Walking 8 miles for GED classes l Hidden America: Children of the Mountains PART 2/6

Summary

In Kentucky, 12-year-old Courtney and her family struggle with poverty and addiction. Her mother, Angel, is determined to secure a better future for her children by obtaining her GED despite the challenges of drug abuse and lack of transportation. The family of 12 shares a cramped living space, and Courtney dreams of simple luxuries like boots like Hannah Montana's. Angel's journey to education is fraught with obstacles, but her determination, supported by her mother's faith, brings hope for a brighter day.

Takeaways

• 🏡 Courtney and her family live in a crowded house with 12 people, including her mom, her mom's boyfriend, and her grandparents.
• 😢 Courtney's mom, Angel, is struggling with drug addiction, which has caused emotional distress and instability for the family.
• 🚶‍♀️ The family lacks transportation, which prevents them from getting jobs and accessing essential services.
• 📚 Courtney has a dream of owning boots like Hannah Montana's and is focused on her education despite the hardships.
• 🥶 The family often faces food scarcity, with their food stamps barely covering their needs, and fresh produce being a luxury.
• 🏢 Angel is determined to improve her situation by attending a GED class, walking long distances to attend despite the harsh conditions.
• 🎓 Angel successfully obtains her GED, opening up potential job opportunities and a chance to move off welfare.
• 🏠 Angel and her boyfriend manage to rent a rundown house, which they fix up, providing a more stable home environment for the family.
• 🙏 Courtney's grandmother, Dinah, is the family's spiritual pillar, offering strength and hope through her faith and prayers.
• 🎵 The community's resilience is evident in their participation in church activities and the shared hope for a better future.

Q & A

What is the main issue faced by Courtney and her family?

Courtney and her family are dealing with drug addiction, as her mother is hooked on drugs, which has led to financial instability and a lack of a stable home.

How many people are living together in Courtney's grandparents' house?

There are 12 people living together in Courtney's grandparents' house, including Courtney, her sister, her mother's boyfriend, two uncles, and other family members.

What are Courtney's two simple wishes?

Courtney wishes to have a home for her, her mother, and her sisters, and she also wishes to own boots with little fake fur on the top like the ones Hannah Montana wears on TV.

What is the financial situation of Courtney's family regarding food?

Courtney's family struggles with affording food, sometimes running out of essentials like bread and meat, and having to rely on butter and ranch dressing when they are out of other options.

Why is it difficult for Bill to get a job?

Bill, Courtney's mother's boyfriend, has difficulty getting a job because they do not have a car to commute to and from work.

What is the prescription drug abuse rate in Eastern Kentucky compared to major cities?

Eastern Kentucky has a prescription drug abuse rate that is twice that of major cities like New York or Miami.

What is the significance of the GED class for Angel, Courtney's mother?

The GED class is significant for Angel because obtaining her GED could increase her chances of getting a job, which would help her get off welfare and provide a better future for her children.

What is the role of Dinah, Angel's mother, in the family?

Dinah, Angel's mother, is the rock of the family, providing strength and faith, and praying for her family's success and well-being.

What is the condition of the house Angel and her boyfriend found to rent?

Angel and her boyfriend found a rundown house to rent for $400 a month, with the condition that they fix it up themselves.

What does the Sunday offering at the church amount to?

The Sunday offering at the church amounts to a dollar and 85 cents.

What is the emotional state of the children and adults in the family, as depicted in the script?

The children, including Courtney, show signs of worry and wariness, while the adults, including Angel, appear ravaged by exhaustion and defeat, indicative of the struggles they face.