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 doing away with a daily coffee shop latte 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.
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?
Want to see a sneak peek?
“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
