@mannoslen I feel the same way, I got very lucky and managed to get a degree and get my big boy job very shortly before I hit my 40s. I went from a place where I was almost homeless several times to where I am now, and I have no idea how much or how to give back.
@Condorito Congratulations! My current job doesn't allow me to donate extra time to legal aid like I would want to but I frequently donate to it. I also try to donate at church, to suicide prevention charities, and to community college scholarship funds. I also really try to push the message that systemic poverty (socioeconomic and/or race based) isn't something you need a role model for or to work your way out of it. It takes more than hard work. It takes someone taking an interest or helping.