BPW sponsors The Reality Store®

The Reality Store® program that has been sponsored by the Indiana Business and Professional Women since 1990 evolved from the "Women Helping Girls with choices" project that was started in Santa Barbara, Calif. A young mother came to the Girl's Cub there, in tears, because she couldn't pay her rent and feed her two children properly. She reportedly cried, "Why didn't somebody tell me what it would be like when I grew up?"

The goals of the Reality Store are (1) to help all students learn basic skills in financial planning, goal setting, decision making and career planning (2) to clarify the need for young women and men to examine their futures and their career expectations (3) to motivate students to stay in school, stay away from drugs and avoid pregnancy.

Students are prepared head of time by selecting an occupation they are interested in and obtaining the salary for that occupation. They also draw for marital status and number of children. On the day of the Store, they must visit the Bank to have Uncle Sam's share taken out in taxes. They must also visit booths for housing and utilities, child care, groceries, transportation, insurance, home furnishings and clothing. Volunteer workers from the local communities are given a chance to give guidance to the students as they make their choices.

The Winchester BPW is pleased that the Reality Store is now being offered to all middle school students in Randolph County. It is a great eye-opening experience for the students as well as the volunteer workers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer worker at one of the Reality Stores being planned, contact your local Middle School and they will be able to tell you when their next one is being planned or contact Joyce Nessel, Randolph County Reality Store Coordinator (765)584-0750.