources and support for our clients and communities in need.
Learn more about our commitment to giving back and supporting our communities.
Cristina del Canto
Senior Communications Specialist
