Diana overcomes her fears to forge a new path in the U.S. Percy worries about Beverly’s declining health. Takita struggles with abdominal pain and DJ attempts to reconcile with his father. Emilia gets ready to tell her story in front of a group of high school kids. Welcome to our Sunday release. And we are putting our heads together with the production company for a possible follow-up series. I’ll keep you posted but a little patience is required. Thanks guys
Hilton is with another woman now, takita and dejaun are married and have more kids. Elizabeth and her husband are still together w more kids. Would be cool to get a 10 year anniversary update. Wonder what happened to the girl Hilton was with?
I agree. Def been there before... eff that kind of stress! I looked him up on FB btw and it looks like he and Diana are no longer together, which in my opinion was a GOOD thing!
Me too!! I cried a little when his car broke down and I could hear him crying in frustration. I'm so happy for him that he got such and awesome promotion!! He's worked so hard and deserves it. I also hope he and his wife are doing well.
Like he’s not all there. Kind of just going with the motions of life. Makes me wonder, but not want to know, what he saw that made him lose the life in his eyes.
He seemed clinically depressed. He just has this pained, haunted look in his eyes and I worry that he might just give up. I pray he gets some help/support and that all of these wonderful people can catch a break and maybe even get to work a little bit less and enjoy life a little more, rest, relax etc!
@@loridontcaretotellu6497 agreed. Definitely looks like lost motivation and depression. Seems like he didn't really have anyone to talk to about that; even his wife. I feel for him.
Same. I think deep inside he knows he made a mistake marrying that woman and buying that house. Now they have added one or more kids to the equation. I just want to hug him tightly !
Yep. I'm more grateful now, realizing I have no debts, have savings, okay-paying hospital job without a degree, car that I bought with cash and good portfolio in crypto investments. Really blessed. ☺
Update: 2022 Elizabeth is now an Assistant Principal! Not sure if she is still with her husband but she still has his name. And I think Emilia got a job in the unionized trades again, at least for a while. Hilton and Diana broke up soon after this and he has twins (again!) with another woman called Maria Rodriguez.
José didn’t seem smart enough for her, and she was an immature, spoiled little princess. She flipped out every time it looked like she might not get what she wanted.
@@genxx2724tbh he wasn't but he was handsome. Probably someone to "fix". I sort of feel for her, she had her life together and he was a mess. I mean getting a D. Couldn't even be a C? I feel for him though, the way this country treats it's Vets. She probably feels as a woman, that her man should be able to provide more, make more, secure more. He feel quite short. Hopefully he's doing better now.
@@djm2189 She said in the first episode he was sexy. On their first date he TOLD her he was still married. She should have run. Pathetic that she got excited over his D and said he joined the ranks of “the educated Latinos”. Gimme a break. You could see he wasn’t buying it. I’d like to know what the math class was. I can’t get a C in anything higher than arithmetic. 🤣 But I can understand basic finance and compound interest. It was the only class he took that semester, but he did have a full time job and responsibility for his son. This is why parents tell their kids to get their education before taking on any responsibilities.
Loved this documentary. Emilia was my favorite. She was so awesome being a motivational speaker to young adults. Her story made me cry. So glad she was able to finally find a better job & not have to work weekends anymore. Loved how this documentary showed ppl of all ethnicities. Making less than $35,000 a year is hard enough in rural Iowa I can't imagine living in bigger cities likes most of them did. Happy for all of them to finally move on to bigger & better things. They all deserve to be happy & not have to worry about money all the time.
I really admire Percy . He is a good example of a man. Young men today would benefit from seeing him and older men like him, they remember you have to crawl before you walk,have humility and keep pushing. Enjoy seeing all these men being true men.
This series was absolute gold. It highlights the fact that you don't have to go out sell drugs, burglarise, home invade or inflict violence on others in order to make it in life. All of these individuals face life head on and roll with the punches to become productive and positive members of our society. Kudos to all of you.
I think some people are underestimating the amount of stress elizabeth was under. shes financially supporting her man, his kid, his mom, and her parents. everyone in her life is eating off her paycheck.
But she chose that lifestyle. Nobody forced her into it. Sometimes she thinks she has the final say in everything just because she makes more money. And constantly brings it up to win arguments.
I am glad she went from "I was not born to work" to "I work 5 days a week", especially since her husband was working a ton and living in a garage She grew up
@@27Killermike he’s not at the job he had at this time but he’s currently employed as a safety manager after being a safety engineer for a while. They make upwards of $70k and lows in high $40k’s so not bad at all given his circumstances previously !
The family with the high school counselor I know she's now a principal. I think they possibly may have another kid IIRC? Overall seem to have moved to a much more stable financial situation my guess is if she's a principal now
Elizabeth has so much on her plate. I get how she needs to help her elderly parents but she is supporting them. Where are her other family members? Her husband is trying to make his way but she is the backbone of both families.
That is exactly when men cry. He had so much on his plate...He probably just needed some starter fluid on that old Honda, but it was the straw that broke the camel's back.
Definitely the best docu series about working class people I ever watched on TH-cam. Hope all of them are still doing well. Very hard working, resilient people for sure. a follow up after 10 years would be great.
