Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here. My name is ______ and I’ll be facilitating today’s session, along with ______ as my co-pilot. If you have any questions or need support, please message <moderator> directly in the chat.

We’ve had the privilege of working with CareSource for a long time, and we deeply respect the work your organization does. For this Virtual COPE, we redesigned the experience with you in mind—drawing from listening sessions with both members and member-facing staff. Our goal is to create an authentic simulation that connects to your work and to CareSource’s mission: keeping members at the heart of everything.

Today’s training is interactive and memorable. Together we’ll step into the life of a family navigating one week in poverty. You’ll make decisions, face barriers, and reflect on what that means for the members you serve. We’ll use features like breakout rooms and the chat box, so please keep your webcam on if possible—we’d love to see you! Take a moment to rename your video square with your real name if needed.

Before we dive in, type in the chat one thing you hope to gain from today. And please know—sometimes this experience can stir emotions. Some of you may have lived through poverty personally, or know someone close who has. Others may not. Either way, it’s okay to take a break or reach out to <moderator> privately if needed.

Poverty looks different across communities, and today you’ll see just one story that was informed by CareSource Members realities. While that can feel limiting, our hope is it opens a window into deeper understanding and connection.

To begin, we’ll watch a short video from Heather, our Training Director who worked with CareSource staff and members. Heather’s short video will help us set our hearts and minds for the session. Afterward, we’ll start with a few trivia questions to ground us in the realities of poverty in America and the members experience. 

Alright, let’s get started!