A Younger Face Of "The Other America"

By: Seth Doane
Topics: Field Notes

Seth Doane is a CBS News correspondent based in New York.

(CBS)

We set out this week to show a younger face of "The Other America." While so many Americans are thinking about "back to school" shopping, how do you afford to buy school clothes and supplies when you already have trouble paying the bills?

That's the problem Melody Morrow faces as a single mom with three kids. Her home is in foreclosure proceedings, and Melody has been forced to take pay-cuts at work in order to keep her job.

Meanwhile, the bills have stacked up and her ex-husband hasn't kept up with child support payments. For the Morrows, finding extra money for new clothes and school supplies simply wasn't an option this year. That is until Melody's daughter, Shelby, decided to do something about it.

At 16-years-old, Shelby found a job at a local retirement community, working part-time as a server in the restaurant. While she brings home just about $100 a week, that money goes a long way to helping out her mother.

They'll undoubtedly still have to leave their house, but in the short run, Shelby is making a difference – and learning a bigger lesson. Just click here to check out the piece on the CBS Evening News.

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by Ms. Sue August 22, 2008 1:13 PM EDT: So, let me get this straight, the girl shops in the most expensive- high dollar mall in the area, she pays for her CELL phone (get rid of it if it is a "luxery" instead of a necessity)and designer clothes? The house looks amazingly expensive and why is the dad an issue- we choose our life styles- we SHOULD live within our means and WHY is the bank taking her home? Is she behind on her payments, or is she default by not having insurance? WHAT is the REAL story behind this? OH-I am divorced too and I NEVER blame anyone for my misfortunes, nor point the finger at anyone but myself. Someone once told me that bad things happpen to bad people- is this the case here? What is the TRUTH - I''d like to know- (I probably already do!). So, America- be certain that what we are lead to believe by reporters is FACTUAL- not FICTIONAL!; Reply to this comment


by skeezix06 August 22, 2008 1:07 AM EDT: A more genteel way to regress to child labor. And it is still wrong.; Reply to this comment


by carolee44-2009 August 21, 2008 9:51 PM EDT: Necessity is the mother of invention. At least kids are getting a good lesson in values today. Designer clothes..not important when there are no clothes..and food..a basic necessity is also a problem. So the extra hundred dollars buyssome food..Perhaps they will find an apartment...Having a roof is right up there with major necessities...The crisis today is affecting everyone in one way or another...carol stanley; Reply to this comment


by skeezix06 August 21, 2008 12:57 PM EDT: What is wrong with this picture? Kids working to help keep the family solvent. Until recently I thought they only did that in third world countries.

Off topic, did you hear the one about the State of Missouri selling the old tiles from the Governor''s Mansion on E-bay in order to pay for much needed repairs on the mansion? Check it out.; Reply to this comment


by jackihagen August 21, 2008 1:31 AM EDT: My daughter said the same thing to me and the next day I found out about Shelby''s story. I am glad that the teens are learning life''s money lessons early on, as so many of us did not and are now actually in the difficult money situations. Keep your chin up Melody, we are in your corner. (Vannoy Power! :-)); Reply to this comment


by mkdugan August 20, 2008 10:57 PM EDT: THREE CHEERS FOR SHELBY FOR PITCHING IN AND NOT ONLY BUYING HER OWN SCHOOL CLOTHES BUT HELPING WITH THE FAMILY BILLS AS WELL. HER MOTHER IS VERY LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH A RESPONSIBLE DAUGHTER. SHE DEMONSTRATES TRUE AMERICAN SPIRIT AND GUTS. GO SHELBY!!; Reply to this comment