No its funny insted of doing a complete tune up he decided to keep the car as is no one sells a car cause they love it lol usually its junk and you need preventive maintanance apperantly not lol
It saddens me how loyal Takita felt she had to be to that job due to their financial situation. YOU should ALWAYS be your FIRST priority. Companies will replace you at the drop of a dime...your children can not! YOUR HEALTH is always a priority....f*ck that job (any job) if they don't prioritize that, especially for a great employee. I know this documentary is older, but I sure hope health wise she is better and has elevated her skillset and moved on from such a cruel and insensitive work environment! We are all worthy of being respected and valued as human beings!
emilia's story and speech in this episode brought me to tears. I dont have a drug issue of any sort, but I've lived in the darkest of moments in my life that I wasnt sure it'd let me see tomorrow because I didnt want to wake up and live. Today I am thankful I didnt follow thru with the plans I had in my head because I'd be dead. I have a 16 year old son and he is my life. He saved me!
Right, the fact that the principle balance on their mortgage was still the same after 13yrs is crazy! What really gets me is how they have all of those ADULT MALE children, and no one is able to help them out (significantly help)!
@@tezh5897 They must have taken equity out. I agree, it seems the sons could kick in to keep them going, especially because that house is headquarters for the entire extended family.
What's sad is they paid $79,000 for their house making 90,000 annually with both their incomes. They could have paid their house off in 2 years and been debt free. It's simple math. Sometimes people can't see the forest for the trees. Think out of the box and make temporary sacrifices.
How is it that Walgreens, a place that supposed to be about Health, did not give this woman time off to go see a doctor? I would love to see an update on all of the people shown in the series.
Yep! This is why I hate giant corporations where shareholders view employees as numbers and need profit profit PROFIT even if the working man gets screwed over.
man..I see myself a lot in José..I also didn't celebrate my graduation because I had just been fired from my internship and I needed to pass the exam to be able to practice law here in Brazil..and when I passed I didn't have time to stay happy for the achievement because I had to think about the bills to pay..it's hard to be born poor and not have financial support from anyone..in my case, not even my family ever believed in me and helped me with something..
Everyone making minimum wage or under $20 an hour needs to leave California. It’s too damn expensive to live there. I don’t understand why people try to make a living there on $12 an hour
I enjoyed this series a lot. Reminded me immediately of MTV's "True Life," which was one of the network's more real and influential shows. Everyone's stories were unique but I was pained most by Emilia's. I wanted to just shout to her that she was/is not a failure; she's overcome so much. I'm glad she found better-paying work and the freedom to ride that bike again.
@@sarahsimpkins1311 IKR? True life really hit. They invented reality TV with the real world IMO and they had some awesome documentaries when no one else was going it.
Hilton and Diana are no longer together, but Hilton has a son with his new lady. DJ and Tikita ARE still together and it looks like they've had another baby girl! That's all I was able to gather based on simple Facebook searches lol.
I became so attached to every single person in this documentary . I felt their struggles as I've been through some of them myself and I just hope everyone is better off now after 10 years.
I very happy for Percy got a permanent job and raised. Seemed like it had been long way for him to come around and I hope he his wife can keep that home for the retirement and for their kids too. Congrats to all of them that their situation gotten much better.
My thoughts after watching all the episodes: There was something about Percy & Bev that really spoke to me. I loved their personalities & hope they’re still doing okay. I’m so glad Percy at the job at the machine shop. Emilia’s speech brought tears to my eyes. I’m glad she got a better job and time to ride her bike. I know Sweet Tomatoes went under, so I hope Hilton is doing okay. He’s so hard working. And who I am most concerned about is Elizabeth. The impression I got was that she loved Jose a lot more than he loved her. I could be totally wrong, but that’s how it looked. She was so motivated and caring, and Jose never seemed to be satisfied or happy. I just hope that maybe he sought counseling because he seemed depressed. I feel like that could put a huge strain on their marriage.
@@SF-ob8tj he isn't negative he is realistic and he isn't depressed or not happy he is broken from his service to the country being in a war and seeing things and doing things that haunt him affect the rest of his life.
@@shari9721 that's what I came to say. I think he loves and adores her too, or he wouldn't have worked hard to do what she wanted. I think he probably has some ptsd. And I hope he sees this comment, and goes to the VA and applies for disability. You can get VA disability and still work full time. That would give them the extra income needed, so he could get a job he loved even if it doesn't pay as much as the boring clerical job. Being in a job you aren't happy at, is miserable.
Hilton is such a great guy and works hard to improve his life. He deserves a better girl than her. It broke my heart when he lost his babies. He should have taken the opportunity to move on. She said it all when she said she wasn't born to work. But he loves her so he gonna have to learn the hard way. Poor guy.
I think Diana was a bit immature and sheltered, but she was also only 18 and went through a lot. Moving to a new country, getting her first job, and losing her babies. I’m sure she’s matured since this was filmed.
Exactly, it is harder. I been trying to find a job that fits at my age, because I'm 60 and it's been hard. I'm facing eviction, and everything just keeps going backwards.
I take for granted the fact that we don’t pay for medical bills in the UK. I can’t imagine getting a bill for $13,000 😮 Jose and Elizabeth clearly love each other but they’re living beyond their means so unless they make some changes, who knows? Amelia is such a strong, authentic human being and doing the motivational talk to those young people was so lovely ❤
He made a huge mistake marrying that woman and buying that house and saddlilng himself with supporting her parents. Now they have added one or more kids to the situation. I cry for him. His eyes look like he has no hope left in his life.
@@justmeiniowaNo doubt. Like they really needed to add another mouth or two to feed. Absolutely nothing wrong with people bringing a child or dog into the picture living beyond their means.
@zum zum i was born in the UK and have lived here my whole life. Obviously, for prescription medication, if you’re working you have to pay. I’m talking about operations and medical treatment at hospital, which is free in the UK through our National Health Service.
