On Genes and Upbringing

In Howard K. Smith's biography he spoke about the memory of his dad as he grew up in the 1920's. "My father, he says, was simply not equipped by genes or upbringing to bear responsibilities." Smith understood that millions of men were having a hard time meeting their responsibilities in the 20's but his dad just choose to opt out of that perennial burden. I have met many people in my life time who are not equipped by genes or upbringing to cope with the responsibilities of life. Then I ask the question, since this has been an age long problem ; what can the church do to help people with these genes and background , to find their way in a discouraging world?
We keep seeing those signs that say ; Jesus is the answer! What can be said from the pulpit or done in small groups to help these folks find the answer?
In the matter of genes, one can find many born into a family with histories of solvency and poor provision. How can the individual be motivated and trained out of that history?
When we say upbringing we are talking about all kinds of things. There is the matter of family habits and of the community one grows up in and then there is the matter of education. What kind of an education and of what quality and did it fit in with with the persons aptitude and with the job market?