At UrbanSpirit,  we’re committed to changing perceptions.  Our educational program integrates the tenets of faith with the
realities of economics. We ask questions here. Hard questions. You have to, to change the world.  
All our programs are fee-based; program details and current costs are shown below.

            What Can UrbanSpirit do for a non-faith-based group? Good question. We do all the same events, but we leave it to you to make your own faith connections or build on your own foundation of desire for a better world. Call (502-550-1236) or email for more conversation.

Poverty Immersion Week for 6-60 participants, middle school through adult.
Our signature event, the Poverty Immersion Experience is not a typical "mission trip" and more than merely a retreat. We will engage your group by leading you through an experience of living in poverty. From the moment you arrive, you step into the world of the working poor -- those tens of millions of Americans who work hard and never really get anywhere. Poverty, you'll soon see, isn't just about money; it is about what you eat, where you stay, how you work, how much or little control you have over your circumstances, what surprises and anxieties you encounter day-to-day, and how it never ever ends. What would it be like to be a single mother of 3 living on minimum wage in America? We’ll help you find out. You’ll work, live and worship, earning low wages and trying to provide the things your family needs. Of course, no simulation is perfect, but this one will push you to your limits and leave you wondering how we let people live this way. Food, shelter, health care, child care, work, hygiene, transportation, leisure  — all these and more become part of the challenge as your try to build a life from scratch. 

This is a challenging program. You will work hard in conditions you cannot control, eat less than what you're likely accustomed to, and sleep on concrete at least once. For youth and adults, this is a discovery of character, an exploration of faith, an introduction to building relationships across class lines, and a new look at the American dream.  In addition to experiences, activities, studies, and games we've developed, you'll also work with our partner agencies, to shape your simulation experience with a real payday and real-life stories from the neighborhood. When you're done, you'll get a diploma and you'll know that you've earned it.     

Here's what one adult group leader said:  "Tuesday I began to worry, to think that I had led the group in the wrong direction... I thought I would have to pull everyone out and take them some other place... Never have I been so wrong. Not only was this a great place to go, but this was the best mission experience I have ever had."  Read more reflections in our updated guestbook.


                  Adult without a group? Here's a Poverty Immersion Week for you... June 29-July 4, 2008.
You'd like to participate in a poverty immersion week, but don't have a group to bring along? At the request of some adults, we're planning a special event for adults who wish to register without a group. June 29-July 4, you can register alone or with one child age 10 or under. The week will include everything we typically do in a poverty immersion week, geared to adults while accommodating children. We'll even finish on Friday in time for you to join your family for July 4th celebrations. Cost is $275 for adults, $125 for children (limit one child per adult). Please remember that you will be responsible for your child's supervision at all times, and will be a leader in helping your child experience and understand the event. (Youth who have completed 6th grade are encouraged to register with a school or church group and experience this event with peers.)                 

Poverty Leadership Level II — A Life Like Jesus (without the Crucifixion)
You've already done our poverty immersion? Then you're ready for Level 2: Leadership for Church and Community. In this week-long event, you'll learn to bring change and work for justice -- to become a powerful force in your own community. Level 1 is about understanding poverty; Level 2 is about making a difference, a week-long how-to event, including how to be an advocate, talk to your elected officials, challenge stereotypes, build relationships across class lines, and more. To register for this event, you must have completed the Poverty Immersion Week. 

Program Costs

Cost is $275 per person for the Poverty Immersion Week or the Poverty Leadership Level II Week (see below). That includes all program fees and leadership, lodging and meals. If you've been here as a leader and come back again with another group, we'll waive your fee! (Limit one per group.) And if you think costs may keep you away, please call us. We have some scholarships available for those in need. We're available year-round, and there are always open dates for you to choose from.  Groups should plan to arrive on Sunday afternoon and depart on Saturday mid-morning. OFF-SEASON RATES: Bring your group between September 1 and March 1, and pay just $190 per person!

Custom Retreats for groups of 6-60 participants, middle school through adult.
You choose the length of the program, and we’ll integrate lessons of economics and faith.  A single day, a weekend, several days, whatever time you have can make a world of difference. We will design a mini-immersion, or prepare an event for your church group on a biblical theme: the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, the Parables, the Life of Jesus. They’re all about economics, you know. Cost is customized as well.  Email Deb to inquire.

Readers’ Circle — adults only.
At your place or ours, we’ll lead a series of 5 discussions around a provocative book. Recent groups have read Redneck Manifesto: How Hillbillies, Hicks and White Trash Became America’s Scapegoats, by Goad; and Shipler's The Working Poor: Invisible in America.  Cost is $500 for the 5-week session. For groups outside the Louisville area, this can be formatted for a single day (same cost) or a weekend retreat (add $20 per night per person). We can even come to you. Email Deb to inquire about a group event.

Three Hours in Poverty -- for 45-86 participants, older teens and adults
UrbanSpirit, in collaboration with the Coalition for the Homeless, will bring this event to you (in the Louisville area). With a cadre of 15-20 trained volunteers acting as community "resource" providers (pawn broker, banker, social worker, teacher, grocer, employer etc), we'll help you get the feeling of poverty for just a little while. Wrapped in a framework of bible study, this is a great multi-congregation event. Cost is $15/person; host congregation gets 1 free registration for each 5 paid registrations. As host, you provide space, restrooms and coffee/refreshments. $300 deposit required to schedule. Email Deb to inquire.

Box Dinner & Bible Study, for elementary school children and their parents.
We’ll come to you, guide children to think about poverty in the context of a bible story, and include a meal designed to help them remember. Cost: $200 for 2.5-hour program for 24 participants (plus travel, if you're outside the Louisville area). Email Deb to inquire.

Things that make you go "hmmmm."
Okay, not really the name of it (the name was taken), but in 60-75 minutes, we can give you an intro to a reality that may make you ponder. Or cringe. Or cry. Call or email us.

Design Your Own Experience

Retreats
     If your group, board, church council or other organization is looking for a location for a meeting, planning or training event, we're happy to help. Take a look at the facilities... 

Internships and Sabbaticals
     Wherever you are in your vocational journey, we believe you’ll find something here to speak to your life in faith. If you're looking for an interesting and inspirational place to spend a week, month or year, we would love to welcome you. For short-term sabbaticals, we ask for a contribution to help keep the house running. For longer term internships, we actually try to pay you a minimal stipend, as you work in our neighborhood and program.   
     When you come here, you'll live in community, work alongside the neighbors, and devise a plan of reflection that is right for you.

Come and see, come and experience.

     Whether you’re from Louisville or planning to visit from some other place, we believe you’ll find something here that relates to your life in faith. A day, a week, several weeks: whatever you can spend is enough to begin to see a difference.

Call, write or e-mail, and let us help plan an event for you or your group:

502-550-1236
ravdeb@urbanspirit.org