In our reporting through the summer of 2009, our news team concluded that we were hearing "new voices." A voice that says, "I can't find a job;" another voice that says, "I don't know where my next meal will come from;" and yet another that says "I've just lost my home." As the numbers of the jobless, the hungry, and the homeless continued to grow, we found that the names increasingly included those that we know. As a result, we have found ourselves "one degree away" from poverty.

We are in a unique position to go beyond the statistics and trends of the recession. Instead, we propose to engage. Engage with our community. Engage with our providers. Engage with our leaders.

SHARE YOUR STORY

Are you struggling financially?

Tell us about your experience.

GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK

Tell us about your thoughts
on the "That Could Be Me" series.

GEORGE PRENTICE

George Prentice returned to broadcast journalism in 2008 after more than 20 years away from a microphone.

In the 1970s and 80s, George worked in radio and television in Buffalo, Pittsburgh and New York. He also served as a Producer and Executive News Producer for NBC's owned and operated stations and Capital Cities Broadcasting. George reported from the White House, Congress, the Challenger explosion, a half dozen Olympics, five Wimbledons, and four Super Bowls. George has been honored by the Associated Press, United Press International and the National Association of Broadcasters.

George is most proud of his work for non-profits. He has worked for coalitions for the blind in New York, Texas, California, and Idaho. George has been the voice of text books for the blind and sight-impaired. George has been a Guardian ad Litem representing over a hundred foster children, and served as Executive Director of the Shepherd's Home in McCall, Idaho's largest group home for children. George has also produced several community town halls on the homeless, health care, the hungry, and veterans' affairs.