Jose and Elizabeth probably made the best decision out of all the people featured. The house they bought at 313k 10 years ago, now would be worth probably almost a million dollars lol. And they are doing well now from what other people are saying/what I found.
If anyone wants to go deeper into this disparity in wages, I'd recommend a book called "Nickeled and Dimed" by Barbara Ehrenreich. Thank you so very much for these very personalized portraits. I think it should be shown in all schools!
Watching Emilia speak made this grown man cry. Not because I can relate, I’ve never done drugs or drink, it’s because the lack of empathy I had for others around me growing up who struggled with their addiction. I feel so selfish because I hated dope fiends and drunks and not caring what they’ve gone through that lead them to their downfall. I’m sobbing as I’m writing this. I feel a big relief off my shoulders.
I thought the same thing. It looks a lil outdated for the price they paid. For that price I would expect a more modernized and bigger house but I guess it depends on location
Hats off and much respect to dejaun Jackson for informing people about them great benefits and personal rights against workplace harassment and inferior working conditions. Union jobs provide good pay benefits and pension retirements
I live in Australia, where minimum wage is $21 and possibly going to $24 this year (2023). The only reason our country has had a culture of fair wages is because people like my parents unionized and picketed for it. Since the 70s, there has been a solid middle class, and although it's being tested now (this is an expensive country to live in) I am proud of what our people did for its future generations.😊
Dang! After 5 episodes, I'm feeling for all of these ppl, as if they were my friends. I hope, they are all doing well in their lives. Much love to all of them. 💕 Greetings from Europe.
Wow, watching this series real got me looking inside my life and have plans to work for me in the future. I'm happy that they were able to share their stories with us. Please, have a update with more series this year of 2023. Thanks
Love this series and really looking forward to an updated version if possible! I'm so happy for Percy that he got hired by the company and my heart sank when Hilton had the car breakdown. I got tearful listening to Emilia speak and hope she was able to continue because she was well received and the kids identified with her. I cheered seeing her able to ride her beloved motorcycle! She is a wonderful lady I would enjoy talking to. Actually I think they ALL are good people I'd love to hang out with!
@@hotfudgecake At no time in the history of the US have deadbeats been given more handouts... to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars per person. In most states you can earn far more sitting on @$$ collecting welfare, snap, state benefits, medicaid, etc, etc, etc, than you can working a full time job. Let's not forget free housing, free TV, free internet, free cell phone, free computers, the list goes on... All paid for by the hardworking taxpayer. But yea keep crying about "difficult times"
I’m a Similar situation and doing it with MS and alone for most of it , did recently get a good stable job in the automotive industry manufacturing vehicles , $22.78 too start opposed too the $16 an hour I was paid at most the past industries I’ve been in which is still better then most on this program and still struggle hard! Hats off too all of these warriors doing what they do on much less somehow , Update series please !!!!
Seems like the young lady working at Walgreens is going through an emotional break down “ mental health issues “ they can become very physical where you think it’s a physical disease meaning something wrong with the body . Stress is a huge factor. No job or no one is worth your mental health ever !!!!!!! Hope she makes the hard decisions for her health either way she will be blessed for it !
This series is so eye opening. I live in the other part of the world and have similar struggles as some of people in this documentary. Not ever being adicted, living irresponsible, having sick leave or being emigrant etc. And i do struggle, because i don t have a rich husband to support me in my fifties. And achieving anything with one salary is mission of failing over and over again. Especially if standard is having your own appartment, car, affording 1 holiday a year. Even if we ditch having own place to live in it s hard, so damn hard. I hope for all the best for Emilia, others are all coupled up and will do it somehow.
What an docu series! I, like so many others would love to see where they are today. Thank you for this and I hope all the best for everyone that goes thru the same grind. You will make it!
When he brought that pit bull home, I was thinking he should get his financials stabilized first, what with a new house and all. Glad his wife pushed back. Dogs can be expensive, especially vet care.
She was the one that insisted on an egnagement ring that was double the amount that Jose had to spend. Instead of accepting what she could afford she paid for the other half herself because she is a spoiled brat. That is NOT the way to start a marriage.
Jose and Elizabeth's biggest issue in my eyes are pushing a lifestyle they can't afford realistic goals are pushed aside striving for a lifestyle they can't grasp. I watched the whole series and it was just mistake after mistake, they don't have a salary issue per say like everyone else in the show, they have a management issue.
I would dearly like to know how all of these genuinely wonderful people are doing in 2023... In my mind they have all made it through... God I hope so... 🇿🇦
Hilton is a good guy, but poor with choosing a partner in life. They were way too young to have children, 10 years later as of today, he would only be 30 years old. Jose and Elizabeth could be a beautiful couple, but should learn to build trust in each other. And Elizabeth should stop paying the parents. Percy, lovely man, but 13 years paying a mortgage and end up no drop in principle is bad. Considering their annual household income was 90k and the house was only 79k, they didn’t pay the house off in 8~10 years is just bizarre. Emelia is another lovely soul, she would be 60 now,and I wonder where she is in life now. In short, there would only be a few really important choices we have to make that will make our lives, maintaining good health, choose a good partner, start a promising career, and buying a house.
This is my third episode watching Antonio and his family and I really hope he sees someone about his mental health. Homie is really depressed and I hope it got better for them
Diana overcomes her fears to forge a new path in the U.S. Percy worries about Beverly’s declining health. Takita struggles with abdominal pain and DJ attempts to reconcile with his father. Emilia gets ready to tell her story in front of a group of high school kids. Welcome to our Sunday release. And we are putting our heads together with the production company for a possible follow-up series. I’ll keep you posted but a little patience is required. Thanks guys
I so loved this series! I totally relate to the struggle! Thank you so much for this series
Omg where are they now !???
