What Does Frankfort's American Dream Look Like?

Almost since its inception, the United States has lived with this belief that anything is attainable in this country so long as you're willing to work for it. Want that nuclear family, living in the suburbs with the two-car garage and summer vacations to Disney World? Just put your nose to the grindstone and don't skimp on the elbow grease.

Whether this idea was ever anything more than myth is debatable. But nowadays, it seems less achievable by more citizens than ever before. 

American families, businesses and neighbors are coping with tremendous challenges. National debates have been ignited about unemployment, debt, religion and the role of government. Businesses big and small have attempted to navigate an uncertain future.

Welcome to the modern-day American Dream. Population: you.

Over the coming months, Frankfort Patch--as well as more than 800 other Patch sites across the country--will be looking at what has happened to the American Dream on the local level. Does it still exist? Has it changed? And what does it mean to Frankfort residents?

signals the start of a conversation built on unearthing the stories of what people in this community are going through. I look at Frankfort and . I see . I hear about .

At the same time, I'm amazed how the village has . I watch as . And I'm in constant awe at the way community members step up , or .

Good and bad, that's what the American Dream is about.

I encourage readers to join in the conversation (you can start right now in this article's comment sections), telling us about the challenges you face and your hopes for the future. "Dispatches" is about you. These are your stories.

So tell us: What does the American Dream in Frankfort look like when you close your eyes?