It's estimated that by the end of the year, more than 120,000 additional Virginians will live in poverty.

On Saturday, citizens around the state gathered at different sites to discuss this growing problem.

About 20 Valley residents were at Blue Ridge Community College sharing stories about how poverty has affected their lives. One participant, Barbara Lee, came for a reason.

"I came because I came from poverty. And I know what it's like to struggle. But I'm looking at today's doors that are open to our children today and we need to move past this. Stop looking for excuses to stay on this same level," says Lee.

Cristin Springer helped run the event, and says Lee's not alone.

"People that were here are looking to make changes in our folks and our community and help those that are living in poverty," says Springer.

Lee says she's happy she's not alone in this fight.

"It's a community thing. It's not about money. It's about who we need to turn to for support," says Lee.

She says she's participated in numerous discussions on poverty. One of the topics that was focused on was education, which Lee says is one of the biggest factors for future generations.

"But we need to put these discussions into action. We need to move on these discussions," says Lee.

She says she's ready to start working for a better community, no matter what.

"I need a running buddy. Because I can't do it by myself. But if I have to, I'm going to start making a change in this community," says Lee.

She adds that she's the perfect example of someone getting a better life, and she wouldn't change one thing about it.

"But I don't regret it. I do not regret being brought up on the rough side. Because it taught me that you don't have to stay there. You can move on," says Lee.

All of Saturday's comments will be sent to Gov. Tim Kaine, who requested these statewide discussions to help his poverty reduction task force find solutions.

There will also be a Poverty Square on display at BRCC for the next two weeks.