This program, as presented, was heart wrenching. I would like to know what is being done for the 4 young people to improve their circumstances, now that Diane and ABC have used their stories to bring the problems of the region to the public. With all the resources that Diane Sawyer has at her disposal combined with those of ABC, you need to be the catalyst for change in Appalachia. Simply preparing and presenting the program is not enough. You claim this is your beloved Kentucky, then do something about it.
Instead of allowing Shawn Grim to drop out of Pikesville, why wasn't more support offered to him to assist him? Why hasn't something been done for the 2 beautiful young girls to help them and their families? If it's still Jesse's dream to enter the military, you could facilitate that. I think this is a sort of exploitation that is unconscionable if there isn't some aid to the families you chose to expose. The absolute same applies to the children and families of Newark, NJ documented a while back. Putting the problems out there, with the small tag line to visit the abcnews website for organizations which aid the region is simply not enough.
You've used them and their stories for entertainment purposes, now step up to the plate and give them a helping hand. I would be delighted to see a follow up program with your accomplishments and improvements in these areas, and an update on how you have impacted and improved their lives, plus how the support received from viewers has made a difference. I plan to be one of them.