SoCal Connected

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"They said they could get me a modification within 30 to 45 days..."

Economy

A Middle Class Christmas

The Maxwell’s consider themselves a typical, middle class family, living a typical middle class life in the suburbs of Southern California. But, the economic downturn hit the Maxwell’s hard and they’re re-thinking what it means to be Middle Class, especially this holiday season.

“In three years we’ve gone from being a Whole Foods family to a food bank family,” says mom, Nikki. Nikki has been out of work since September and her husband Bill’s career opportunities have dried up since the writer’s strike. Bill’s a video game writer and his contract ends in February. The Maxwells only have enough money to get them through the new year, but they remain hopeful. “We see this whole period as a giant season of joy,” says Nikki with a genuine smile, “it’s still going to look like that this year even though it won’t be as expensive.”

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Comments

this is beautifully put together and very thoughtfully presented. the maxwell's are an inspiration. bravo!

The Maxwells did an excellent job of hitting the nail on the head of what so many middle class families are facing today. Being the insightful and connected parents that they are, they are able to provide a season of joy for their entire family that focuses on the important things in life: togetherness, love, peace, hope. Hurray for the Maxwells- while their plight may not have an immediate solution- we should all be so anchored to our core beliefs.

sad but true. well produced. You guys should stories with a reporter or narrator. That would be really cool.

What a sweet family! I love Grandpa Gus pushing for a plan. Many of us don't have a plan per se especially if a plan means ducking our heads and playing by the rules and going with some pre-determined program that we never agreed to in the first place. The future in California is the new frontier and you got be bold and maybe risky to venture into it. I applaud the Maxwells and their rock-painting ways. It is a season of joy indeed!

Thanks to Socal Connected for making this piece about us. I wish it for different reasons, but I also hope we can give other people a little hope to get through. Hang in there everyone!


This is a testing time for these families.

For the first time I feel that people in the US are feeling a hint of the type of instability and uncertainty that the rest of the world feels. I think a better country will come out of it.

This was so inspirational! Thanks for stories like this that help us all remember what's important - family.

What a charming family! They have such a great attitude about their financial situation. Thanks for telling this story. Recently, I've seen/heard about a lot of young families moving out of the state for a cheaper cost of living. Also, I agree with a comment above that a voice over from a reporter would be a great addition.

Excellent Family Video! I love it. May yall have a blessed Christmas and New Year.

Love n God Bless

What a great representation with what's going on in most of the country. Well done.

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