Help Family from "Growing Up Poor in America" Film

Hi friends. Please join me in helping Crystal and her three children, Shawn, Edward and Dior. I first learned about the family when I happened to watch the PBS Frontline documentary, "Growing Up Poor in America." It was filmed in The Plains, Ohio in March 2020 just as Covid-19 was taking hold.

This 53-minute special by acclaimed director, Jezza Neumann, follows the children of families living in poverty. I also grew up in the Midwest and was immediately drawn to then 13-year-old Shawn, who was most prominently featured in the film. I could not get over how this teenager was so wise, brave, and decent in spite of his circumstances. Watch the documentary and I bet you too will be touched by how Shawn and his mother, Crystal, recover from illness and tragedy. 

This film had such a hold on me that I snooped around and made contact with Crystal and got her permission to start this Go Fund Me page. I have now been friends with the family for almost five years, visiting them annually.

Please consider contributing what you can. Thank you so much!

Ching

P.S. Please see the latest update on the family (August 2024) in the Updates section below. Thank you to this wonderful community.