family

The new Making Choices (ALICE simulator) experience offers a unique, interactive way to help individuals grasp the real-life challenges that low to mid-income families face in our community. By stepping into the shoes of ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—participants will navigate everyday scenarios that illuminate the tough decisions these individuals must make regarding education, health, and financial stability. This short online experience fosters empathy and understanding and highlights the vital role that organizations like United Way Southwest Louisiana play in bridging gaps and providing essential resources. Through this newfound awareness, participants can recognize our work's significance and its impact on creating a more equitable community for all.

Simulation Purpose

  • Gain a better understanding of the realities of living in poverty
  • Understand how United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community.
  • Learn how you can help end poverty in our community.

Make 1 Choice For Each:

  • Housing
  • Healthcare
  • Food
  • Transportation
  • Technology
  • Child Care
  • Utilities
  • Spending Money

15 Credits & 8 Decisions

  • You will have options worth between 1 and 3 credits for each of the eight categories.
  • Where will you choose 3 credits and where will you choose 1.
  • Will you have 1 meal a day or 3? 
  • Have healthcare or not?Let's see what you decide ...

Family of 4

You are a family of four: yourself, your partner, your two children ages 3 and 10.

You and your partner both earn $15/hour.

Your family's annual income is $62,400.

 

YOUR MONTHLY INCOME COMES IN THE FORM OF 15 CREDITS

 

Two Parents, Two Kids
HOUSING - SELECT ONE
Studio apartment (1 bedroom), 1 bath, unfurnished, no patio/deck/yard, street parking only, stove only
3 bedroom apartment, 1 bath unfurnished, covered patio, 1 covered parking space, stove and refrigerator
2 bedroom house, 1 1/2 bath, unfinished, small fenced yard, 2 car garage, stove, refrigerator and dishwasher

HEALTH CARE - SELECT ONE
No health insurance, you pay for all health related costs
Health insurance for you through your employer but no health insurance for your family members
Health insurance for you and your family through your employer

FOOD PER PERSON - SELECT ONE

TRANSPORTATION - SELECT ONE
No public transportation

TECHNOLOGY ACCESS - SELECT ONE
no computer or tv
no cable or computer

CHILD CARE - CHOOSE ONE
an unreliable family member a few times a week, may not be available
reliable family member or neighbor, three times a week
All week full service childcare, during work hours

UTILITIES - CHOOSE ONE
Skip this month's bill, face disconnect services

SPENDING MONEY - CHOOSE ONE
No extra money left after bills are paid
$20 extra left over each week after all the bills are paid
$50 extra left over each week after all the bills are paid

Remaining Credits


Housing2

Housing3

Health1

Healthcare2

Healthcare3

Food1

Food2

Food3

Transportation1

transportation2

transportation3

technology1

technology2

technology3

Childcare 1

childcare2

Childcare3

Utility1

Utility2

Utility3

Spending1

Spending2

Spending3

15

You are OUT OF CREDITS!

25%