Eliminating Poverty

Eliminating Poverty Impact Coalition (EPIC)
The Eliminating Poverty Impact Coalition (EPIC) is a grassroots leadership group, convened by TEAMwork and the Center Township Trustee's Office to oversee and coordinate the eliminating poverty initiative in Delaware County.  More than 30 individuals serve on the committee as representatives of nonprofit organizations, local government, education, business, as well as community volunteers and individuals living in poverty.  <more>
Overcoming Poverty Together (O.P.T.)
The O.P.T. Dinners and Circles provide an opportunity for community members to engage in eliminating poverty one person, one family at a time.  The self-named O.P.T. group is composed of a diverse group of citizens committed to breaking down socioeconomic barriers and stereotypes, and supporting one another in reciprocity and steps toward self-sufficiency. <more>
History
After Muncie participants in the 2001 All-America City finals were stumped by the judges with a question about what work is being done “as a community” to address poverty, several participants continued to be disturbed.  Reducing and eliminating poverty needed to be a community imperative. <more>
Simulation Tool: Life in the State of Poverty
The poverty simulation is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. <more>
Involving Youth in the Simulation
The Poverty Simulation provides a unique volunteer experience that exposes students to the realities of living in poverty and provides opportunities for them to become more involved in the community at large.  The simulation has shown to be a very eye-opening experience and one that challenges students to want to succeed as well as help others.  It would be ideal for middle-school to college student leaders and other mature students seeking to develop their leadership potential.  Additionally, recent research links to the benefits of service learning to not only community connection, but also higher grades, increased standardized test scores, attendance and school participation, both now and in a student’s future. <more>
Network One: Emerging Employment Initiative
NetWork One was a brief project with possible application throughout the state of Indiana and elsewhere. It was envisioned as a part of an overall blueprint for Delaware County, the purpose of which is to eliminate poverty. NetWork One was birthed from the vision of a local retired businessman after his participation in the Poverty Simulation in April 2005. <more>
Statistics About Poverty
Check out the local, state and national statistics featured in the Moment of Truth video . <more>