@@gissellevalenzuela9571 Yes I want to know how they are doing now too
Hilton is with another woman now, takita and dejaun are married and have more kids. Elizabeth and her husband are still together w more kids. Would be cool to get a 10 year anniversary update. Wonder what happened to the girl Hilton was with?
@@justinrosario4893 how do u know? Did he give an update?
Please do an updated series for 2023
+1
Wow - you have a really crappy💩life if this was the best.😳
That's a great idea 💡 👍🏽
👍🏾
This episode is 10 years old. Theirs still no update 😞
Omg when Hiltons car didn’t start and he started crying it broke my heart. But I had a feeling that would happen.
I agree. Def been there before... eff that kind of stress! I looked him up on FB btw and it looks like he and Diana are no longer together, which in my opinion was a GOOD thing!
@@tezh5897 Good. He needs to be taken under the wing of an American family that can help him prosper.
Yea that broke my heart for him. I wanted to give him a big hug and what Lil money I have.
Fuggg mann… can’t he just get a break?! Just when things are looking out….
I know. It literally pained me to see that and hear the complete despair when he cried. I died a little inside for him.
Man, after watching all 6 episodes I teared up a little seeing Hilton was promoted to management. I hope he is doing well.
looks like he has a new wife.
he commented on another video and it sounded like he doing great now
Me too!! I cried a little when his car broke down and I could hear him crying in frustration. I'm so happy for him that he got such and awesome promotion!! He's worked so hard and deserves it. I also hope he and his wife are doing well.
@@miikey376 Sources?
He deserves it
This needs to be a ongoing series. I was so invested all 6 episodes. I'm concerned the most for Jose something seems off.
Like he’s not all there. Kind of just going with the motions of life. Makes me wonder, but not want to know, what he saw that made him lose the life in his eyes.
He seemed clinically depressed. He just has this pained, haunted look in his eyes and I worry that he might just give up. I pray he gets some help/support and that all of these wonderful people can catch a break and maybe even get to work a little bit less and enjoy life a little more, rest, relax etc!
@@loridontcaretotellu6497 agreed. Definitely looks like lost motivation and depression. Seems like he didn't really have anyone to talk to about that; even his wife. I feel for him.
Same. I think deep inside he knows he made a mistake marrying that woman and buying that house. Now they have added one or more kids to the equation. I just want to hug him tightly !
Hes a veteran. He does have diagnosed ptsd and other issues i think🤔
Watching this series has helped me be grateful for what I have in life.
Yep. I'm more grateful now, realizing I have no debts, have savings, okay-paying hospital job without a degree, car that I bought with cash and good portfolio in crypto investments. Really blessed. ☺
absolutely
Update: 2022 Elizabeth is now an Assistant Principal! Not sure if she is still with her husband but she still has his name. And I think Emilia got a job in the unionized trades again, at least for a while. Hilton and Diana broke up soon after this and he has twins (again!) with another woman called Maria Rodriguez.
José didn’t seem smart enough for her, and she was an immature, spoiled little princess. She flipped out every time it looked like she might not get what she wanted.
@@genxx2724tbh he wasn't but he was handsome. Probably someone to "fix". I sort of feel for her, she had her life together and he was a mess. I mean getting a D. Couldn't even be a C? I feel for him though, the way this country treats it's Vets. She probably feels as a woman, that her man should be able to provide more, make more, secure more. He feel quite short. Hopefully he's doing better now.
@@djm2189 She said in the first episode he was sexy. On their first date he TOLD her he was still married. She should have run. Pathetic that she got excited over his D and said he joined the ranks of “the educated Latinos”. Gimme a break. You could see he wasn’t buying it. I’d like to know what the math class was. I can’t get a C in anything higher than arithmetic. 🤣 But I can understand basic finance and compound interest. It was the only class he took that semester, but he did have a full time job and responsibility for his son. This is why parents tell their kids to get their education before taking on any responsibilities.
@@djm2189 I agree about the way Vets are treated. I peeled potatoes behind the lines for 20 years and get no assistance from the VA
I think Hilton he had his twins with Diana as she has twins on her Facebook page and Maria doesn’t
Loved this documentary. Emilia was my favorite. She was so awesome being a motivational speaker to young adults. Her story made me cry. So glad she was able to finally find a better job & not have to work weekends anymore. Loved how this documentary showed ppl of all ethnicities. Making less than $35,000 a year is hard enough in rural Iowa I can't imagine living in bigger cities likes most of them did. Happy for all of them to finally move on to bigger & better things. They all deserve to be happy & not have to worry about money all the time.
Yes we live in Louisiana it's tough here I can't imagine big city
I just love Percy ❤❤❤ the way he goes around cuts up with everyone at work. He’s so genuinely kind. And he takes real pride in his work.
I really admire Percy . He is a good example of a man. Young men today would benefit from seeing him and older men like him, they remember you have to crawl before you walk,have humility and keep pushing. Enjoy seeing all these men being true men.
This series was absolute gold. It highlights the fact that you don't have to go out sell drugs, burglarise, home invade or inflict violence on others in order to make it in life. All of these individuals face life head on and roll with the punches to become productive and positive members of our society. Kudos to all of you.
western society is ONLY "positive" collectively to Caucasians.
