WKMS News presents a new documentary: Living on the Line: Poverty in Western Kentucky.
Living on the Line tells the story of three families, each making less than a living wage. They share stories of dealing with hardships, trying to move forward and staying optimistic in spite of their situations. Each family has hope for better days and works to get out of poverty.
Producing the hour-long program was made possible by working families welcoming reporters into their homes and offering candid perspectives on their lives and aspirations.
In our listening area, nearly 1 in 5 people live below the poverty level at 18.6 percent, almost four percentage points more than the national average. But that’s not counting those who are above the federal definition of poverty—$18,769 for a single mom with two kids—but below the living wage—$43,430 for that same family group in McCracken County.
WKMS reporter Whitney Jones talks with 38-year-old military veteran Joseph Lee Taylor as he studies business at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, a course of action he took after losing his job at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. WKMS News Director Chad Lampe speaks with Angie Smith, a single mom without her high school diploma who works a variety of jobs from dog grooming to housecleaning. And WKMS reporter Allison Crawford tells Khara Gaskamp’s story of being a single mom of two kids while studying for a nursing degree.
Living on the Line: Angie's Story:
Living on the Line: Joseph's Story:
Living on the Line: Khara's Story:
This program originally aired August 29. and August 31.