SteadyWoken,
Re-read the article, his church helped him to be able to get his own taxi permit by raising $77,000.00.
Not everyone defines "a higher standard of living for his family" as success. The great success a parent can have is to raise their children to be responsible, hard working, law abiding and contributing members of society. 
It sounds as if this gentleman put his family before money and took the time to spend with his kids, talking and listening to them, teaching them to do the right thing and being a excellent role model
Some of us may not have big houses, trendy cars, flashy clothes but we have children who grew up to be good people. 
My greatest "standard of living" was simple.  To make sure my kids had a warm, safe place to grow-up in, with sober parents, graduate from high school, obey the law, work hard and contribute positively to our community.  That was far more then I ever had and I am proud my kids not only succeeded but have far exceeded my hopes for them. 
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