Exactly - hang in there & often some good opportunities WILL come your way.👊🏽
BEV - go to Walmart & buy some Voltaren gel to slather on your knees. That stuff really helps with the pain.✌🏽😎🇺🇸
Im pretty sure it shows that life is often stacked against people?
wait wait wait. which of these peoples' lives would you like to have? Surely you are jealous of all these opportunities. I'll wait.
I think some people are underestimating the amount of stress elizabeth was under. shes financially supporting her man, his kid, his mom, and her parents. everyone in her life is eating off her paycheck.
But she chose that lifestyle. Nobody forced her into it.
Sometimes she thinks she has the final say in everything just because she makes more money. And constantly brings it up to win arguments.
Don't forget the dog. Totally irresponsible getting a dog when you are on a tight budget, particularly a dog of that breed.
Umm... the dog and her parents will destroy their marriage. 😑🙄
She's no hero. It's called being an adult
@@cedricliggins7528 being an adult doesn’t mean you have to support everyone in your life. She is a hero
I am glad she went from "I was not born to work" to "I work 5 days a week", especially since her husband was working a ton and living in a garage
She grew up
She was pregnant with twins. She had no business working.
How about working 2 days and having 5 days holiday a week??
@@prettypoppin_552 most women work up until birth.
@@Trenton.D yeah cause you guys in the states are slaves . In normal countries women have maternity leave
She had no plans on working, pregnant or not. He dodged a bullet.
Please do an update on these hard working Americans. We are invested in them and want to know where they are now 2023 from 2014.
I agree!
Well Hilton doesn’t have that job anymore
@@27Killermike he’s not at the job he had at this time but he’s currently employed as a safety manager after being a safety engineer for a while. They make upwards of $70k and lows in high $40k’s so not bad at all given his circumstances previously !
The family with the high school counselor I know she's now a principal. I think they possibly may have another kid IIRC?
Overall seem to have moved to a much more stable financial situation my guess is if she's a principal now
This was such a great series. Can’t believe it was released in 2015 - it’s timeless
Takita has endometriosis, I am willing to bet. She should not ignore pain like that - your health is the most important thing you have.✌🏽
YES, please do an update for 2023!
@@davisholman8149 It could be that or gastro issues. I hope she was able to get treatment before it gets worse for her.
Elizabeth has so much on her plate. I get how she needs to help her elderly parents but she is supporting them. Where are her other family members? Her husband is trying to make his way but she is the backbone of both families.
I did not expect that scene of Hilton crying. Oh my goodness
If you worked 80 hours a week and had very little to show for it you would cry too
That is exactly when men cry. He had so much on his plate...He probably just needed some starter fluid on that old Honda, but it was the straw that broke the camel's back.
So sad.
I was so hurt for him
Emilia is great and I hope she's doing well. It was so beautiful seeing how positively affected the kids were by her speech.
She’s the cool aunt I wish I had 😄
Definitely the best docu series about working class people I ever watched on TH-cam. Hope all of them are still doing well. Very hard working, resilient people for sure.
a follow up after 10 years would be great.
I commend Emilia telling her story. That takes courage and she touched so many kids. 💕💕💕
That was Emilia
This part was amazing. I didn't expect to cry from a random doc on TH-cam, but I watched it all. Amazing series!!!
Anyone else cry with Hilton when the damn car wouldn't start?
I almost screamed lord I hope he's ok
Been there so many times myself, I cry when I see that happening on the street, I feel I know this guy, cried harder for him.
I cried inside.
I think that part was made up. That is not what a Honda Civic sounds like when it cranks. 🤔
No its funny insted of doing a complete tune up he decided to keep the car as is no one sells a car cause they love it lol usually its junk and you need preventive maintanance apperantly not lol
Percy and Bev are such an endearing couple. I thank everyone for sharing their stories with us. I really enjoyed watching this 6 part docuseries.
Me too, it’s hard seeing people struggling. It helps you to be thankful for what you have
Amelia getting the opportunity to speak to kids about addiction is life changing 👏
DJ’s dad, being direct with your kid does not equal throwing curses at them. Words can have great impact beyond emotions
I thought the same thing!
Emilia is amazing! I hope she's continuing to do recovery speaking. It's an amazing way for her to earn money and share her story.
When Hilton’s car wouldn’t start it broke my heart because he works so hard and he is appreciated but his income wasn’t stretching
We need a "where are they now" series please. Great stories.
It saddens me how loyal Takita felt she had to be to that job due to their financial situation. YOU should ALWAYS be your FIRST priority. Companies will replace you at the drop of a dime...your children can not! YOUR HEALTH is always a priority....f*ck that job (any job) if they don't prioritize that, especially for a great employee. I know this documentary is older, but I sure hope health wise she is better and has elevated her skillset and moved on from such a cruel and insensitive work environment! We are all worthy of being respected and valued as human beings!
Yeah maybe she should have thought twice before going shopping at the mall looking for new shoes. If you’re that broke, take care of the basics.
@@RubbingPotatoes praying you experience financial hardship 🙏
@@1_ATA If I do, I wouldn't be getting new clothes at the mall. I would be going to the thrift store. Just telling it like it is.
@@RubbingPotatoes some times the thrift store be an little high you better off shopping at the mall.
And maybe she needed some new shoes.
If I was her I would of call out and to went my Doctor appointment f that job health comes first. But I hope they are doing alright in 2023.
emilia's story and speech in this episode brought me to tears. I dont have a drug issue of any sort, but I've lived in the darkest of moments in my life that I wasnt sure it'd let me see tomorrow because I didnt want to wake up and live. Today I am thankful I didnt follow thru with the plans I had in my head because I'd be dead. I have a 16 year old son and he is my life. He saved me!
