SteadyWoken,
I disagree with you about our society,system and economy as having failed this amazing man and his family. I doubt the positive outcomes of his children would have been as great as they are if the "system" had helped them. It is clear from the article that members of our society and his community helped this man and his children. The Catholic Church, it's pastorial staff and programs were there to help to support him and provide services to both him and his children. That is what a community and society should be doing ! The "system" certainly put some road blocks in his way but he managed, with help, to overcome them. The "system" did help provide low income housing. It may have taken a while for it to happen but this man is not a quitter and he hung in until his name was at the top of the list. 
What may be bothering you is that this man, father of seven, was able to do what he did without the "system" being there to tell him what to do. That he could succeed without it.