Entergy recently teamed up with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana for an immersive poverty simulation aimed at helping participants better understand the challenges faced by ALICE households — people who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed. Although these households may earn more than the federal poverty threshold, many still struggle to cover the basic costs of everyday life.

The event brought together approximately 140 participants, including policymakers and Entergy stakeholders focused on improving the support available to families experiencing financial hardship.

Hosted at the New Orleans Saints Indoor Practice Facility, the simulation placed participants in roles modeled on realistic family circumstances. During four simulated “weeks,” they had to find and maintain housing, arrange childcare, secure transportation and keep employment while dealing with unexpected crises. These included eviction threats, reduced income, medical expenses and difficulties accessing essential services.

Various stations throughout the facility represented organizations and services that families commonly depend on, including schools, employers, community action agencies, utility providers, childcare services and payday and title loan businesses. Participants had to navigate these systems while dealing with limited resources, long lines and other obstacles that can make assistance difficult to obtain.

Rob Hatley, Entergy’s group vice president of corporate affairs and communications, opened the event by emphasizing the importance of understanding the experiences of the communities the company serves.

“At Entergy, our mission goes beyond providing reliable power. It includes strengthening the communities we serve and supporting the people who call them home,” Hatley said. He added that the simulation provided an opportunity for participants to experience, even briefly, the difficult decisions and barriers faced by customers with limited incomes.

Several policymakers also took part, gaining a more direct understanding of the pressures many constituents encounter. Jody Montelaro, vice president of public affairs for Entergy Louisiana, said experiences such as the simulation can help policymakers connect the issues they hear about from constituents with the realities behind those concerns.

“Our team works year-round to ensure policymakers have an accurate and complete understanding of what customers are facing,” Montelaro said. She noted that unexpected expenses, financial emergencies and difficulties accessing services are challenges frequently raised by constituents, making firsthand understanding particularly valuable.

The simulation ended with a group reflection session. Participants described the experience as both revealing and humbling, highlighting how quickly an unexpected expense or disruption can destabilize a household operating with little financial cushion.

Entergy employee Vonda Flentroy-Rice said the exercise gave her a deeper appreciation of the pressures experienced by people with limited financial resources. She described the experience as eye-opening and impactful, saying it strengthened her understanding of the everyday difficulties faced by low-income customers and reinforced the importance of finding ways to provide greater support.

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By day, Jim Watts plays a key role on the Regions Consumer Risk Services Team. But on Thursday morning, he stepped into a different role—sharing practical wisdom with students from Wenonah High School’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism.

The occasion was Regions' Reality Check, a dynamic financial literacy event where students participated in a rapid-fire strategy simulation designed to teach real-life money management skills.

Watts’ message focused on the financial drain of unchecked subscription services—often overlooked, yet damaging to budgets.

“We’re helping them build essential decision-making skills for when they’re managing households, careers, and children,” Watts explained. “It’s rewarding to see those ‘aha’ moments when they connect the dots and understand the financial pressures their families face.”

This Reality Check session took place during the opening round of the 2025 Regions Tradition, under the shade of the new Coca-Cola® Spectator Village tent, positioned beside the driving range. While professional golfers warmed up for the tournament, Keren Treme, Financial Education Trainer at Regions, delivered engaging financial insights to the students.

“Financial literacy underpins nearly everything you want to achieve in life,” said Treme, who also represents the Regions Better Life Institute. “And it all begins with how you manage money.”

During the activity, students were randomly assigned a job, salary, and family size, then challenged to make realistic financial decisions—covering everything from streaming services and groceries to housing and transportation. But the real test came with life's surprises.

“Unexpected expenses,” noted Amy Jones from Regions. “Think flat tires, medical visits, speeding tickets, or trips to the dentist.”

As Jones listed these scenarios, groans from the students revealed their growing awareness.
That kind of reaction was exactly what Wenonah teacher Diann Pilgrim hoped for. A longtime faculty member and early contributor to the Academy since its 2014 launch, Pilgrim has worked closely with Treme, whose financial workshops are a recurring part of the curriculum.
The visit to Greystone Golf and Country Club is something the students look forward to for months. By their junior year, they get the opportunity to attend the Regions Tradition and see personal finance in action.

“It’s a powerful moment when they realize what their parents or guardians are juggling financially,” Pilgrim shared. “That’s the essence of a true reality check.”

But the experience extends beyond budgeting lessons.

“This event also ties into tourism, which is the career field our students are pursuing,” Pilgrim added. “They look forward to this every year—not just for the learning, but for the fun and exposure to their future industry.”