Percy and Bev’s story breaks my heart 💔💔
Right, the fact that the principle balance on their mortgage was still the same after 13yrs is crazy! What really gets me is how they have all of those ADULT MALE children, and no one is able to help them out (significantly help)!
Every time Percy spoke I was left in tears! 💔
@@tezh5897 They must have taken equity out. I agree, it seems the sons could kick in to keep them going, especially because that house is headquarters for the entire extended family.
What's sad is they paid $79,000 for their house making 90,000 annually with both their incomes. They could have paid their house off in 2 years and been debt free. It's simple math. Sometimes people can't see the forest for the trees. Think out of the box and make temporary sacrifices.
Right? I wish there was a gofund me for them, people would donate and that house could be paid off.
Emilia's presentation was very moving and inspiring. I hope she is doing well and getting support in what she's doing now.
How is it that Walgreens, a place that supposed to be about Health, did not give this woman time off to go see a doctor? I would love to see an update on all of the people shown in the series.
Yep! This is why I hate giant corporations where shareholders view employees as numbers and need profit profit PROFIT even if the working man gets screwed over.
man..I see myself a lot in José..I also didn't celebrate my graduation because I had just been fired from my internship and I needed to pass the exam to be able to practice law here in Brazil..and when I passed I didn't have time to stay happy for the achievement because I had to think about the bills to pay..it's hard to be born poor and not have financial support from anyone..in my case, not even my family ever believed in me and helped me with something..
Hilton needs to move from Silicon Valley.
Everyone making minimum wage or under $20 an hour needs to leave California. It’s too damn expensive to live there. I don’t understand why people try to make a living there on $12 an hour
I enjoyed this series a lot. Reminded me immediately of MTV's "True Life," which was one of the network's more real and influential shows. Everyone's stories were unique but I was pained most by Emilia's. I wanted to just shout to her that she was/is not a failure; she's overcome so much. I'm glad she found better-paying work and the freedom to ride that bike again.
I miss that show
@@sarahsimpkins1311 IKR? True life really hit. They invented reality TV with the real world IMO and they had some awesome documentaries when no one else was going it.
@@marilynmonheauxyep I use to watch the real world when it first came on back in 92
Omg! I didn’t even realize why I was enjoying this so much lol, I loved that show. Searched for something like it for years.
@fredblan3629 seems like this documentary was made in 2014. I would like too see an update on these families.
Especially in this current economy.
Hilton and Diana are no longer together, but Hilton has a son with his new lady. DJ and Tikita ARE still together and it looks like they've had another baby girl! That's all I was able to gather based on simple Facebook searches lol.
@@tezh5897another baby girl when they struggling like they are??? Well hope they’re doing better financially then
I LOVE the spirit in black churches. I have always admired the way in which they worship. Just makes me happy cry. It's beautiful
I became so attached to every single person in this documentary . I felt their struggles as I've been through some of them myself and I just hope everyone is better off now after 10 years.
I’m sad this is the last episode. I want to know what has happened to them all
I very happy for Percy got a permanent job and raised. Seemed like it had been long way for him to come around and I hope he his wife can keep that home for the retirement and for their kids too. Congrats to all of them that their situation gotten much better.
what a great series and a real
reflection of what’s going on
My thoughts after watching all the episodes:
There was something about Percy & Bev that really spoke to me. I loved their personalities & hope they’re still doing okay. I’m so glad Percy at the job at the machine shop.
Emilia’s speech brought tears to my eyes. I’m glad she got a better job and time to ride her bike.
I know Sweet Tomatoes went under, so I hope Hilton is doing okay. He’s so hard working.
And who I am most concerned about is Elizabeth. The impression I got was that she loved Jose a lot more than he loved her. I could be totally wrong, but that’s how it looked. She was so motivated and caring, and Jose never seemed to be satisfied or happy. I just hope that maybe he sought counseling because he seemed depressed. I feel like that could put a huge strain on their marriage.
Oh and DJ! His love for the kids and Takita was so beautiful to see. I hope they’ve gotten a leg up in life since this.
I was hoping Percy might get hired as a machinist.
Agreed. Jose is not the man for her. He’s too negative.
@@SF-ob8tj he isn't negative he is realistic and he isn't depressed or not happy he is broken from his service to the country being in a war and seeing things and doing things that haunt him affect the rest of his life.
@@shari9721 that's what I came to say. I think he loves and adores her too, or he wouldn't have worked hard to do what she wanted. I think he probably has some ptsd. And I hope he sees this comment, and goes to the VA and applies for disability. You can get VA disability and still work full time. That would give them the extra income needed, so he could get a job he loved even if it doesn't pay as much as the boring clerical job. Being in a job you aren't happy at, is miserable.
Hilton is such a great guy and works hard to improve his life. He deserves a better girl than her. It broke my heart when he lost his babies. He should have taken the opportunity to move on. She said it all when she said she wasn't born to work. But he loves her so he gonna have to learn the hard way. Poor guy.
I think Diana was a bit immature and sheltered, but she was also only 18 and went through a lot. Moving to a new country, getting her first job, and losing her babies. I’m sure she’s matured since this was filmed.
He’s Mom kicked him out. Her parents took him in so I think he felt obligated to be with her and not leave her
She’s only 18 give her time to mature
I feel that way too. She's not the one for him.
I saw a comment saying they had divorced and he has twins with someone else.
I’m glad Nicole forgave her mom and that they have a relationship now.
