Ick!
OK, I saw this in the theater back in the day, and had mixed feeling about it - parts I liked and parts I didn't. I also remember it being sad and not as uplifting as some people thought.
I'm watching it again on cable now and -- ICK! The Jody character is just creepy! WHo does she think she is? Get an ADULT to sleep with you! I find t very disturbing (and doubtful) that someone who's always spouting that she "helps people" would prey on a vulnerable teen who just lost his father. Almost negates the help she gives Beth at the end.
Plus (on a lesser note) she buys him creepy clothes. What's she trying to do - turn him into Don Knotts?