WAXAHACHIE, Texas – Oct. 21, 2025 – Nelson University students, faculty, alumni, and community leaders came together this week for the Cost of Poverty Experience (COPE), an immersive 2.5-hour simulation designed to deepen understanding of the daily realities faced by families living in poverty.

Hosted in the Sheaffer Center, the event was sponsored by the Waxahachie Section Assemblies of God pastors and facilitated by Unite DFW. The experience brought together a diverse group of participants, including students from Nelson’s Education, Humanitarian Relief and Development, Intercultural Studies, Church Leadership, and Social Work programs, as well as pastors and representatives from local ministries and service organizations.

Community partners such as Teen Challenge, Unite Ellis, Backyard Orphans, First Look, The Heights, and Convoy of Hope contributed to the event. Jason Bachman, Church Engagement Director for Convoy of Hope, even traveled from Springfield, Missouri, to participate and share insights from his organization’s nationwide work addressing poverty and community needs.

“We believed in the mission of Unite DFW and the COPE experience because it simulates real life by engaging every sector of the community: churches, nonprofits, businesses, government, healthcare, and education. Participants leave with a renewed perspective and a desire to serve,” said Eli Mercer, County Champion for Unite Tarrant. “It gives students and community leaders the opportunity to sit together, share perspectives, and better understand the challenges many families face every day.”

Several Nelson University Social Work graduates also returned to serve as volunteers for the event, all of whom are now working professionally in the Ellis County area. Those alumni included:

• Nicole Bailey, The Heights Ellis County
• Dr. Lacey Godsby, Department of Social Work Practicum Coordinator
• Dinga “Ochienga” Ochinka, First Look
• Briana Lara, First Look
• Kaitlyn Scheitler, Unite Ellis
• Professor Rachelle Rial, Department of Social Work Coordinator

Dinga “Ochienga” Ochinka, who participated in the simulation in previous years, reflected on what the experience revealed about systemic challenges in the U.S.

“Here in the United States, there is a lot of support available for those experiencing poverty,” Ochinka said. “But there are also deep, systematic issues that make it difficult for people to break free from the cycle. Experiences like this help us see both the compassion and the complexity needed to make a real difference.”

Through guided scenarios and group discussion, participants stepped into the roles of individuals navigating limited resources and systemic barriers. The experience offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how collaboration between faith-based and community organizations can foster lasting change.

“It was significant to see our local pastors and church leadership students participate in this experience,” said Dr. Rennae de Freitas, Chair of the Intercultural Studies Department and organizer of the event. “Effective ministry leaders need to understand the needs of their congregations as well as the vulnerable populations in their local communities. This simulation equips future pastors to identify local resources, partner with nonprofits, and connect people with practical support. It prepares them to lead with compassion informed by real-world understanding.”

Nelson University proudly offers many hands-on learning opportunities, where their students can begin to have real-world experiences to accompany classroom learning and develop compassionate action that influences real-world impact.