gary’s Story:
Thankfully I am coping better than I did in the economic downturn of the '80's. It is hard to understand why and how anyone 40 yr old and older would allow themselves to get themselves into the situtation some are in. They of all people should know that the government has never taken care of "the people" without taking away freedoms. Just like now. What am I doing? I continue giving to the charities that do the most good for those who need it and have needed it before this mess became evident.

Gia’s Story:
I graduated from college with a BS in Health Care Management and its been a year that I am unemployed with student loans,credit cards debt, and stayed with my parents . I'm been looking for worked everyday and registered with the job center. I dont even know what to do no more. I've applied many places that I know I am qualified for and have previous experiences that are hiring. I have no chance of luck. I started feel that majority workers are refusing to hire me because I am overquailified.

Goebel’s Story:
Of the people by the people for the people where did this go? When our (HaHa) government gives tax breaks to companies that move jobs out of the country they are really sick and out of control..

Greg’s Story:
Two years ago the company I work for had 14 divisions in 4 states and I was working 50 to 60 hours a week. As af 4/10/09 we are now down to 6 divisions (all in the local area) and I'm lucky if I get 32 hours a week, and I'm considering myself fortunate because in our division alone we have gone from 58 people working 3 shifts to 14 people working 3 shifts with 2nd and 3rd shifts consisting of 4 and 3 people respectively. So with my checks cut by almost half and cost going up..............

Gregory S. Newman’s Story:
Since economy took a downturn I have been laid off from 2 jobs. 1 had a new manager came in & made changes & other was with auto industry & they downsized. Went 6 months in 08 without work. Started working in 09 through a temporary agency. This company has not hired anyone in over 3 years. I have lost my home & had to move in with parents. The bills did not go away as I had to finish paying off what I owed. 2 more pay-offs then I will be free & clear & just have regular monthly bills.

Gretchen Scott’s Story:
It hit us pretty hard - my husband got laid off - luckily, they gave him some notice & severance, so we immediately halted all "frivolous" spending so that we could build up a savings cushion. THEN, my boss said "NO bonus this year, NO raise, AND everybody take a paycut" - double whammy! So we're on the "Dave Ramsey" plan - live below our means & eat beans & rice till we get through this. Hopefully my husband will hear about a job offer today - keep us in your prayers & GOD BLESS THE USA!!