Credit union helps community leaders understand how it feels to be poor

What does it mean to be poor? You can be well over the poverty line and still be too poor to afford basic necessities. �And the poverty line drives federal and local government programs and services, which means some people who genuinely need help arent eligible--they arent considered "poor enough." CUDE Cathy Brorson, Outreach Coor-dinator for Kitsap CU, was the catalyst behind Kitsap CU and other partners to host "Life on the Edge in Kitsap County," a one-day workshop, poverty simulation and resource fair in Bremerton, WA. Participants experienced first-hand the challenges and obstacles one faces when living in poverty. The primary goals were to provide an experiential learning opportunitya personal and intense journey into the world of povertyfor community leaders, members and service providers to change their perception of, and response to, poverty.� The program struck a chord:� 13 agencies contributed $16,100 and in-kind donations; $2,000 was set aside for scholarships and the sold-out event had 172 participants from business, social service, education, law enforcement, industry and the faith community. As a testament to its success, Life on the Edge received a first place Dora Maxwell Award in Washington at the NWCUA Convention, and second place Dora Maxwell Award at the national level at CUNAs Governmental Affairs Conference, Feb. 2013.