Cost of Poverty Experience Scheduled

(Press Release) West Palm Beach, Fla. (September 24, 2026)- Leadership Palm Beach County (LPBC), in partnership with Pathways to Prosperity, will host C.O.P.E.: Cost of Poverty Experience, an interactive poverty simulation designed to help participants better understand the difficult decisions and challenges faced by individuals and families experiencing poverty. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Manatee Lagoon.

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C.O.P.E. is an immersive, hands-on experience that places participants in simulated family situations and challenges them to navigate a month in poverty. Participants may be required to make difficult decisions about housing, employment, childcare, transportation, food, healthcare, and other essential needs - all while working with limited resources and unexpected obstacles. The experience is designed to move beyond statistics and give participants a deeper understanding of the realities and barriers many individuals and families in our community face every day.

“Leadership is strengthened through understanding,” said Lindsey White, Executive Director of Leadership Palm Beach County. “C.O.P.E. provides an opportunity for community and business leaders to step outside their own experiences, gain a new perspective, and better understand the complex challenges associated with poverty. We hope participants leave the event inspired to think differently about how we can work together to create meaningful solutions.”

Leadership Palm Beach County’s mission is to educate and unite leaders to build a better community. Through programs, events, and collaborative initiatives, LPBC brings together diverse leaders and community members to learn about critical issues and create opportunities for positive change. By partnering with Pathways to Prosperity, LPBC is creating an opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue around poverty, economic mobility, and the role that individuals, organizations, and communities can play in supporting pathways toward prosperity.
Community members, business leaders, nonprofit professionals, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of poverty and its impact are encouraged to participate.
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Event Details
What: C.O.P.E.: Cost of Poverty Experience
When: Tuesday, October 20 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Where: Manatee Lagoon, 6000 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Presented by: Leadership Palm Beach County in partnership with Pathways to Prosperity
FREE EVENT. Register in advance only: www.tinyurl.com/COPEpb2026

For more information, visit Leadership Palm Beach County at www.leadershippbc.org.