What a terrific series. Time for a new one. Times are even harder now, which was hard to imagine at the time this series was made. People need hope!
Exactly, it is harder. I been trying to find a job that fits at my age, because I'm 60 and it's been hard. I'm facing eviction, and everything just keeps going backwards.
I love DJ and his family. I hope they are doing well
40:23 it was great to see Jose smile like that. He found something he really enjoys. We all need something like that in our lives.
I was SO happy to see Hilton got promoted. He deserves it!!
This was very engaging and heart wrenching. I watched the whole damn series in a night.
Right?! Currently bingeing this entire docu-series and hoping the last 8 years have been kinder to the participants.
Emilia looks so young! She honestly looks like she is in her 30's. I wish her the best.
I take for granted the fact that we don’t pay for medical bills in the UK. I can’t imagine getting a bill for $13,000 😮
Jose and Elizabeth clearly love each other but they’re living beyond their means so unless they make some changes, who knows? Amelia is such a strong, authentic human being and doing the motivational talk to those young people was so lovely ❤
He made a huge mistake marrying that woman and buying that house and saddlilng himself with supporting her parents. Now they have added one or more kids to the situation. I cry for him. His eyes look like he has no hope left in his life.
@@justmeiniowaNo doubt. Like they really needed to add another mouth or two to feed. Absolutely nothing wrong with people bringing a child or dog into the picture living beyond their means.
@zum zum i was born in the UK and have lived here my whole life. Obviously, for prescription medication, if you’re working you have to pay. I’m talking about operations and medical treatment at hospital, which is free in the UK through our National Health Service.
@@justmeiniowahe didn’t have a job, had a whole other wife, no degree, and a child when he met her. They both took a chance so please.
Jose and Elizabeth probably made the best decision out of all the people featured. The house they bought at 313k 10 years ago, now would be worth probably almost a million dollars lol. And they are doing well now from what other people are saying/what I found.
If anyone wants to go deeper into this disparity in wages, I'd recommend a book called "Nickeled and Dimed" by Barbara Ehrenreich. Thank you so very much for these very personalized portraits. I think it should be shown in all schools!
What an endearing series with wonderful people and I pray to God that they are all doing well.
Side note: The intro song SLAPS!!
Jose never seems happy
He has a flat affect. Poor guy is buried under responsibilities. But he still knew how to woo a girl, even having a child and still being married.
Hé has a stressful life.
probarly PTSD
Marriage will do that
Watching Emilia speak made this grown man cry. Not because I can relate, I’ve never done drugs or drink, it’s because the lack of empathy I had for others around me growing up who struggled with their addiction. I feel so selfish because I hated dope fiends and drunks and not caring what they’ve gone through that lead them to their downfall. I’m sobbing as I’m writing this. I feel a big relief off my shoulders.
I actually never saw it that way. Wow looking at this angle is just so emotionally sad💔
Man I am rooting for DeJuan and Takita!! For everyone but they just pull at my heart 💜
Thanks for doing up dates on the participants. I’m glad to see them slowly, but surely progress each time an update is given.
313,000 for that style house back in 2014 seems kinda expensive.
I bet they lost it while covid happened
@@nataliezementbeisser1492 doubt it
I thought the same thing. It looks a lil outdated for the price they paid. For that price I would expect a more modernized and bigger house but I guess it depends on location
2015 was a sellers market. and anywhere in the DC suburbs has always been on the pricier side.
@@nataliezementbeisser1492 Interest rates went down during lockdown, so they could have gotten it refinanced for less mortgage
Hats off and much respect to dejaun Jackson for informing people about them great benefits and personal rights against workplace harassment and inferior working conditions. Union jobs provide good pay benefits and pension retirements
I live in Australia, where minimum wage is $21 and possibly going to $24 this year (2023). The only reason our country has had a culture of fair wages is because people like my parents unionized and picketed for it. Since the 70s, there has been a solid middle class, and although it's being tested now (this is an expensive country to live in) I am proud of what our people did for its future generations.😊
Dang! After 5 episodes, I'm feeling for all of these ppl, as if they were my friends. I hope, they are all doing well in their lives. Much love to all of them. 💕 Greetings from Europe.
Found this series by accident. Binge watched all 6 episodes. I'm glad they all brought themselves back up in the end.
Wow, watching this series real got me looking inside my life and have plans to work for me in the future. I'm happy that they were able to share their stories with us. Please, have a update with more series this year of 2023. Thanks
Love this series and really looking forward to an updated version if possible! I'm so happy for Percy that he got hired by the company and my heart sank when Hilton had the car breakdown. I got tearful listening to Emilia speak and hope she was able to continue because she was well received and the kids identified with her. I cheered seeing her able to ride her beloved motorcycle! She is a wonderful lady I would enjoy talking to. Actually I think they ALL are good people I'd love to hang out with!
Wow. Emilia is a natural born speaker. She did an amazing job. That is definitely her calling.
Just finished watching all episodes of this documentary.Great work ENDEVR.The theme song is a real knockout too.
EXCELLENT documentary. What happened with the young lady who worked at Walgreens? I would like to see an update. Great job!!!
She’s so cute- passionate about her riding season❤️ so happy you’ve got something that brings you refuge and reminds you of the joys in life Emilia.
Emilia is amazing! I hope she watches this and sees that she’s always been a superstar. I hope she’s still working with addicts.
Getting a D as a grade is the opposite of mastering a class….but I love how his wife supports him and makes him feel like a king ❤🙏🏻
These are all nice, hard working people and I wish them all good luck in the future.
