It depicts the struggles and sacrifices of a single mother, Theresa Johnson (played by Mare Winningham), in hope of a better life for her daughter, Hillary (Grace Johnston).
The two live in a cramped apartment in the inner-city, within walking distance to Hillary's school and a luxury hotel, where Theresa works in housekeeping.
The father of the family, Raymond Watkins, abandoned the house long ago "because I am worth more to them gone than there" and doesn't pay child support.
Hilary contracts lead poisoning while living in the housing project while Theresa's landlord evicts her after she complains to the Health Department.
At the local hospital, Theresa is told by Hillary's doctor that if she contracts lead poisoning again, it can cause severe health and development problems.
Theresa consults Mr. Reed and concludes that the only way Hillary can live a healthy, normal life, free from poverty, is by giving her up.