The Rural Life Poverty Simulation, or “PovSim,” is a large-group activity that helps participants gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those living in poverty in rural communities. During this hands-on simulation, participants are grouped into rural “families” and respectfully “step into their shoes,” with each family experiencing unique dynamics, resources, and challenges. In timed sessions, families interact with various community organizations, pay bills, and react to a variety of unexpected scenarios. Previous participants say they gained perspective, recognized privilege, and experienced stress, frustration, and moments of confusion. Many described their PovSim experience as eye-opening, adding that it changed their previous view of rural poverty. 

Although the experience of those living in poverty is similar across geographic areas, there are unique struggles for those in rural communities. Hinton developed the Rural Life Poverty Simulation to provide an experiential educational approach to increase awareness and understanding of rural issues of poverty, highlighting the structural issues that lead to and sustain rural poverty. The PovSim is often used at Hinton with mission teams, but can also be taken “on the road” by Hinton staff and, with the help of local volunteers, held on-site at churches, schools, community centers, and conferences.

The PovSim was created as part of a master’s level research project at Western Carolina University by Rachel Ahrens-Price, a former Hinton summer staffer. It is reasearch based and was edited by many contributors, including Alexis Gregg who created the spreadsheet. The PovSim is currently managed by Hinton’s Director of Program Ministries Rev. Dawn Martin, who has nearly 20 years of experience working with people in poverty. She is aided by Program Ministries Assistant Ella Stilwell, who has a heart and passion for the rural community.

The PovSim is one of several poverty awareness activities Hinton can provide for mission teams and retreat groups. It is also available for churches and community organizations to purchase for local use. For more info on the PovSim and to schedule a PovSim as part of your Hinton experience, contact Dawn Martin at revdawn@hintoncenter.org or 828-389-8336. For more info on purchasing the PovSim, use the button below.

Our Educational Tool Barn not only provides storage space for supplies, tools, and equipment for our home repair ministry, but offers interactive stations for visitors, volunteers, and community members to learn about home maintenance and safety. Funded by The Duke Endowment, the Tool Barn reflects how research plays a significant role in guiding and shaping Hinton’s work in our community to help improve the quality of life for all. Much of our efforts and grant-funding focus over the past several years has been to integrate educational components into our Safe & Healthy Home Repair ministry. 

Visitors to the Tool Barn are treated to an array of engaging display stations around the periphery of the main space. Stations include informational posters along with manipulative objects and technology that illustrate potential safety and health hazards in homes, statistics that highlight the dangers, and practices and products that can help address maintenance and safety needs. Display station topics include include preventing toilet leaks and water damage, misaligned steps, electrical tips, pest control, medicine lock boxes, and more. One large monitor offers interactive quizzes on health and safety concerns in housing.

The Tool Barn is available for tours and presentations for school, civic, and church groups that Hinton staff would be happy to provide. The space is also available for group meetings and events. For more information, to schedule a tour and presentation, inquire about availability and rates, and make reservations, please email info@hintoncenter.org or call 828-389-8336.

Class VIII : Mondays, January 27 – April 14, 2025

Live or work in Clay, Cherokee, or Towns counties and want to see your community thrive? Leadership Chatuge Community Builders provides a solid foundation for you to be a more knowledgeable and effective leader in our rural mountain area. Topics for this 12-week course include: personal leadership styles, regional economic development and opportunities, local history and Appalachian culture, community supports, understanding social determinants of health, and much more. Highlights include speakers who are experts in their fields, networking opportunities, resources, and engaging presentations. (View the 2024 syllabus HERE.) Registration opens October 1.

• For adults and high school students in Clay and Cherokee counties, NC, and Towns County, GA.
• Employers, this is a great opportunity to help new employees get acquainted with the community.
• Class size limited for optimal instruction and interaction.
• 12 weeks; Mondays, 5:30pm-8:30pm; at Hinton Rural Life Center, Hayesville.
• Early-bird tuition is $375, if register by December 31. Includes speakers, weekly dinners, and supplies. After December 31, tuition is $425.
• Applications available online HERE and at Hinton’s administration office.
• Some partial scholarships are available. Apply by January 10. Email jackie@hintoncenter.org include why you’re interested in taking the class. You’ll be notified by January 15 if a scholarship will be provided.
• Applications due/online registration closes at midnight January 17, 2025. 
• If  you or your organization wish to be a sponsor of Leadership Chatuge Community Builders, click HERE.

For scholarship information, to obtain an application, or for more details, email jackie@hintoncenter.org .