Please do latest updates on their stories. This is very good learning the challenge of surviving these difficult times
If you think these are "difficult times"... then you have lead a seriously sheltered life
@@virgilhilts3924you don't think our current state of the world is a difficult time?? YOU must be the sheltered one.
@@hotfudgecake
At no time in the history of the US have deadbeats been given more handouts... to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars per person.
In most states you can earn far more sitting on @$$ collecting welfare, snap, state benefits, medicaid, etc, etc, etc, than you can working a full time job.
Let's not forget free housing, free TV, free internet, free cell phone, free computers, the list goes on... All paid for by the hardworking taxpayer.
But yea keep crying about "difficult times"
I admire each one in this dicumentary, they are all great people. I hope they all made made their wishes come true!
10:58 Correction: Hilton quit because he was given an ultimatum at Google to choose between the two companies...
How do you know?
@@vnewen2157 I watched the 4 to 6 part documentary series here on YT for days...
Brilliant . I rarely shed tears but this made many. Well done.
Shoutout to Hilton, Im inspired and so proud of him.
Poor Hilton, unfortunately Sweet Tomatoes closed due to COVID.
I’m a Similar situation and doing it with MS and alone for most of it , did recently get a good stable job in the automotive industry manufacturing vehicles ,
$22.78 too start opposed too the $16 an hour I was paid at most the past industries I’ve been in which is still better then most on this program and still struggle hard!
Hats off too all of these warriors doing what they do on much less somehow ,
Update series please !!!!
Seems like the young lady working at Walgreens is going through an emotional break down “ mental health issues “ they can become very physical where you think it’s a physical disease meaning something wrong with the body . Stress is a huge factor. No job or no one is worth your mental health ever !!!!!!! Hope she makes the hard decisions for her health either way she will be blessed for it !
This series is so eye opening. I live in the other part of the world and have similar struggles as some of people in this documentary. Not ever being adicted, living irresponsible, having sick leave or being emigrant etc. And i do struggle, because i don t have a rich husband to support me in my fifties. And achieving anything with one salary is mission of failing over and over again. Especially if standard is having your own appartment, car, affording 1 holiday a year. Even if we ditch having own place to live in it s hard, so damn hard. I hope for all the best for Emilia, others are all coupled up and will do it somehow.
Emila is amazing and I hope she knows how truly great she is ! Would love an update on everyone. She would make and amazing substance abuse counselor!
$15 an hour isn't even enough anymore for a one-bedroom apartment, at least where I live.
this was 10 years ago lol
Jose should apply for PTSD VA BENEFITS. If he gets 100% disability he can get over $3,000 and health benefits for his family.
My former co worker gets 4,000 a month he got a lawyer
I loved these episodes/series.. it hit home hard and I hope to see more these episodes in the near future bc this was truly an eye opener for me..
Aww Takita crying got me so emotional I hope she gets the medical care she needed 😢
What an docu series! I, like so many others would love to see where they are today. Thank you for this and I hope all the best for everyone that goes thru the same grind. You will make it!
When he brought that pit bull home, I was thinking he should get his financials stabilized first, what with a new house and all. Glad his wife pushed back. Dogs can be expensive, especially vet care.
She was the one that insisted on an egnagement ring that was double the amount that Jose had to spend. Instead of accepting what she could afford she paid for the other half herself because she is a spoiled brat. That is NOT the way to start a marriage.
Wow, Emilia rocked that speech!! What an amazing woman.
One of the most uplifting things of all time, WOW!
Emilia's speech had me in tears..Wow! She has been through so much and has made it out the other side. I am so proud of the woman she is today🌹
Jose and Elizabeth's biggest issue in my eyes are pushing a lifestyle they can't afford realistic goals are pushed aside striving for a lifestyle they can't grasp. I watched the whole series and it was just mistake after mistake, they don't have a salary issue per say like everyone else in the show, they have a management issue.
I would dearly like to know how all of these genuinely wonderful people are doing in 2023...
In my mind they have all made it through...
God I hope so...
🇿🇦
This series makes you truly appreciate even the small amenities in life.
Emilia Stancati still works at the Italian restaurant Roseangelas, I live in Chicago and called the place and she is still there.
Hilton is a good guy, but poor with choosing a partner in life. They were way too young to have children, 10 years later as of today, he would only be 30 years old.
Jose and Elizabeth could be a beautiful couple, but should learn to build trust in each other. And Elizabeth should stop paying the parents.
Percy, lovely man, but 13 years paying a mortgage and end up no drop in principle is bad. Considering their annual household income was 90k and the house was only 79k, they didn’t pay the house off in 8~10 years is just bizarre.
Emelia is another lovely soul, she would be 60 now,and I wonder where she is in life now.
In short, there would only be a few really important choices we have to make that will make our lives, maintaining good health, choose a good partner, start a promising career, and buying a house.
You forgot Takita and Dj
So she should just let her parents live on the street?
This is such a great documentary.
Emilia!!!!!! 😢 I am so proud of you. I pray you all are thriving and continuing to enjoy your families and your lives ❤
Exceptionally well made program - we need more of this which depicts what life is like for ordinary people trying to get by.
“I can’t get better because I need to work.” That’s the toughness of this country we need proper healthcare
4:49 - the mechanic is smoking a cigarette over an open engine.
Asinine. I noticed that. And I’m a woman!
He sure is an idiot....I mean mechanic $350 is not $180
he is a professional
This is my third episode watching Antonio and his family and I really hope he sees someone about his mental health. Homie is really depressed and I hope it got better for them