An Eye-Opening Experience on Making Ends Meet
Step into the shoes of a struggling family with United Way’s 30|30 Experience. Navigate real-life scenarios, make tough decisions, and learn what daily life is like for low-wage earners.
Ever wonder why some people just can’t get ahead, even when they have more than one job?
United Way of Central Maryland’s 30|30 Experience reveals that escaping economic hardship takes much more than giving up a daily coffee or poor budgeting skills. The 30|30 Experience is a powerful online, interactive session that reveals why so many hardworking people can’t make ends meet.
To experience the 30|30 Experience yourself, join our next virtual Discovery Session on July 16 at 10:30 a.m. ET. RSVP today!
What To Expect
You’ll find out what it feels like to work hard-sometimes in more than one job-but still be unable to cover all your basic expenses.
In real-life scenarios, you’ll experience in 90 riveting minutes what day-to-day life is really like for the working poor as you navigate 30 days of difficult, often life-altering decisions by assuming the identity of a parent in a low-income household.
Whether the 30|30 Experience opens your eyes to the struggles others face-or affirms your lived experience-you’ll come away better equipped to share with others the challenges and choices the working poor face every day.
What Would You Do?
Sample scenarios you’ll experience:
- You want to move to a safer apartment, but can’t afford the security deposit.
- Your child is sick, but you can’t take time off work.
- Your car breaks down, but your credit card is maxed out.
“You will interactively walk in the shoes of a head of family who is asset-limited, income-constrained, employed (ALICE) and the daily real-world decisions they make in a month. It was stressful and made me feel anxious at the end of the simulated month, but I have a greater appreciation of how resilient an ALICE family must be. It was very impactful, and I think you will get a lot out of the experience.”
– United Way board member
The 30|30 Experience is available to individuals, workplaces, or large groups throughout the year.
Participating Companies & Organizations
Note: If you have lived or are living with limited assets, this experience may evoke strong emotions.
Curious about the 30|30 Experience?
“It was great because, for those who have never had to live this scenario, it can be an eye-opener and impactful to look at people living this real-life scenario and not be so judgmental. It also gives you a better understanding that sometimes, no matter how hard you work and try, it still may never be enough.”
CareFirst Employee
