The John T. Vucurevich Foundation (JTVF) is pleased to announce its 2026 series of free public education events, including Poverty and Cliff Effect Escape Room experiences.
The learning experiences are free and open to the public and intended for community members, nonprofit professionals, educators, employers and civic leaders. Businesses that often interact with low-income individuals are highly encouraged to attend.
The Poverty and Cliff Effect events, facilitated by Black Hills Special Services Cooperative and Poverty 101 sessions led by Tracey Palecek, invite individuals from across sectors to better understand the barriers many families face—and to explore how the community can work together to create lasting, equitable solutions for our community.
All sessions are held at The Journey Museum in Rapid City, with Escape Rooms starting at 8:30 AM and Poverty 101 sessions starting at 10:30 AM.
2026 Poverty & Cliff Effect Learning Dates
- Feb. 4: Poverty Escape Room and Poverty 101
- April 1: Cliff Effect Escape Room
- June 3: Poverty Escape Room and Poverty 101
- Aug. 5: Cliff Effect Escape Room and Poverty 101
- Oct. 7: Poverty Escape Room and Poverty 101
- Dec. 2: Cliff Effect Escape Room and Poverty 101
During the Poverty Escape Room, participants must navigate the barriers, stressors, and realities faced daily by people living in the crisis of poverty in Rapid City. In the Cliff Effect Escape Room, participants must work through the unexpected decrease in public benefits that can occur with a small increase in earnings—a hurdle for businesses and workers alike. The Poverty 101 Session explores the dynamics and myths of poverty for attendees from all sectors and fosters a shared understanding of poverty.
JTVF developed this professional development series to help community leaders and local employers deepen their understanding of the challenges faced by families living in poverty. Tailored for Black Hills–area professionals, educators, and employers, the series builds awareness of poverty’s impacts on individuals, families, and the broader community.
“We’re grateful for our partners at Black Hills Special Services Cooperative and Tracey Palecek for helping us bring poverty awareness opportunities to the Rapid City community,” says Jacqui Dietrich, JTVF President and CEO. “Each event is an opportunity for learning and understanding how to lower the barriers many families in our community face and what it takes to create lasting change.”
All of the sessions are free with registration.
